Clara and Tony were getting a manicure.
"How are things with you and Clay?" Tony asked.
"Good."
He could tell something was on her mind. "What?"
"I can't tell you you'll tell Clay."
"No I won't." "I'm Clay's friend but I'm your friend to." "If you don't want me to tell him something, I won't." "You can trust me."
"Ok." I'm happier with Clay then I have ever been in a relationship."
"But?"
"He treats me great but sometimes I feel like he's thinking of someone else." "Sometimes when he looks at me, I feel like he sees someone else, or wishes I was someone else." "It sucks because I want him to be happy with me." "There's also times I feel like he's completely with me." "I don't know." "He's never given me a reason not to trust him."
"I'm sure there's nobody else." "Clay is crazy about you."
"I love him Tony."
"He doesn't know that does he?"
"No." "I just hope it's not one sided."
"I'm sure it's not."
After the manicure Clara went to pick up Clay. He was waiting for her outside. He got in the car.
"Hi sweetheart." She said.
"Hi." They kissed. "Did you get your manicure?"
"Yep." She showed him.
"Nice."
"My parents want to know if you want to have dinner with us tonight." "I'm supposed to text my mom and let her know."
"Tell her yes."
They went to "Monet's to study for a History test.
When they got back to Clara's house they were having dinner with Clara's parents.
"Clay, Clara tells me you're looking for a job." Nick said.
"Yes I am."
"Have you ever worked before?"
"I worked at the "Crestmont Theater" for a year."
"Do you want a job delivering pizzas?"
"Dad, are you serious?" Clara asked.
"Yes."
"I'll take the job." Clay said.
"Great." "Your hours will be Monday thru Thursday, from four to nine." "Can you start this Monday?"
"Yes." "Thank you very much." "I really appreciate it."
"You're welcome."
After dinner Clara told her parents that she was taking Clay home, but they were really parked in the spot where they had their first kiss. They were laying down in the backseat making out. He was on top of her. She broke the kiss.
"You ok?" He asked.
"Clay, do I make you happy?" "Are you happy in this relationship?"
"What?" "Clara, of course I'm happy with you." "I couldn't be happier in this relationship." "I haven't been this happy in a long time."
"I just needed to hear that."
"Why?"
"Just come here." They kissed.
Two nights later Clara was in her room doing homework. Christy came into the room.
"Clara we need to talk." Christy said. She shut the door. "I saw these sticking out of your purse downstairs." She said holding up birth control pills.
Clara's eyes got really big. "Oh god." "I'm grounded aren't I?"
"No." She sat down next to her on the bed. "I just wanna talk, it's alright.'
"I haven't taken any yet."
"I know." "Clay isn't pressuring you is he?"
"No." "We've never even talked about having sex."
"You want to though?"
"Yes." "I never thought I'd want to have sex because of what happened to me but I do with him." "I'm in love with him."
"I know you are."
"I just hope he feels the same way."
"Of course he does Clara, I know it."
"I feel like he's with me but wants someone else sometimes." "I want to be wrong." "I don't want it to be true."
"Why do you think that?"
"I feel it." "Maybe I'm just paranoid." "I mean I'm keeping something from him to."
"Yeah but you've never told anyone that."
"I know."
"I'm so glad you want to be safe when it comes to sex." "Just make sure you're ready before your first time."
"I will."