If you read Knight in Shining Hoodie or Secret Romance you've already seen this announcement and can skip it.
Hey guys I know this is going up late and I'm sorry. I have some family stuff to deal with and because of it will be moving from Texas back to Cali in a few weeks. Which means the next few weeks are going to be fairly hectic both preparing to move and driving from east Texas to northern California so I will do my best to continue updating everyday but it just may not be possible. I'll still update in order of course and chapters may be a little shorter for a while, this one isn't but others may be. Once I'm settled in Cali the updates will be everyday again.
Ch. 29 Summer Nights
(CLARE)
"Ugh I can't believe school starts back on Monday!" Bianca complains.
"I know I feel like we were just at Owen's birthday bash. August just flew right by." Adam agrees.
The five of us were hiking down to the beach to meet several of the other kids from the ravine for camping on the beach, same spot as last time. It was our last party before the start of school. All of August had been consumed by parties, hanging at the ravine and almost everyday the five of us were together either in Adam's basement or at Owen's house. Well I guess I should call it our house now, I'd been living there six weeks now and yes Owen and I were still blissfully happy. After five weeks of silence both my parents had suddenly decided to start calling me in the last week and I'd been ignoring them, I also hadn't told Owen about it yet. Partly because I didn't want to start fighting with him about it or have him call my parents and threaten them again and partly because with school starting on Monday I wanted to get through that drama first before I got into parents drama.
"I can't believe everyone's going to find out about us on Monday," I remark.
"We don't have to tell them," Owen says and I hear the hurt in his voice.
"Are you kidding? Even if you and I could keep from kissing, touching and looking at each other which we can't, Caveman can't call me anything but Hot Legs and I don't see the five of us going back to virtually ignoring each other like last year. No everyone needs to know and tomorrow's as good a time as any to tell them or show them I just hope people take it better than I think they will." I tell them as we step on to the sand and are greeted by the others.
"We should set up in the same place as last time," Bianca says.
"Good idea, you can put your tent with ours bro," Drew tells him as we begin walking down to the place we set up last time.
"BASHFUL!" The Bashful Babes exclaim together as they run up to Adam.
"You should sleep with us in our tent," Diana tells him.
"Uh I'm not sure that's such a good idea," Adam replies.
We get to our spot and set down all our stuff, the Bashful Babes help Adam with his tent while trying to convince him to sleep in theirs. Drew and Bianca set up their tent while Owen tosses our tent and it pops up. Owen starts securing it with stakes while I take in the memory foam camping mat and set it up with our two person sleeping bag. Owen brings in our duffel as I put our pillows down and then we help Drew and Bianca with theirs.
"I'm starving let's get some food," Drew comments when we have everything set up.
"Good idea," Owen says as we begin walking back to the bonfire area where Johnny and Steve are manning the BBQ.
"Bashful our tent is so much more comfortable and bigger than yours," Lily tries.
"You girls want some food?" Adam asks changing the subject.
"Yeah we'll get drinks and chips and stuff and you get us a couple of hot dogs." Diana says as they walk off to the table with all the food.
"You're going to have to tell them sometime Adam," I remind him.
"Yeah because that always works out so well," he replies.
We get food and sit down with the Bashful Babes, Shelly, Cody, Marissa and Chris to eat. After we eat Bianca stands up stripping down to her bikini and all the guys look over of course.
"I'm going down to the water," Bianca says.
"Clare walk down to the water with me," Adam requests standing up.
"Sure," I shrug standing up and taking off my top and shorts.
"I do so love that bikini," Owen smiles.
"We're coming too!" Diana says for her and Lily.
"Are you two coming?" I ask Owen and Drew.
"We'll clean up and catch up with you in a minute." Owen replies.
Diana and Lily already in their swimsuits link arms with Adam and the 4 of us start walking down to the tide where we can already see Bianca in up to her knees.
"Hey I need to talk with Clare for a minute, why don't you two go keep Bianca company." Adam says to them when we're away from everyone else.
"Okay," the girls chime and run ahead.
"What's up Adam?" I ask when they're gone.
"I don't know you tell me? You've been distracted and distant for the last week and it can't possibly all be worry about letting everyone know about you and Owen at school on Monday." Adam states.
"That's part of it," I sigh as we stop walking and sit down on the sand. "Alli got back from India yesterday and called me. I haven't called her back yet; I don't know what to tell her. My parents started calling and I've been ignoring their calls and haven't told Owen they've been calling. Not to mention Eli, have you even heard from him?" I question.
"Not really, he texted me a couple days ago to let me know he was home but he's been dodging my calls. I think by defending your relationship with Owen I may have lost him as a friend." Adam tells me.
"I'm sorry Adam, I never meant for you to have choose sides and lose a friendship." I apologize.
"You didn't make me choose sides Clare and I didn't. If Eli is going to stop being friends with me because after seeing you and Owen together I realized you were good for each other then really he chose sides. I guess we'll see on Monday but don't worry about my friendship with Eli okay that's my problem. You should probably at least call Alli back to say hi and welcome home or text her at the very least, if you don't want to tell her about you and Owen until Monday that's up to you but you should definitely tell him that your parents have been calling. What do they want anyway?" Adam asks.
"I don't know I haven't even listened to their messages." I reply.
"Okay let's worry about Monday on Monday and have fun tonight," Adam suggests.
"Deal," I smile at my friend.
Adam stands up and helps me up, we start walking to the water again then suddenly I'm scooped up from behind and even though I know it's Owen it's still surprising and I shriek. I throw my arms around his neck and notice that he's taken his shirt off leaving him in his board shorts.
"Time to throw you in the water," Owen says walking as fast as he can in the sand to the water.
"Don't you dare!" I warn him holding him a little tighter.
"I wouldn't do that to you, I love you you know." He smiles stopping at the waters edge.
"I know I love you too," I smile back before joining our lips for a quick but passionate kiss.
"So what were you talking to Adam about?" Owen inquires.
"Just best friend stuff," I reply.
"Best friend stuff like?" Owen prods but before I can answer we get splashed with water from both sides and I shriek, hiding my face in Owen's shoulder.
I look up to see Bianca and Drew laughing. "You two are so dead!" I state getting out of Owen's arms.
"You get her I'll get him," Owen intructs.
As you can imagine a water fight ensues and within a few minutes we're all soaked.
"Okay enough, it's going to get dark soon and I'm freezing now." Bianca says.
"Me too," I nod.
"Looks like they got a fire going let's go sit by the fire," Owen suggests.
"Umm where's Adam?" I ask as we start walking back.
"Not sure but his groupies are with him he'll be fine. If he's not back in twenty minutes or so we'll go looking for him." Drew replies after looking around.
"I'll grab our sweatshirts from the bag; go find a spot by the fire." Owen tells me when we're getting close.
"Queenie you want your hoodie?" Drew asks her.
"Yes Caveman," Bianca replies.
The boys go into our tents to get our sweaters while we go find some spots by the fire. The guys join us a few minutes later already wearing their sweaters and handing us ours. Owen sits down behind me and wraps his arms around me to help warm me up as the sun is starting to set. Just like last time the sunset draws all the couples to sit down and watch it set and all the single people wander away and start drinking. By the time the sun has gone down Drew and Bianca are making out as are half the couples around us. Despite Adam's advice my mind is full of worry, while I'm enjoying the sunset and being in Owen's arms in my mind I'm a million miles away. At least until Owen's lips are on my temple and I snap back to reality.
"What's on your mind Sweetness?" He asks.
"Nothing, can you get me something to drink please? Something with alcohol," I request.
"Clare," he says in an almost scolding tone as he knows I don't usually drink unless something's bothering me.
"I'm just worried about Monday," I tell him.
"Okay I'll be right back," he says getting up and going to the cooler. He comes back with a wine cooler for me and three beers; I cock an eyebrow at him. "Two are for them whenever they break apart." He informs me taking a beer and setting the other two down by Drew and Bianca.
I down the wine cooler pretty fast and set the empty bottle in the sand when suddenly there are fireworks down the beach and all the couples break apart. Everyone looks up and starts oohing and awing at the fireworks but I'm not amused by them.
"I'm gonna get another one," I tell Owen picking up my empty bottle and standing up.
He gives me a look but doesn't stop me and I go back to the cooler.
"Hey Clare," Marissa giggles.
"No her name is Hot Legs," Shelly giggles.
The two of them are obviously soused on something.
"What have you two been drinking?" I question.
"Tequila rose you want some?" Marissa offers.
"Yeah sure that stuff was good," I smile. I'm hoping getting tipsy will get my mind off everything.
"I'll get you a glass," Marissa says.
"I'll get the bottle, wait where is the bottle?" Shelly laughs.
"I'll get you some Clare," Reese's voice whispering in my ear makes me jump.
"Uh thanks Reese," I reply.
"I don't want to go back to school on Monday; we don't even go to the same school as you. We're gonna miss you and Hubby Boyfriend and the rest of the Fab Five." Shelly says in a sad kind of voice.
"You guys go to North Park, we'll still see you at the ravine and stuff and anyway we have your numbers." I remind her.
"Here Clare, I just poured you a double shot drink it fast now." Reese says with a sly smile.
"Thanks Reese," I reply taking the cup and a big gulp.
I don't know what Reese gave me but it's definitely not tequila Rose! Whatever he gave me it's gotta be almost a hundred percent proof as the one gulp I took already has me feeling tipsy.
"Drink it all down now," Reese says putting the cup back to my lips and holding it there so I have to drink it or choke. I try to push him away but it doesn't work and I'm feeling quite drunk now. "Here have some more," Reese says holding another cup to my lips again.
Maybe it's because I'm so drunk or that for the first time in a week I forget all the stress and start laughing, which I account to all the brain cells I'm certain that moonshine or whatever I just drank killed, either way I drink the second cup without being forced. Actually I chug it down and he filled this one up half way. By the time I'm done I can't see straight and can barely stand, when I try and talk I don't even make words.
"Whoa!" Reese laughs when I stumble; he catches me and picks me up over his shoulder, so not helping my dizzy blurriness. "Let's go to my tent," Reese says with a carnal tone.
I try to fight but it doesn't work and when I mean to scream all that comes out is a giggle. I can hear Marissa and Shelly laughing and saying stuff but I can't make it out. Next thing I'm thoroughly aware of is being in a tent on a sleeping bag and noticing the fireworks have stopped.
(OWEN)
When Clare doesn't come back after a minute I look over to see her talking with Marissa and Shelley. They both look fairly drunk so it could be a while before she gets back. A few minutes later the fireworks stop, Drew and Bianca finally notice the beers I brought them as Adam returns with a smile and his arms around his groupies which I take to be a good sign.
"Dude you brought us beer awesome!" Drew smiles.
"Where have you three been?" Bianca asks Adam.
"Walking down the beach, where's Hot…I mean Clare? Dammit Drew now you got me calling her that!" Adam scolds his brother.
"She's over there talking…" I start to tell Adam but when I look back I don't see Clare or the other two. "She was talking to Marissa and Shelley over by the drinks but I don't see any of them!" I state getting up and instantly getting a little panicked when I don't see Clare anywhere.
Granted it's now dark and the moon isn't full so it's hard to see too much of anything not lit by the bonfire but I don't want Clare wandering by herself plus I know Reese is here! Adam, Diana, Lily, Drew and Bianca all start looking around.
"I see Chris and Cody over by the drinks I think they're…" Bianca says pausing for a second. "Marissa and Shelly seem to be on the ground." Bianca says and we all walk over there.
"Owen!" Chris calls when we're about half way there, waving me over and I take off running with the others following me.
"They're really drunk but they keep saying something about Clare and Reese." Cody tells me when I get there; he and Chris are pretty drunk themselves.
I go around the table and kneel down by Marissa and Shelley who are both giggling and half passed out.
"Where is Clare?" I ask them firmly.
"Reessssssssssssss…" Shelley giggles.
"Gave her…" Marissa giggles.
"This drink," Shelley finally finishes.
"That can't be good," Drew comments.
With the noises of the water and everyone else on the beach with us I can't hear her.
"Took her…" Marissa giggles.
"To his…" Shelley giggles.
"Tent." Marissa finishes, I'm glad they can finish each others sentences.
"Do you guys know what Reese's tent looks like?" I ask Chris and Cody as they are currently more coherent than their girlfriends.
"Not a clue but Johnny probably does," Chris comments.
I look around and see Johnny by the fire talking with Bruce. "JOHNNY!" I yell as loud as I can which is pretty loud.
He looks over and then walks over. "What's up?" Johnny asks.
"Where's Reese's tent?" I inquire.
"Uh over there, the grey and red one why?" Johnny questions.
"Because he gave Clare a drink of we don't know what and we think he took her to his tent!" Adam tells him, his tone both enraged and anxious.
"Shit come on!" Johnny says and we follow him.
As soon as I see Reese's tent I hear Clare, she's tanked for sure, she's giggling but kind of screaming at the same time and I speed up pushing past Johnny.
"Reese…Reese…" she's shrieking and giggling all at once and trying to say something else but I can't make it out.
I rip open the tent door; even in the dark tent I can see him on top of her, looks like he's kissing her neck and feeling up her leg. I become filled with rage and ire, grab Reese by the back of the shirt and rip him out of the tent tossing him to the sand as I see the other girls go in the tent to Clare.
"YOU'RE A FUCKING DEAD MAN REESE!" I snarl at him, he tries to get up and I kick him back down, sitting on top of him and punching him hard in the face several times before Drew and Johnny pull me away.
"I think he's had enough Owen," Johnny says when Reese is bloody and all but unconscious. "BRUCE GIVE ME A HAND!" Johnny calls back toward the fire.
Figuring they're about to take Reese to a hospital or at least get him the fuck away from me I turn my attention to Clare. Bianca has an arm around her as does one of the groupies and Clare looks half unconscious herself.
"Are you okay?" I ask Clare.
"She's not very coherent; whatever Reese gave her was strong. I got that he made her drink the first cup, you should probably get her to your tent I think she's going to pass out but she's still wearing everything she was so I don't think he touched her too much." Bianca tells me.
Considering all she was wearing was her bikini and hoodie I'm not entirely comforted by this, he could have touched her in all kinds of ways and left her clothes on. But he still had all his clothes in tact so I think we got to them before he did anything to bad.
"Come on Sweetness, let's get you to bed," I say pulling her up and out of the tent before picking her up.
"Wheee!" She giggles before going unconscious, her head falling onto my shoulder.
"Is she alright?" Adam questions.
"He was kissing her and she's passed out drunk but I'm pretty sure she's okay, I'm going to get her to bed." I tell them.
"Good idea come get us if you need us, Johnny and Bruce took Reese to the ER we think you broke his nose." Drew tells me.
"Good now maybe the fucking bastard will learn to keep his goddamn hands off of her!" I reply through clenched teeth.
Adam follows us to our tent so he can unzip the door for me then he leaves with one more worried glance toward Clare. It takes a little maneuvering in the tent to get her into the sleeping bag. Once she's in I change into boxers, get in with her and zip us up in the sleeping bag. The nights pretty warm still but I know it'll start to turn very cold especially on the beach. Clare's on her side and I take her into my arms and kiss her forehead. It's not late and I'm not at all tired but I'm not leaving her side, so I just lay there for a while listening to the waves and the sounds of people talking. For a time she sleeps like a rock and then suddenly she starts to fidget in my arms and make whining whimpering noises.
"Clare," I say gently shaking her a little and kissing her forehead because I think she's dreaming.
She groans a bit and tries to push me which she of course fails to do because even if she had the strength there's nowhere for me to go.
"Sweetness wake up," I insist again.
She squirms some more, it's starting to remind me of when Tris was 2 or 3 and would throw random fits.
"Not comfy," she whines wiggling around.
I realize she is awake and not dreaming but I think she means she's not comfortable because I'm holding her; maybe she's too hot so I let her go and move away a little.
"No!" She whines again grabbing my arm. "All twisted, get it off!" She demands.
Finally it occurs to me that she's uncomfortable sleeping in her bikini and I feel like I should have realized it before.
"Okay I'm going to take off your bikini stop squirming," I insist.
She smiles and I laugh a little, unzipping the sleeping bag so I can get off the bottoms first. Then I sit her up and take off her hoodie so I can get off her bikini top, when she's upright she finally opens her eyes and while there's hardly any light in the tent I can see how blood shot her eyes are. I get her hoodie off but after a few seconds of trying to figure out how her bikini top fastens I give up and pull it over her head and she smiles.
"Better?" I ask her and she nods. I take her in my arms again; she puts her hands on my chest and leans her forehead against me. "Are you cold?" I ask and she shakes her head.
"Reese!" She suddenly gasps I guess her memories are coming back. "He was…" she stops and I can feel that she's wrinkling her forehead against my chest as she tries to clear her memory through the alcohol induced fog.
"It's okay we stopped him and I pounded him into the sand, Johnny and Bruce had to take him to the hospital. If he hasn't learned to stay away from you yet I'll pound it into him again." I assure her.
"You're always there when I need you," she whispers.
Her hot albeit alcohol filled breath ghosts across my chest and she follows it's trail with open mouth kisses. And now I'm hard yes that's all it took and she's totally intoxicated but god knows what it was that Reese gave her. She's not in complete control of her faculties and while she is now my girlfriend and living with me having sex with her in such a state would be wrong. Very very wrong, she probably won't even remember I can't take advantage of her current state. She keeps kissing along my chest, up to my neck and her delicate fingers trace down my skin curling around my shaft.
"Oh I'm going to special hell."
Quickly getting rid of my boxers turning her on her back and unzipping the sleeping bag a little more, I lightly pin her wrists above her head and she moans biting her lip. Kissing her neck, chest and breasts eliciting a chain of moans from her lips then letting go of one wrist I slip a finger into her slit to find she's already a little wet. It doesn't take much to get her soaked and then taking the base of my cock I place my head at her opening and thrust into her in one swift motion. She makes a shuddering breath, biting her lip at the end to hold in a moan. I put an arm around her lower back to arch her back up a little letting go of her other wrist and her hands come to my shoulders. I kiss her breasts, lightly sucking each nipple and she moans, it occurs to me that Adam, Drew and Bianca might be able to hear us. Clare might not care right now but she will in the morning so I put my lips on hers.
"Holy shit whatever the hell Reese gave her was super strong I'm getting buzzed just tasting it on her."
Her hips start bucking wildly, silently asking me to go faster so I do and it's only a minute before I feel her ready to cum. She grips my shoulders a little tighter, digging in with her nails a bit as her vaginal walls tighten around me. Arching her back a little higher, I push in one last time all the way and we cum together both of us moaning into the kiss. Breaking from the kiss as I slow down my pace until we're both done and pulling out of her making her whimper one last time. Taking her in my arms as we continue to quiver and pant for a while, it's only when I've recovered that I realize she's fallen asleep again. At least now I'm tired too and wrap my arms around Clare a little tighter before falling asleep to the sounds of the waves and her breathing. Her groaning is what wakes me up very early the next morning; I rub her back as she nuzzles her head into my chest a little more.
"My head, it feels heavy and poundy." She whines.
"Sorry Sweetness do you know what Reese gave you to drink last night?" I ask her.
"No, he handed me a cup it was supposed to be tequila rose like Marissa and Shelley were drinking. It was really strong, he forced me to drink the rest but then I drank the other cup on my own." She says in an apologetic tone. "I wanted to forget about all the stress and stop worrying and have fun last night. He picked me up and I tried to scream but it didn't work and we…were in his tent and…" she stops and gasps, looking up at me with tears in her eyes. "I think I had sex with Reese oh god I…"
I cut her off with a soft kiss and she calms instantly. "You had sex with me last night; don't you remember me telling you that I pounded Reese into the sand?" I ask her
"No," she shakes her head.
"The most Reese did was kiss your neck, I brought you into our tent and after you woke up complaining that your bikini was too uncomfortable to sleep in I took it off of you. That's when I told you about Reese and then we had sex. Although considering how very drunk you were we shouldn't have and I kind of took advantage of the situation." I apologize to her.
"No you didn't, I remember a little now and I was horny so you didn't take advantage of anything. Besides you're my boyfriend and I love you." She says kissing my chest.
"Doesn't mean it was right," I argue.
"Owen shut up you didn't rape me, I remember that much." She yawns.
"It's still very early why don't you get some more sleep," I suggest.
"Okay," she yawns nuzzling into me and holding my arm tightly.
"I'm not going anywhere; I'm never leaving your side again after what Reese pulled last night." I assure her.
"Owen," she admonishes with another yawn.
I rub her back gently, she falls asleep within a few minutes and I follow a few minutes later.
(CLARE)
I wake up several hours later when most of the others wake up and start making noise. I open my eyes and then squint as even in the tent the sun is too bright.
"Mmmm my head still hurts," I complain burying my head into Owen's chest some more and waking him up.
"There's aspirin in the bag," Owen yawns.
"That sounds like moving," I whine.
"You are so spoiled," he comments kissing my temple then letting go of me and sitting up to get the bag. "Here, stay put I'll go find you a bottle of water." Owen says getting out of the sleeping bag.
"Put some clothes on first Hubby Boyfriend," I tell him seeing that he's still naked.
He puts his boxers and a pair of cargo shorts on then reaches into the bag pulling out a pair of panties, my bra and a dress.
"You too, someone else might come in the tent." He tells me.
He opens the tent and goes out while I start getting dressed in the sleeping bag. Owen was right no sooner do I have my dress on then Bianca comes into the tent.
"Good morning drinky how do you feel?" She asks sitting down as I get out of the sleeping bag.
"My head is pounding, the sun is too bright and I feel awful." I tell her.
"Yeah well we still don't know what Reese gave you but Owen kicked his ass." Bianca tells me.
"And if he ever comes near you again I'll do it again!" Owen asserts coming into the tent and handing me some water.
"People are starting to pack up, some of us are going for breakfast but I doubt she's hungry." Bianca says nodding toward me.
"No food," I shake my head scrunching my face at the thought of eating.
"I think I better just get her home," Owen says.
"Good thinking, come on Hot Legs lets get you outside so Owen can start packing up." Bianca insists pulling me up by the hand.
We exit the tent and she tames my hair a little, the sun is bright and I squint, holding up my hand against the sun.
"Hey how are you feeling?" Adam asks and I turn in the direction of his voice making a face.
"Reese got his ass kicked; Owen broke his nose and cracked two of his ribs." Diana tells me.
"He deserved it though, some boys are so pathetic. I'm so glad we have our Bashful," Lily smiles.
"I told them and their cool with it," Adam smiles.
"Adam that's great!" I say with a big smile, it's the first good news I've heard in a while.
"It just sucks that we go to North Park," Diana pouts.
"Yeah but we'll see you guys at the ravine and we have your numbers. North Park isn't that far we can meet you guys for lunch and after school." I tell them.
"You're so smart Hot Legs!" Lily smiles.
"Hey Owen says to get you back to the car and we'll pack everything up." Drew says.
"We'll see her back to the car," Adam tells him taking Owen's keys from Drew.
Drew hands me my shoes, Adam goes back to get his shoes and the girls shoes, then the Bashful Babes each take one of my hands and we start walking back to the parking lot.
"I sincerely hope Reese feels worse than I do right now," I remark when we're about half way back.
"After the beating Owen gave him I'd be surprised if he didn't." Adam comments.
We make it back to the car, Adam unlocks it and I sit in the passenger seat. Bashful and the Bashful Babes wait with me for Owen. A short time later he comes with Drew and Bianca. After they load all our stuff in the car I hug each of them goodbye and tell Caveman, Queenie and Bashful that I'll see them tomorrow. Adam tells me not to worry about tomorrow again and then Owen and I start driving home.
"Are you really that worried about starting school tomorrow? About how people are going to react to the fact that we're together?" Owen asks.
"Yeah that's part of it," I reply.
"I doubt everyone's going to be okay with it at first, unfortunately Alli is one of your best friends and she still hates me and Drew and Bianca. But Adam is your best friend too and he's also best friends your ex. After seeing us together he's more than okay with us, he was ready to be at our wedding. If Adam can accept us then I'm pretty sure most other people will if not right away then given a little time." Owen assures me.
"I know but it's not just Alli and our friends, what about Eli? Adam said he got back a couple of days ago what if he tries to hurt you or something?" I question.
"Okay I can easily take on that scrawny Goth and anyway I'd be more worried about him hurting you or himself. I mean he is the one that crashed his car on purpose just to get you to come see him again." Owen points out. "So what else had you worried? And next time you want to go drinking at a party or anywhere else I'm tasting it first." Owen informs me.
"It'll be a while before I have any desire to drink again." I smile and then turn to the window and sigh, he's not going to like what I'm about to tell him. "My parents have been calling it started about a week ago." I enlighten him.
"What why?" He demands angrily.
"I don't know I've been ignoring their calls and haven't listened to any of the messages." I tell him.
We're silent for the rest of the drive home and I can tell he's angry and on edge now.
"We'll unpack later," Owen says when we pull up to the house.
When we get inside we're both surprised to see Wendy home.
"Hi kids how was camping at the beach?" She asks.
"Great," Owen says sarcastically, "I'm going to take a shower." He comments walking past us and down to our washroom.
I sigh going into the kitchen to make myself some coffee, when it's done I sit down at the table with Wendy.
"Everything okay?" She asks.
"He's not very happy, I drank something without knowing what it was and it could have ended up very badly. Owen saved me though like he always does. On the way home though I told him that my parents have been calling, he didn't say much after that but he's angry and worried I guess." I confess to her.
"I think he's mostly worried about you and your safety but he also doesn't want you to leave here and go home." Wendy tells me.
My eyes get wide and my chest tight at the very thought of going home. "I don't want to go home either, I have no intentions too. I've been ignoring their calls and haven't listened to their messages."
"I know Sweetie, we all love having you here and you can stay as long as you want to. You're a part of this family and I have no doubts one day you and Owen will marry but your mom called me, she wants to see you," Wendy informs me, my eyes go wide and I start shaking my head, Wendy puts her hand on mine. "She's not asking you to move back in she just wants you to come to dinner tomorrow night. She went to rehab and she's been sober for over a month. She isn't seeing Tim anymore and the social worker went by and verified the house is clean and she's doing better. You know I love you but I can't replace your mother. At least call her back and talk to her, she's really trying Clare."
I bite my lip and take a deep breath, if Mom really did clean up then I'm proud of her and I'd like to see her. As badly as she messed up I do miss her and I would like to know she's really okay and getting better.
"Okay I'll call her," I finally nod.
Wendy smiles at me and I go down to the bedroom, pulling my phone from my purse still sitting on the desk to call my mom.
"Clare I'm so glad you called," Mom says when she answers the phone.
"Hi Mom, Wendy said you went to rehab." I reply.
I didn't realize how much hearing her voice would hurt and make me miss her even more. Despite everything she's still my mom and I still love and care about her.
"I did I've been clean and sober for five weeks now, I know it doesn't sound like much but one day at a time. After Owen took you I kicked Tim out and told him we were done and I checked myself into rehab right after signing those custody papers. All of it was a real wake up call for me Baby and I am so very sorry for everything I put you through. I was selfish and masking the pain I was in with drugs and alcohol without a single thought to how it was affecting you. I can never express to you how incredibly sorry I am or ever expect you to forgive me. I miss you a lot but I think it's real good that you live at Owen's I know Wendy and Eric take good care of you and I know that Owen loves you. Do you remember Glen and Jake Martin?" Mom asks.
"The little boy that used to throw frogs at me? Yeah we used to rent a cabin next to theirs in the summer." I reply.
"Yes well they moved into town and Glen and I have been seeing each other since I got out of rehab. I told him everything; he knows all of it no secrets. Anyway Glen and Jake are coming over for dinner tomorrow night and I'd really like you to be there, just you though not Owen this time." Mom tells me.
I take a deep breath and am silent for a long minute before a heavy sigh. "Okay I'll be there Mom."
Owen's not going to like this at all but she's my mom and I want to see her. If she's lying then I'll just leave but I've spent the last 6 weeks worried about her and wondering if she stopped caring about me all together. If I know she's going to be okay then I won't be so stressed and it's not like I'm moving back in.
"Great Baby dinners at six, it'll be nice to see you. I'll make your favorite dinner and see you tomorrow night." Mom says and hangs up.
I sit there on our bed waiting for Owen to get out of the shower and the fireworks to start. While waiting I send a text to Alli apologizing for not getting back to her, that things have been crazy and I'll see her tomorrow. A few minutes later, I hear the shower turn off followed by the washroom door opening and Owen comes in wearing only a towel. I wish I felt better; that my head wasn't pounding and I was even the tiniest bit horny because telling him this and then jumping his bones would surely make this easier.
"What's wrong now?" He asks in a contemptuous tone.
If he's going to be that angry then forget it! "Nothing, everything's peachy!" I snap at him getting up and walking for the door.
He grabs my arm and shuts the door before I can exit. "I'm sorry Clare I just don't like that your parents have been calling. I don't want them to start fighting to get you back; I don't want you to leave." He tells me cupping my chin and taking my lips with his.
"I'm not leaving Owen, I'm not moving back in with either parent. I'm staying right here and my mom at least isn't asking me to move in again." I assure him putting my hand on his chest.
"Good because there's no way I'm letting you move out." Owen tells me.
"No one's moving out but I am going to dinner at my mom's house tomorrow night," I say slowly.
"Like hell you are! I'm not letting you go back to that house e…" he begins ranting when I cut him off.
"Excuse me?! You're not letting me?! You don't control me Owen!" I state enraged trying to open the door but he's much stronger than me so I give up and walk to the exterior door.
I get the door open but he pulls me back in before I can go through, shutting the door and leaning against it.
"Bad choice of words I'm sorry. Sometimes I say things without thinking I didn't mean it like that Clare. I love you and I don't want you to get hurt and last time we saw your mom she was a mess and Tim hit you! You can't go back to that!" He says.
I sit on the bed and he sits next to me. "She went to rehab and isn't seeing Tim anymore. She's seeing this guy we used to know. Glen, he's a good guy and he knows everything about the divorce and her rehab, all of it. I know you're worried but I have to know if she's really going to be okay. You should have heard her Owen she apologized for everything and she says she knows I'm better off living here; she just wants to see me. Tomorrow for dinner, she's having Glen and his son Jake over but she wants me to come alone." I tell him.
"No fucking way! I'm not letti…" Owen starts then quickly stops and corrects himself after a deep breath. "You want me to be okay with you going back to that house trusting that your mom is clean and that asshole is gone and this new Glen guy is any better and what about his son?" Owen questions getting slightly more agitated with every word.
"You don't have to be okay with it but I'm going. The social worker has been to see her and I don't think she's lying. If it'll make you feel better than come to the house with me before dinner and make sure it's clean and Tim is gone. I have to do this Owen, it's just dinner I'm not staying the night or moving back in it's just a couple of hours." I affirm.
Owen puts his arm around me and sighs deeply. "You're set on doing this aren't you?" He asks and I nod. "Fine but I'm going over to check it out first and if I see anything bad you're not staying and if there's any sign of trouble after I leave you call me right away! I'll be close by at the Dot or something." He stipulates.
"I promise," I smile and kiss him. "Now my heads still killing me so I'm going to take a bath." I remark standing up.
"I'll grab you some more aspirin as soon as I'm dressed." Owen says.
I smile at him and go into the washroom adjusting the temperature and starting the bath water. I get undressed and slip into the nice warm water, Owen brings me a water bottle and more aspirin just as I turn off the water. He asks if I need anything else and I shake my head, he gives me a gentle kiss and leaves the washroom. After my bath Owen and I spend the rest of the day in bed watching movies, finally just before dinner my headache goes away and I start to feel better. Eric and Wendy are both home for dinner and Tris too of course, we all eat dinner together. I tell the rest of the family about dinner with my mom tomorrow night, Tris reacts almost the same as Owen but I assure him I'll be back right after dinner.
Owen and I go to bed pretty early but we watch movies until late as I have trouble falling asleep since I'm still worried about tomorrow. Owen stays awake with me rubbing my back until I fall asleep. The alarm wakes us up the next morning and we get ready for school. The two of us with Tris and Tori went back to school shopping last week so we have everything we need. It's Tris and Tori's first day at DeGrassi as niners but Tris is getting a ride from Tori's mom instead of riding in with us. So Owen and I drive to school together in his car and even though I keep telling myself it'll all be fine I get more and more nervous the closer we get. We arrive early before to many people are there, Owen parks in the lot and we get out walking to the front steps.
"So you want to go in holding hands or…" Owen starts to ask when I cut him off.
"I was thinking more like, making out on the front steps." I tell him.
"Seriously?" He questions.
"If we're going to tell the whole school might as well scream it," I reply.
"Sweet let's go make out on the front steps!" Owen smiles.
He picks me up and runs to the front steps, setting me down and leaning against the banister we crush our lips together.
(ELI)
First day back at DeGrassi and I wasn't looking forward to it. Dad had dropped me off early and I sat on a picnic table waiting for people to arrive. Then I saw her but she wasn't alone, Owen was with her! He picked her up and carried her to the front steps and they started kissing, she never kissed me like that! If not for the meds I was on I would go over and hit the big cretin! All I could do though was sit and watch, I couldn't look away or move just sit there with my fists and jaw clenched! Then I heard voices approaching, voices of Clare's friends, I doubted any of them knew and I doubted they were going to take it very well. A pleased smile crept across my lips realizing I might have allies to help me break them up.
"Tell me I'm seeing things; just just tell me I'm seeing things!" K.C. begs his friends and I look over to see the group of them has stopped to stare.
"No you ain't seeing things, that's Clare making out on the front steps of school with Owen!" Dave remarks slowly in a dubious tone.
"It can't be Clare does not kiss like that!" K.C. states.
"Disgusting isn't it?" I remark and they all look at me.
"What the hell is she thinking?! I thought you went crazy not her!? She can't be with Owen he's a pig!" Alli exclaims irately.
"I couldn't agree more," I smirk.
"How long have they…I mean are they really a couple?" Jenna asks in disbelief.
"Yeah," I say through gritted teeth.
"Clare and Owen! Why would she ever date a guy like him?" Wesley inquires.
"I have no idea," is all I can say.
"What did you do to her Eli?" Connor questions.
"I didn't tell her to go date that idiot jock!" I snarl at him.
A sharp whistle draws our attention back to the sickening display on the stairs; the whistle came from Bianca, finally Owen and Clare break apart. They hug Bianca and the Torres minivan pulls up dropping off the Torres brothers.
"Hey Hot Legs where's our hug?" Drew calls up the stairs.
Me and I would think the others assume he's talking to Bianca but to everyone's shock Clare turns and runs down the stairs to hug them.
"Caveman and Bashful!" Clare says putting an arm around each Torres brother to hug them.
"You two missed Hot Legs and Hubby Boyfriends make out session, mint flavored I assume?" Bianca questions.
Clare turns around to look at Bianca. "Of course Queenie." Clare smiles.
"Let's go get our classes and locker assignments." Owen or should I say Hubby Boyfriend suggests.
The five of them walk up the stairs, Owen with his arm around Clare, Drew with his arm around Bianca and Adam in the middle. We watch them walk through the front doors before we speak.
"Hot Legs?" I question crisply.
"Bashful?" Wesley asks.
"Queenie?" Dave comments.
"Caveman? Actually that kind of fits him." Alli remarks.
"Hubby Boyfriend?" K.C. says slowly.
"What the hell is she thinking? How could she do this to me?!" Alli exclaims stomping into school angrily.
The others follow Alli and I smile, Alli will surely help me break them up.
