Secrets and Karaoke
Ps. People, the songs in this chapter are better if you actually listen to them while the characters are supposedly singing them, especially the last one.
Claire's POV
We drove back in silence, a happy one though.
When we pulled into the driveway, I could see Eve in the window, staring at us, and I could tell the minute we would be in, she was going to ambush us.
" Prepare yourself" Shane said, turning off the engine. " Hurricane Eve is on her way."
I laughed and went to open the door, only to find Shane there to help me down. But then I saw something else through the window.
" Shane, is that, a piano?"
He frowned and looked in the window, his eyebrows raising.
"I dunno" he said We made our way to the door when Shane stopped.
" what?" I asked.
" Claire, get inside, hurry!" he hissed.
Panicked, I ran forward, holding me key out, just as the door swung open to reveal Michael. He grabbed me and lifted me inside.
" Crap. Eve, keep her inside" was all he said, before going out.
Yeah, right.
I stood still for a second, smiling at eve, before suddenly dashing for the door.
" Claire!" she yelled, but it was too late, I was already in the doorway.
Frozen, at what I saw.
Shane and Michael were fighting, throwing punches everywhere, Michael throwing people off him. It looked like a mob had attacked them, but for what reason?
Eve came up behind me and screamed. She lunged forward trying to get to Michael, but I held her back.
That wasn't easy.
" Eve hold on. Please, just stop!" I screamed the last bit, and it was enough to make her look at me with angry eyes. I spun and pushed her, sending her flying in the direction of the couch, hard. She fell on it, dazed and I ran to my room. Quickly I got out my weapon bag, and rushed back downstairs. Then in the doorway, I held one of them up, pointing at the mob.
" Don't you dare hurt them! Stop, or I'll shoot!" I screamed, and they looked at me freezing. They stared at the huge shotguns in my hands, not to mention the knife in my belt.
One of them snorted and ran full tilt to me with a knife. I waited until he got close, before doing a high kick to his head, sending him to the ground. I then racked one of the shotguns and shot, just above his head getting his stupid hat. He yelped and took it off, staring at the bullet hole.
"I will" I said softly. "Now leave, now. Because, I swear by the time the founder and her reinforcements get here, all that will be left will be dead corpses, and she won't mind either. So you need to go, right now, before she arrives, because I can tell you, she won't be happy. And do you know what the founder does when she's not happy?"
They glared at me, trying to see if me lie was a lie, or a fact. Thankfully, sirens in the distance were suddenly heard, wailing and wailing.
They seemed to decide, that meant I was telling the truth and one of them motioned for the others to follow.
" This isn't over" the one at my feet hissed as he got up to follow. I turned him around and kicked him again, in the head and the sensitive part. He fell to the ground groaning before I hit him with one of the shot guns. His eyes rolled into the back of his head and he fell on his side, knocked out.
" You're right" I whispered shaking with fury from it all " it so is not"
I looked back at Shane and Michael and motioned them to go into the house as I went in.
When the door was thoroughly locked and secure, I looked back at the three at them.
Michael was paler and staring. Shane and Eve were open mouthed and staring.
I shrugged. " what? After being with you guys, and the vamps, you kinda learn how to fight. Besides, Myrin occasionally gives me random defense lessons. Not particularly fun, those." They kept staring. "what?"
Michael shook his head and smiled. " geez Claire. First, you shoot vamps with arrows, then you stake them with pencils, and now you fight off a mob with shotguns. The reason kinda writes itself."
I grinned and went to Shane and Eve, reaching out and gently closing their mouths. Shane put his arms around me and hugged me. I then studied his face, running my finger along the bruises.
" Do they hurt?" I asked, even though I knew the answer.
"Nothing I can't deal" he shrugged and kissed me lightly.
" oh, guys" I remembered.
" Yeah?" #
"What's with the piano?"
Michael smiled and Eve Grinned. " Well" she started " Michael mentioned he played a bit of piano, so I ordered him one. That way, he can play both, guitar and piano!"
" Cool!" I said smiling. We started to go into the living room when Shane held me back. " Can you do me a favor?" he asked.
I smiled " yeah, what?"
He looked at me grimly "Can you please not go to Myrin or any other vamp again? I don't want them like not being able to handle and kill you and the babies. Also, I think it would be better if you don't go to school where Monica or someone could do something."
Michael cringed and Eve whistled. They both seemed to know how much this would anger me.
And they were right.
I pushed him away from me, and I was starting to shake in anger again.
" I" I said softly " Cannot believe you just said that"
He shrugged. Didn't take it back or anything.
That was it.
I threw a nearby plate at him as hard as I could. he ducked, but I wasn't finished. I screamed at him as it smashed against the wall. Michael quickly hustled Eve out of the room. I heard the front door slam but I didn't care.
" SO THAT'S IT" I screamed " I SHOULD JUST GIVE UP MY WHOLE LIFE, MY JOB, MY SCHOOL, MY DREAMS, BECAUSE I'M PREGNANT? BECAUSE YOU SAID SO? BECAUSE YOU CONTROLL ME?"
He glared at me and raised his voice, ducking as I threw another plate at him. " I'M JUSET TRYING TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN CLAIRE,LIKE A PROPER FATHER SHOULD DO. LIKE A PROPER MOTHER SHOULD DO. IF YOU DON'T EVEN CARE ABOUT THEIR PROTECTION-"
" I DON'T CARE? IS THAT WHAT YOU THINK? THAT I CAN'T PROTECT THEM, OR DON'T BOTHER?"
" I'M SAYING THAT ONLY A TRUE LOVING MOTHER, WOULD CARE ENOUGH ABOUT HER CHILDREN TO GIVE UP THOSE THINGS! BUT YOU, CLAIRE, OBVIOUSLY,ARE NOT!"
Shane's POV
" I'M SAYING THAT ONLY A TRUE LOVING MOTHER, WOULD CARE ENOUGH ABOUT HER CHILDREN TO GIVE UP THOSE THINGS!" BUT YOU, CLAIRE, OBVIOUSLY,ARE NOT!"
I regretted saying that as soon as I said it but it was too late. The damage was done.
She looked at me, shocked and hurt, so deeply hurt. She was already crying.
I knew it wasn't true, but I couldn't help it, I just go angry.
I didn't even duck as she threw another plate at me, but luckily it hit the wall opposite. She then, her eyes full of tears that she wouldn't let fall, rushed into the living room. I felt absolutely horrible, and felt like crying myself, but I turned and stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind me. I went for a walk to cool down, she wouldn't want to talk to me right now.
Why do I always ruin things?
Claire's POV
I heard the front door slam, knowing it would be Shane storming out. But I was glad, I didn't want him to see me like this. See how much he had hurt me.
Cause oh my god it hurt. Those words he had shouted replayed over and over, haunting my mind. But he was right. What kind of mother lets her children be in danger? Won't give up some stupid things to make sure they're safe? I' m a monster.
The tears finally broke through and slid down my cheeks, thick and fast. I slumped over the new piano, sobbing and sobbing, with nothing to comfort me.
I never meant to do any harm, just be kind, and protect people.
Wait.
I looked up at the piano, then all around.
Should I dare?
do I dare?
My hands whispered along the notes, playing a random tune.
Yes.
I remembered that feeling.
And I loved it.
I sat up, and let the emotions flow out of me, my voice singing softly with the tune.
Michael's POV
I knew, as soon as Shane said that, there was going to be a fight, and I cringed.
Me and Eve watched her, watching her reaction.
It was like I expected.
She pushed him away, and stared at him.
" I cannot believe you just said that" she whispered softly.
He shrugged. Oh man Shane, you are one thick guy.
Claire picked up a nearby plate and threw it at him, screaming in anger. He ducked and it smashed against the wall. I quickly grabbed Eve and hustled her out, leaving them to it. Claire was generally a nice person, but when you got her angry like that, wow, you're in trouble.
We closed the door and I could already hear Claire screaming at him.
" Poor Claire" I sighed.
" That was a really horrible thing to say though." Eve said, " to her, I mean."
I hugged her and we got in my car, and drove off to common grounds.
1 hour later
My phone buzzed and I looked at the text. I was at work now, after dropping eve off at her's. luckily I was just done.
From = Shane
Recipient = Me
Message =
Dude, can you please go and check with Claire? I said something reallybad, and she doesn't want me. Not that I can't blame her, but seriously please? When I left I heard her sobbing.
I'll come after u
Thx
I sighed and packed up. Claire needed comfort, after that, and I would do it. She was like my little sister after all.
on my way to the car, I texted him back.
New Message
To = Shane
From = Me
Message =
You are a fucking moron.
You will come and you will apologize you stupid idiot or I will kill you.
I started up the car and drove to the house. On my way, he replied.
From = Shane
Recipient = Me
Message =
I know.
I drove into the drive way and hopped out, using vamp speed to lock the car and get to the door.
I paused when I got to the doorway because I heard something.
Something like…music?
As quietly as I could, I opened the door and locked it. Sure enough, someone was playing piano, and singing.
I looked through a crack in the door and put my hand to my mouth in astonishment.
Because there was Claire, singing and playing beautifully, her fingers flowing over the keys, an angels voice carrying out.
Unfortunately, she was finishing, her fingers stilling on the keys, whispering the last line and sighed. I didn't say anything, in hope she would sing one more.
She seemed happier now, and I could hear her muttering to herself. Part of it blaming herself, and the vamps. Not me, but like Amelie and Myrin. Though she was fed up of us being overprotective, specially Shane, with his overprotective boyfriend mode. I had to bite my lip so I didn't laugh out loud. Then she sighed like she had made a decision and began humming a tune. She then granted my hope, and began to play.
Skies are crying, I am watching
Catching tear drops in my hands
Only silence, as it's ending
Like we never had a chance
Do you have to make me feel like
So there's nothing left of me?
Suddenly the door opened and I rushed to it, putting my hand over their mouth with a finger to my lips. Shane pushed my hand away and mouthed " what?"
I pointed as I closed the door, and he went to the living room. His eyes widened. I put my hand over his mouth again to stifle the WHAT THE FUCK from him.
You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
As the smoke clears, I awaken
And untangle you from me
Would it make you, feel better
To watch me while I bleed?
All my windows still are broken
But I'm standing on my feet
You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
Go run, run, run
I'm gonna stay right here, watch you disappear
Yeah oh
Go run, run, run
Yeah, it's a long way down
But I am closer to the clouds up here
You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper
Oh Oh
Go on and try to tear me down
I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
(Like a skyscraper) huh huh huh
Like a skyscraper
Like a skyscraper
She sighed as she finished again and I waited until she was staring at the piano until saying "you'd better have a good reason for never telling us that you could sing."
She yelped and jumped about fifty feet in the air as me and Shane laughed. She glared at us before spotting it was in fact Shane.
She turned away, and I heard her choke on tears.
Shanes grin faded and he went to her. I raised my eyebrows when he kissed her and looked away.
"Claire please look at me. I never meant what I said. The minute I said it I regretted it, which is why I was prepared to let that plate hit me. I was just annoyed and concerned for the safety of you and our children. Please forgive me; I'll beg if you want me to."
Wait, did he just say children? Or did I mishear?
Claire smiled and kissed him passionately. I looked away, again, to see Eve returning. She looked around and asked "what's going on?"
I grinned "Claire can sing and play piano" I told her, knowing what would happen.
She gasped and stared at Claire, who was glaring at me. Eve slowly advanced on her and Claire backed into Shane.
" You" she said " can play?"
Claire swallowed "yeah?"
"really well?
Claire frowned "I don't thin-"
"Yes" Shane answered.
"and you didn't tell me?"
"…no?"
Eve got closer, before suddenly spinning around and bolting up the stairs. We stared after her in shock.
Then suddenly she came back down, carrying a huge box. Oh god. She had brought out the karaoke machine.
Claire backed up and Shane stepped behind her, blocking any chances of escaping. "No way" Claire shook her head "I am not singing into that thing. You can't make me."
I flashed a look at Shane who nodded, grinning. Then I stepped one step towards her before suddenly dashing at her with vamp speed, picking her up and over my shoulder carrying her over to the machine now set up. She yelled and beat her fists on my back.
"Put me down Michael Glass! I'm warning you!"
I obeyed and put her on the couch. She looked at each of us in turn before sighing. "Fine" She gave in "I'll do it. But only if everyone else does to."
I smiled, fine with it. Eve squealed and clapped her hands, while Shane groaned.
"Yes! Here Michael, you can go first" Eve squealed and thrust the microphone stand in my hands. I adjusted it and got out my guitar.
"Ok" I said "What should I sing?"
Eve frowned clearly thinking. Claire however sat up and said "do that one you were working on the other day, it sounded good!"
I blushed, I hadn't known she'd been listening to that. I thought she'd just been studying.
"Yes!" Eve shouted and Shane nodded in agreement.
I smiled and readjusted the mike. "Ok" I said "Claire, this one is actually for you" Claire's eyes lit up in surprise "I wrote part of this a while ago, when I was kinda expecting you to leave because of, well y'know Morganville. Anyway, this is basically how you never give up, and the second verse was about you and Shane. This is Come on"
Claire grinned widely at me.
I started to play, and took a deep breath.
Walk away
That's what you do
And it looks like I'm
Somebody you, once knew
You're caught in a corner
With nowhere to hide, you're eyes
Do you think you wanna
Say goodbye
Hey
Always the last to say
Everything makes you feel
Like a walking away
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Hey
Always the last to say
Everything makes you feel
Like a walking away
Come on, come on, come on, come on
There's a bit of me
That will always be, with you
And something tells me
This is love due
Hey
Always the last to say
Everything makes you feel
Like a walking away
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Hey
Always the last to say
Everything makes you feel
Like a walking away
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on
Like a dream
The sky is falling
Is it you who's talking
Can I take these words away
Heyay
Hey
Always the last to say
Everything makes you feel
Like a walking away
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Like a dream
The sky is falling
Is it you who's talking
Can I take these words away
Like a dream
The sky is falling
Is it you who's talking
Can I take these words away
Heyyahey.
I held the last note and opened my eyes, only to be immediately engulfed in a hug from Claire.
"Thank you" she whispered "That was incredible."
I smiled and she pulled away to sit on Shanes lap.
"My turn, my turn!" Eve yelled and gave me a swift kiss before taking the mike.
"What are you going to sing?" Claire asked.
"Hang with me, by Robyn" replied without hesitation." Prepare to laugh your asses off, no one can do this more badly then me"
"I'm sure that's not true" Claire defended her but me and Shane gave her smirks. Claire had never seen Eve do karaoke before.
Eve started up the music and began swaying her hips ridiculously to it.
Before long we were all laughing. Well, me and Claire trying not to, while Shane rolled around hysterically in stiches.
When she had finished, she did a funny little bounce from where she was on the floor, having been crawling against it a minute ago.
She grinned and pointed at Shane "Your turn Shane"
That defiantly wiped the smile off his face. Claire burst out laughing at this.
Shane turned and smiled sweetly at Claire "No, I think it's Claire's turn, seeing how good she is, and that poor Eve hasn't even seen it!"
Claire stopped laughing and glared at him, but it was too late, the damage was done and Eve had agreed.
"Oh please Clairebear!"
Claire continued to glare at him as she got up "Fine" she said 'Just hang on, I need to get something."
She then dashed up the stairs. Before long, she had returned, carrying a cd. "This has got all the instruments I used on this song, and seeing as I don't have them here, I'll need this. I recorded this at school, they have instruments there. "
She then slipped it in and paused over the button play.
"This song is for you, Shane. I…I wrote it when you know, you got carried off by bishop and her wouldn't let me see you. This is…memories."
She then pressed the button, and my jaw dropped at what started to come on.
There was a Violin playing, before suddenly piano, and recording effects, like drums.
Then she began to sing.
[Whisper] Memories, memories, memories
In this world you tried
Not leaving me alone behind
There's no other way
I'll pray to the gods: let him stay
The memories ease the pain inside
Now I know why
All of my memories
Keep you near
In silent moments
Imagine you'd be here
All of my memories
Keep you near
The silent whispers, silent tears
It sounded like an angel, stunning, beautiful and hypnotic. She looked it too, it like she was glowing, literally, as all the light fell on her. Such pain and emotion went into the song, and it made tears in my eyes. I looked at Shane and Eve, Eve was crying silently while Shane's eyes…yep. Defiantly glittering.
Made me promise I'd try
To find my way back in this life
I hope there is away
To give me a sign you're okay
Reminds me again
It's worth it all
So I can go home
All of my memories
Keep you near
In silent moments
Imagine you'd be here
All of my memories
Keep you near
The silent whispers, silent tears
Together in all these memories
I see your smile
All the memories I hold dear
Darling you know I love you till the end of time
All of my memories
Keep you near
In silent moments
Imagine you'd be here
All of my memories
Keep you near
The silent whispers, silent tearsssss
All of my memories
Claire's POV
I opened my eyes when I had whispered the last note and saw something completely unexpected.
Because there, were my three housemates staring at me in no way they have before. Shane and Eve has their mouths hanging open, while Michael smiled in astonishment, shaking his head. Eve was crying silently and Michael had tears in his eyes, but Shane shocked me the most. There, was my very tough boyfriend, with glittering eyes. Wet, glittering eyes.
I swallowed. "Was…was I not good?" I suggested tentatively.
This caused a tremendous uproar.
Eve started yelling very fast things like "How can you say that? How can you do that? That was incredible. You're better that Michael!" and more sweet but untrue crap like that.
Shane merely came up and kissed me, hard and hot. I responded immediately, carrying it on a bit before he pulled away.
"That was for me?" he whispered softly.
I nodded.
The one of the tears in his eye fell down his cheek and I caught it on my finger.
"Did it make you cry? " I whispered.
He nodded and whispered back "It was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard."
I hugged him.
"Claire, with that talent, you really need to do a gig or something. Have you wrote anymore songs?" Michael asked.
"Oh please let you have done, I want to hear another one!"
I grinned and said "Sure, but Shane I think it's your go"
He kissed me on the nose "I'll give my go to you, consider it a generous action."
"Or a fear of humiliation"
He shrugged and flopped back on the couch while I took up the mike once again…
And sang all night.
Hey guys! Sorry it took a while but hey, it was Christmas!
Anyway, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, note its quite long! Longest chapter yet I think, though it has got song lyrics in which is probably partly why. the songs are, if you're interested, memories -within temptation and come on - will young. I did not write these, they are just good songs.
Review review review!