Chapter 12: Caught Between A Lie and The Truth

Life was like a board game, in Claire Lyons's opinion. Life is enormous and filled with lucky cards and pretty suckish ones. It was filled with hard obstacles and also free passes through dramatic deep waters. Depending on your fate, you could win or have to jump back to start, with other opponents.

That's exactly how Claire Lyons felt. She was a piece on a board game, preferably a blue one. She started out okay… moving from Florida to Westchester was where her life has begun to spin out of proportion. Instead of making normal friends and hiding in other's shadows, she chose the Pretty Committee. A wrong turn in the board game.

She passed go and collected her brand new boyfriend Cam Fisher, but also picked up the "break up" card several times after. And now, the board game has taken an unexpected turn. Claire Lyons has just picked up the "Achieve Feelings" card.

She had feelings for Cam.

Even after he broke her heart, stomped all over it by going out with her "supposed friend". She tried to make it up to herself by surrounding herself with Layne and the 'different' way of life. Eventually her past caught up to her and dragged her backwards. Right to the beginning. The starting point.

Claire Lyons, a very frustrated player in the game of life, was lying on top of her lemony yellow bedspread. She faced the ceiling, trying to distract herself by counting the marked lines. Giving up completely, she sighed and reached for her plushy pillow. She held up the pillow and screamed in to it. After a few seconds, Claire realized her parents were still in bed, so she gave up…once again.

"Why do things always have to be complicated?" She muttered to herself in annoyance.

A loud beeping noise came from her computer, sitting on top of her pure white desk. She stared at her computer for a few seconds, hoping the beeping would stop. But it didn't. Text messages were flying in. Annoyed, Claire jumped up from her lazy position and walked over to the computer, zombie-like.

Six new messages. Three from Massie. Two from Cam. One from Layne.

Claire ignored the first two and then clicked on the chat box that opened up Layne's text.

Hey I heard…can I come over?

Confused, Claire cracked her fingers and began to type rapidly on the keyboard.

Heard what? By the way, it's like 11 at night

It's about what happened on the room…can I come? I'll be super sneaky.

Claire bit her lip and rolled her eyes carelessly. Even though it was late, Claire wanted to hear about what Layne heard.

I guess. Be quick sneaky fox :-)

Claire then clicked the red X button and opened the one with three messages from Massie. She sure was demanding…

Kuh-laire, we need to talk.

Claire, I see the light on in your room….

Kuh-laire! COME TO ROOM PRONTO SO WE CAN TALK

Claire rolled her eyes. There was nothing to tell. At least…not yet. She quickly shut off her light, hoping Massie would quit texting her. She then flicked the lamp light on, receiving a blue tinted glow. As the mouse was directly over Cam's chat room, Claire began to feel nervous. She had run out of the building as soon as Cam kissed her because it made her feel confused and awkward. She wasn't sure what Cam was going to say. Maybe, that it was a mistake and they can go back to being friends again? Claire's stomach churned. She hoped he wouldn't want to. She scolded herself for wanting more. Cam broke her heart a while ago. He had his chance. And that chance was up. For good.

But why did she feel like kissing his tender lips again?

She clicked on the box rapidly, pulling up the screen. Her eyes scanned the screen. Her eyes squinted in disappointment.

Hey Claire, whats up?

Wanna hit the arcade this weekend?

Why wasn't he asking her about the kiss? Claire typed back.

Sounds kool. Anything else you wanna say?

She tapped her fingers impatiently against the desk, waiting for him to respond. Instead she was met with a knock at her window, making her fall out of her chair from the scare. She looked up to see Layne motioning for her to let her in. Claire gave Layne and evil glare, wondering why Layne had to go and scare her like that. She finally opened the window after a few hard tugs, and helped push Layne through it.

"You really need a backdoor." Layne commented wearily, dusting the invisible dirt off of her clothes.

"I'll keep that in mind." Claire said with a weak smile.

"We need to talk about this Cam thing." Layne said, her eyes flickering dangerously. Claire could tell it wasn't good news.

Claire glided over to her computer and lowered the screen, hoping Layne didn't catch it. Lucky for her, Layne was too busy patting the empty spot on Claire's bed, beckoning for Claire to sit down. As soon as Claire sat down, Layne searched Claire's face intensely for clues but gave up when Claire gave her a 'what are you doing' stare.

"Tell me exactly what happened on the roof earlier."

"Nothing really. Cam just showed me the view and then he-

Gesturing with her hands, Layne motioned for Claire to spit it out. Claire took a death breath and said, "He kissed me."

Layne shook her head, disapprovingly, and then turned to look at Claire. "And then what?"

"I ran. I was too confused about what was happening." Claire replied, staring down at her lap, avoiding Layne's gaze.

"Good girl." Layne said patting her back, encouragingly.

"The thing is…even though I was confused and didn't understand what was going on, I felt my stomach knot until they became butterflies. My hands became all clammy and my heart beat was slower. Which could only mean one thing, Layne…I have feelings for Cam…again." Claire finished with a sad sigh.

After looking at Layne, Claire continued with, "I don't want to like him because I know things are screwed up between us…but I can't help it Layne."

"Want me to give you an honest opinion?" Layne asked her, earning a nod from Claire.

"You were totally in love with this guy two years ago until he made out with Alicia right in front of you, making you two break up. He never said a word to you last year or showed any emotion towards you until now right?" Claire nodded miserably.

"And then he kisses you JUST AFTER he breaks up with Alicia. And you're probably hoping he likes you right?" Claire nodded, and looked up at Layne.

"You know what I say Claire? Screw him? He's screwing with you isn't he? Just like he did two years ago. He's trying to win you back to prove he can and to show you off to his little soccer friends. I'd give it a few weeks before he makes out with some other girl, leaving you devastated like two years ago."

Claire repeated Layne's words in her head. She was right. He was screwing with her. And no one screws with Claire Lyons. Claire clenched her fists as she boiled up with anger. Her angelic face flashed anger and hurt as it turned red. "You're right Layne. If that jerk thinks he can have a second chance, then he's losing it."

"That's my girl." Layne announced proudly before punching her fist in the air. After saying goodbye to Claire, Layne left without another word.

Claire walked over to her computer and pulled up the screen desperately.

Oh yeah. Do you think we'll win the game Friday?

Claire gazed angrily at those words. Who was she kidding? Cam didn't like her. So she wouldn't either. She slammed her computer shut before getting ready for bed.

X

"We need to talk."

Cam groaned when Derrick stood at the top of the school's stairs with his arms crossed and a serious expression on his face.

"What about D?" Cam asked as Derrick pulled him onto the stairs with him.

"You know. About you and Claire."

Cam winced at those words. Him and Claire. Never meant to be. Obviously Claire just wanted to stay friends since she ran out on the kiss they shared yesterday. And it was so nice to feel her plump pink lips against hi-

"She doesn't like me that way." Cam answered coldly, not wanting to talk about it.

Derrick's expression softened. "Really dude? That bites. I thought she was into you."

"Nah man. She ran out on me. I feel like an ass now. She doesn't have feelings for me." Cam said sulkily, going into a bad mood he made himself swear he wouldn't. What's another broken promise right?

"Her loss right man?" Derrick said, sticking out his fists. Cam punched them weakly.

"Right." He said as the two of them headed inside for school. He couldn't help but think it was HIS loss and not Claire's…

X

"We need to talk."

Claire avoided meeting Massie's dangerous stare as the brunette alpha pulled her aside. She sat on the bench, looking as supreme as ever. She never lost her alpha ways, just gained a heart. Claire joined her, still avoiding her flickering amber eyes.

"About what?" She said, making eye contact with the floor.

"The kiss yesterday."

"Not you too." Claire said with a groan. "What's done is done. Cam and I are just friends." She said, starting to get up from the bench, only to be yanked back down by Massie.

"That's a lie Kuh-laire. I saw you two kissing, personally. It looked really real…" She said with a sincere tone.

"It looked special and romantic. I think there's something there." She added gently.

Claire's mind flashed back to the kiss. It was sweet and romantic. Just like Cam.

"It was…but Cam and I shouldn't be together." Even she, herself, didn't believe that statement.

"Are you kidding Claire? It's like the fates are making sure you two get a second chance at each other and don't tell yourself anything other than that."

"He'll just…break my heart again." Claire heard her voice crack. Massie's hardened eyes softened. She took hold of Claire' s hand.

"Derrick broke my heart too Claire. But we fixed things and I think…I'm in love with him."

Claire glanced over at Massie in disbelief, and was shocked when her feelings looked real. "You really are, aren't you?" Massie nodded shyly.

"I haven't told anyone, but you Claire."

"You should tell Derrick."

"Look Claire. This isn't about Derrick and me or anyone else. It's about you. You're my best friend…and I want to see you happy. I think Cam Fisher is the ticket to happiness." Massi declared, patting Claire's thigh.

Claire blushed when she realized how special Cam made her feel.

"I think…I will." Claire heard herself say slowly.

"That's my girl!" Massie said throwing her fist in the air. Déjàvu much?

X

"Claire, can we talk?"

"Are you going to insult me again Alicia. Cause I think I'd rather skip that." Claire replied icily with a comeback.

"No, it's about Cam…" She said gently. Claire turned around to look at her.

Alicia and her were alone in the hallway, which was probably not such a good idea. Alicia could try to kill her. It was only a little bit after class was dismissed. The halls were empty of kids, who were now probably in the cafeteria...along with the teachers. "What about?" Claire asked Alicia, suspiciously.

Alicia actually looked on the verge of tears. "I just wanted..t-t-too say-y, that I'm sor-r-ry-y." She choked out, letting tears fall out of her eyes.

Claire softened and shook her head, motioning for her to continue.

"Y-yy-ou won h-him fair and square C-lll-ai-rr-ee." She said with sniffles caught at her throat.

Claire looked utterly surprised, especially when Claire was handed a note. "It's from Cam. He told he'd forgive me if he gave me this. Wh-hat a guy?" Alicia tried to keep her voice even.

Claire took the note and opened it.

Meet me behind the dumpsters after school. We need to talk Claire Bear.

-C

Claire tried not to squeal, for Alicia's sake. She turned to look at the sobbing Spanish beauty. "I'm sorry Alicia." Claire said sincerely before giving her a tight hug.

"You're t-oo nn-ice Claire." She said before Claire pulled back from the hug and smiled at her. She then walked away.

Alicia waited until Claire left to wipe away her fake tears. Josh, hiding behind the lockers, came out and handed her tissues. Alicia rejected them and wrapped her arms around Josh.

"Claire's an idiot. As if I would apologize."

And then Alicia left, clinging to Josh, swinging her hips suggestively.

It helped to be a good actress.

X

Cam walked out the school door and headed for the Dumpsters. He got a note from Claire earlier today saying she wanted to meet him by the dumpsters "to talk". He had a bad feeling about this. He had a feeling he was about to get dumped on his ass.

He cursed to himself silently, before arriving there.

"Looking for someone?"

Cam turned around to find Alicia leaning against the wall with her cat like smile. Her brown eyes danced deliciously and her hips swung sexily as she walked towards him. Cam stiffened when she ruffled his hair.

"Actually yeah. I'm supposed to meet Claire here." Alicia pouted and moved backwards.

"You know Cam. I'm sorry about the way I treated you and Claire. I apologized to her this afternoon."She said gently. Cam raised his eyebrows, daring her to tell him more. He didn't believe a word of it.

"I'm serious…Cam, I'm sorry. Will you ever forgive me for being a bitch?"Alicia asked him, tears threatening to fall.

Cam looked over at her, feeling sorry. He acted like a jerk when breaking up with her. Even though she was mean, she didn't deserve that. Cam felt guilt rising up when the first tear fell off of Alicia's face. He leaped towards her and pulled her into a hug as she sobbed quietly. He rubbed her back soothingly yet awkwardly, hoping she'd leave. Which made him feel guiltier.

"If you ever need anything, just ask okay?" Cam said politely as she pulled back from her teary hug. She wiped her eyes and smiled genuinely.

"I do need something actually."

X

Claire felt giddy as she rounded the corner of the building, excited to see Cam. She glanced down at the note, even though she memorized the words perfectly. Her eyes looked up when she was nearing the dumpsters.

She had taken the time to pull her hair down and redo her makeup. She wanted to look good when she accepted Cam's request of going out. She even practiced a few times in the bathroom.

As her eyes took in the sight before her, the note flew out of her hand. Her insides started to shake and her eyes became watery. Her stomach twisted unhealthy, and her feet froze. Her beautiful blue eyes changed into fear and hurt.

Cam Fisher was kissing Alicia Rivera.

Claire let out a sob before running off.

That's it for today. I can't believe it's already Thursday.

I stayed up for two hours more than I usually would have.

I hoped you liked the chapters!

Thanks again for the reviews. I'll reply back this time…I promise.

Look for another update next week or maybe if you're lucky this week

Please review readers! It'll just take a second and get you a new chapter

-With Love, AnimeAddict2323232-