My Girl Chapter 8: Not So Sweet Sixteen or is it?
Warning: There is some bad language
(Claire's point of view)
Tomorrow is my 16th birthday. Tonight I am having a huge party with all my school friends. And then tomorrow Emily is throwing me a party. Things have been completely different this past year. Chad who I thought was as close to prefect as I could get its so prefect. He's actually extremely jealous. He hates Quil so I stopped hanging out with him as much. He still comes over though. It's been different.
Quil seems depressed. I just hope that's not my fault. I haven't hugged Quil in months. I miss him so much. I've been trying to be a good girlfriend to Chad but he isn't a good boyfriend so why do I care so much. Chad keeps pressuring me to go to the next level with him. I'm not ready for that especially with him. When I let him put his hand up my shirt I felt so ashamed. I didn't tell anyone not even Nessie. I'm not sure how much more of Chad's shit I can take.
Marrissa and Brandy are throwing the party tonight. Thankfully Chad likes them. Nessie and Jake are coming tonight too. I can't wait to see Nessie. Chad doesn't like her very much and really doesn't like Jake since he is friends with Quil. Even though Quil and I barely talk these days I still wanted to invite him tonight. I feel so empty without him around. I'm always asking Emily and Leah about him when Chad isn't around. They both just say he's fine. I don't really believe them. It's like the sparkle in his eyes are dimmed.
I saw Nessie and Jake head our way. Nessie ran to me as always dragging Jake behind her. "Happy Birthday Claire." I hugged her tight. "Nessie thanks I'm so glad you're here." She smiled and then threw a dirty look at Chad. "There is nowhere else I would rather be best friend." Jake came around her and pulled me off the ground into a hug. "Happy 16th Claire." "Thanks Jake." I almost cried when he hugged me. He was almost as warm as Quil.
Chad came back over and put his arm around me. He always gets all cavemen around Quil and the other wolves. It get's on my damn nerves. Even Becky and Robbie think he's a jerk now. Chad didn't speak to Jake or Nessie and then pulled me away from them.
"What's your problem Chad?" I yelled at him. Jake kept looking at us. Chad kissed me hard and I pushed him away. "What the hell is your problem?" I repeated. He grabbed me arm so hard I was sure to have a bruise. "Ouch Chad!" "You're my damn girlfriend not his." He screamed at me. Here we go and Quil isn't even here.
I can't stand it anymore. "You don't own me." I scream so loud that everyone started starring at us. "You're in love with him aren't you?" This was a new one and we had an audience this time. "What are you talking about Chad?" I couldn't admit that I love Quil. Jake one of Quil's best friends was right there. "He's why you won't have sex with me right? You're saving yourself for that asshole." I just rolled my eyes. Technically I wasn't saving myself for Quil but for some like him someone I was in love with. Someone who deserved that part of me and that wasn't Chad Kington. "Quil Ateara." "What about him?" I questioned like I didn't know that was who he was talking about.
Chad grabbed my arm again. This time I saw Jake heading towards us. "You're in love with that jack ass aren't you?" When I didn't answer he shook my arm. "Answer me you stupid bitch." Jake stepped between us and grabbed Chad's hands off my arm.
Jake spoke up in a stern voice. "Leave her alone and keep your hands off her." Oh shit this wasn't good. Jake could beat the hell out of Chad. And though I wouldn't mind seeing Jake beat the shit out of him, I didn't want Jake in jail. "She's my damn girlfriend and this is none of your business." Chad went to grab me again. Jake pulled him off the ground by his collar. "This is my business she's my friend."
I wasn't sure what I should do. Nessie came up beside me. "Jake let him go its okay." "No Claire it isn't okay he is embarrassing you and he hurt you on your birthday this is so not okay." I smiled at Jake. Nessie went over and got Jake to put Chad down.
"I think you should leave Chad." I said as calm as possible. "Okay I'll leave when you admit you're in love with that guy." I had it fine who cares if Jake knows or the whole damn world for the matter it was the truth. "Fine Chad you're right I'm in love with Quil. And I was only using you to get over him." I added with a smirk." "Well happy damn birthday bitch we're over." He said walking away. "So over." I said stupid asshole probably and planned the whole thing.
I was so embarrassed everyone was still starring at me. Finally I asked Brandy and Marrissa if it would be okay if I left. They both really understood. Jake and Nessie offered to take me home. I cried all the way there. I didn't cry because of Chad. I was relieved it was over. I cried because of the way I had treated Quil this past year. I cried because of my own stupidity. I cried because I truly was in love with Quil. I had been for a while and now I had admitted out loud in front of Jake.
"Jake um can you pretend you didn't hear me admit I'm in love with Quil?" I asked between sobs. I knew it would be hard because when their wolves they hear each other's thoughts. Plus I knew Jake and Quil were like brothers and I was asking him to keep something from Quil. "Sure Claire and I'm sorry about Chad." I laughed and said. "Don't be Chad's a jealous asshole who kept me away from my friends." Jake smiled at me.
When I got home Quil was waiting on the porch. I was a little shocked to see him there. I wondered if he had already found out about the party. He looked nervous but smiled at me. "Sorry for just coming by but I just wanted to um talk." He stuttered out. I giggled a little and said. "Sure I'd like that." Jake and Nessie told us goodbye and said they would see us tomorrow. We just sat there for a few minutes in silence.
"You're home early." Quil said looking at his watch. I could feel the tears of my embarrassment again. I wiped them quickly hoping he hadn't seen them. "What's wrong Claire?" He asked concerned. "It's nothing really I just broke up with Chad." I noticed his curious expression. "Why did you break up?" I didn't answer at first. I couldn't say because I didn't care about him and I'm in love with you.
He waited patiently for me to answer. "Well he's a jerk who kept me away from my friends. And he was just too jealous." I tried to explain. Quil smiled. I decided to take it a step forward. "Quil I'm sorry that I've been such a bad friend. I promise not to let any guy get between us again." His smile got even bigger. "I've missed you so much." I admitted as more tears fell down my face. "It's okay Claire I missed you too sweetheart so much it hurt." He said wiping away my tears.
We sat on the porch talking. Quil wanted to know about everything he had missed. I told him stuff I was sure he had already heard. But I also told him some stuff I was pretty sure he hadn't known. I told him about Becky and Robbie telling me Chad was too jealous too. I told him all about Robbie and Becky's apartment. Then I got brave and asked if he would like to go over and see it with me next week sometime. I was thrilled when he wanted to.
I asked him all about what he had been up to the last year. He told me he really had done much. I asked if he replaced me as his best friend. He told me I wasn't replaceable. After we had been talking for hours I was getting tired but I didn't want to leave Quil. I guess he felt the same way because he pulled me into his lap and I laid against his shoulder. I quickly fell asleep.
[The next morning] (Quil's point of view)
"Quil?" I heard my name being whispered but I didn't want to move. I opened my eyes and saw Sam and Emily standing there. Claire was still asleep in my arms. They were both smiling at us. "Uh she's broke up with Chad last night and I think she just needed a friend to talk to." I tried to explain to them. They both laughed quietly. "It's fine Quil." Sam assured me.
I looked down at my watch. "Shit I'm late for Patrolling." "Its okay Jake called and Seth offered to take your shift so you could spend the day with Claire." Sam said. "I guess everyone heard about her break up." I guessed. "Yeah you could say that." Emily said with a grin on her face. What was that about?
Claire woke up and yawned looking at Sam and Emily she grinned. "Um sorry for staying out here I just uh needed to talk to Quil." She said apologizing. Sam laughed and said. "As I already told Quil its fine we know he'll take good care of you." "Yes and Claire we saw you come home we knew you were out here. Happy birthday now come have some breakfast." Emily said. Claire and I both laughed and went into the house. She came over to me and hugged me. "I'll be right back." She said heading upstairs.
I watched Emily finishing the bacon. "Quil before Claire gets back I think we should have a talk." Emily said. "Okay Em what's up?" "I think it's time for you to step up." She said confusing me. "Huh?" "Claire is 16 now she's not a little girl." "I know that trust me." I said. "Quil you need to make your move or you could lose her." Emily explained. "Funny I was thinking the same thing." I said. "Maybe you should tell her the truth that's she's your imprint." "I can't Emily but I was thinking maybe I could date her." Emily smiled. "Well that's a start." I nodded.
Claire came down and we ate breakfast. I left to go take a shower. When I got back Claire had already showered too. "Would you like to go for a walk?" I asked her. She smiled and nodded. "Where are we headed?" "It's a surprise." I said covering her eyes. I picked her up. She shrieked and threw her legs around my waist so she wouldn't fall. I ran as fast as I could without dropping her.
When we got deep into the forest I took my hands off her eyes. She smiled and looked around. "Nessie told me about this place." She said. "Yeah it's Edward and Bella's special place but they offered to let me borrow it for your surprise." "Seriously that was so nice of them. Remind me to thank them later." "I will Claire now are you ready?" She gulped and said. "What exactly should I be ready for?"
We both stood still. "Well Claire-Bear I have a promise to keep." "What promise is that?" She asked wide eyed. "When I first told you I was a wolf you asked if you could see me in my wolf form up close." "I remember and you said Claire-Bear when you're 16 I'll show you." "And you laughed and said Quil that's forever." I said smiling.
"Well forever is now." Claire's breath got heavy. Maybe she didn't want to see me like that anymore. "I mean if you want to see it still." I said. "Oh Quil." She said with tears in her eyes. I got close and hugged her. "What sweetheart?" "This past year I've been so awful to you and you're just so great." "Claire you weren't awful and I want to share as much of myself as possible with you. So would you like to see me as a wolf?" I asked again.
"I would love to Quil." She replied with tears again. "Okay sweetheart I'm going behind those trees and change and then I'll come back to you. If you get scared or anything just tell me and I'll go change back." "Okay Quil." She hugged me again.
I was so nervous I couldn't believe I was out here alone with her. I should've had someone come to make sure everything went okay. I threw my clothes on a branch and changed. I slowly walked towards Claire.
She was smiling. I'm so glad she doesn't look scared. I can do this I know I can. I got closer to her. She walked slowly towards me. "You're beautiful." She said the tears now running down her beautiful face. "I love your chocolate fur. Wow your even warmer like this." She said rubbing my fur. She had no idea how good it felt. I was so worried about losing control with her so close but I had never felt more relaxed. She rubbed my fur for a long time before I realized we had been gone a long time. I better go change back.
I walked slowly away from her and back behind the tree and changed back. I hurried and got my clothes back on. Claire was lying on the ground enjoying the sun that showed through the meadow. Her eyes were shut tight. "Claire we better head back." I said helping her to her feet. "Thank you Quil." "You are so very welcome." I said.
When we got back Alice and Nessie were already there to help her get ready for her party. I was sad that she had to leave my side. After everyone arrived I went upstairs. I heard Claire crying again. I wondered what was wrong. Nessie was hugging her and Alice wiped her eyes.
I hated seeing her cry. I decided to knock on the door. Alice opened it and said. "Come on in Quil." Claire stood up and turned around. She took my breath away. She was hearing a red tank top and a black leather skirt. Her long hair was in loose curls. I couldn't help but say. "Hey beautiful you ready for your party?" She blushed and said. "Sure Quil let's go."
The whole night I stayed right beside her. I felt myself falling more in love with her. I couldn't help it. Emmett looked at us and played Then by Brad Paisley. I saw a few of the couples start dancing. I smiled and said. "Dance with me." Claire nodded. I pulled her close to me. We didn't talk at all. But it was like our hearts were talking. I couldn't help but want to be with her. I would treat her the way she deserved. One step at a time I would show her how much I love her.
We danced two more songs. I would have danced all night with her if I could have. Emily interrupted us and said. "Sorry to bother you guys but its present and cake time Claire." Claire smiled and we headed into the kitchen. Emily had her sit at the table. I stood not far from her. She looked up and me and said. "Come sit with me please." I grinned at her and sat next to her.
Kim hand her the first gift and said. "This is from the girls." To Claire they were the girls to me they were the imprints. In just two years she would know she was one of the girls too. She opened the box they got her gold hoops. Then Seth smiled and said. "This is from the wolves." At least she knew that secret. It was a matching necklace to go with her earrings. I couldn't help but think how good they were going to look.
Nessie and Alice handed her four boxes. "This is from all of us Cullen's and Jake." Alice said with a small laugh. There were two dresses, two tank tops, and two pairs of jeans. I knew they probably cost more than all Claire's other clothes out together. Robbie and Becky gave Claire a gift card to the mall.
"Ours next." Emily said so excited. Claire opened her new laptop and said. "Sam, Em it's too much." They laughed and hugged her. Emily said. "It's not nearly enough for someone as special as you are." Claire blushed and then got redder when she saw me nodding in agreement with what Emily said. "This is from Nana and Shannon." Emily said handing Claire a card.
Claire smiled and said. "Nana says to tell everyone hello she's sorry she and Shannon couldn't be here but Shannon has an ear infection." Poor kid is always getting ear infections. She revealed another mall gift card. I guess a trip to the mall was in mine and Jake's future. I looked over at him and he nodded like he could read my thoughts. He was spending too much time with Edward. I heard Edward laugh loudly and nodded at me too.
Claire looked at the huge box still left on the table. "I guess it's time for mine now." I said with a smile. Claire said. "I thought I already got your gift." I laughed and said. "Not even close letting you see me as a wolf was a promise I was keeping." Nessie smiled and interrupted us. "I want full details about your first gift later." Claire nodded and then unwrapped the huge box. I helped her open it. It was another box and then another. "Is there an actual gift in here?" She said smiling. "Yes there is smart ass." I said making her giggle.
She got to the envelope and I stopped her. "This is only one of your gifts the other two will come soon." "Oh Quil." She said. She opened the envelope and looked like she might pass out. "Are you serious?" She yelled out. Everyone laughed. "We're going to L.A.?" "Yeah you, me, Jake, Embry, and Nessie." I said. "When?" She asked. "Next week just for a few days before school starts." I explained. She threw her arms around me and kissed my cheek. "You are just so prefect." She said and this time I was the one blushing.
After cake everyone had left. Sam and Emily took the twins upstairs. It was just me and Claire alone again. "Quil how can I thank you for making my birthday so great. I mean yesterday I thought my birthday was going to be the worst day ever." I smiled. "You're happy that's all the thanks I need." She smiled and hugged me again. I sat on the couch and Claire snuggled next to me. When I saw she was asleep I kissed her cheek and whispered. "I love you Claire." One day soon I would say it to her.
