Here it is people. the longest chapter I have ever wrote. Sorry about the wait. There was easily 2, 3 maybe even 4 parts I could have broken this up. But I couldn't stop writing. Sorry again.
The next day Clarissa woke up to a sweet aroma in the air. When she opened her eyes she found the space next to her to be empty. A chill ran down her body from the familiar fall weather and poorly insulated house. She remembered using over three blankets during the winter time to keep the cold out as a child in her old room. But this wasn't her room. This wasn't even her house. Clarissa thought as she scanned the office. This home belonged to someone else and she was but a guest.
When she finally got out of bed Clarissa quickly dressed in her old clothes and followed the delicious scent. Rebecca was in the kitchen cooking up a storm as her child and Jim waited, forks in hand, for their meal. Rebecca spun around with a tall stack of flap jacks ready to serve her flock.
"Oh my lord." Rebecca exclaimed in surprise fumbling to keep breakfast from falling to the floor. Clarissa was instantly at her side to catch Rebecca and steady the plate of food in her hands.
"Sorry about that." Rebecca sighed in relief that her hard work had not gone to waste. "Seeing you standing there... Well I guess it will take some time getting use to."
Both women chuckled uncomfortably at her remark. "Here " Clarissa took the plate of food from her friend's shaky hands. "Let me help you with that."
"Thank you." Rebecca smiled in appreciation. "Just set it on the table and have a seat. I'll be right out."
Clarissa walked over to the table setting the pancakes in the middle and took a seat next to Jim.
"It's about time you woke up." Jim took notice of Clarissa's attention.
Clarissa gave him an annoyed glare until her nodded at the clock. When she glanced over Clarissa understood his meaning. It was already past ten.
"They thought it best to let you sleep in. Said you needed your rest after such an eventful day and blah blah blah." Jim trailed off. Clarissa nodded in understanding slightly ashamed that she had been an inconvenience to her friend's normal routine. "I have to admit though, it was pretty adorable the way you slept so close to me last night."
Clarissa averted her eyes in disgust at the mere thought of cuddling with such a man in her sleep. She chalked it up to the nightfall's dropping temperature. Once her disturbing thoughts settled she had a chance to take in Jim's appearance.
"What in the world are you wearing?" Clarissa couldn't hold in her laughter as she criticized his outfit. He was in a dirt brown t-shirt that was obviously two sizes too large and a pair of baggy jean pants that were only being held up by a black belt. It was the first time she had seen him in anything that wasn't fitted to his exact measurements. Upon further inspection she noticed a fresh hole had punched in the belt. Even that was to big for his slim figure.
Jim glanced down at his outfit with his lips upturned in a sneer. "Ah yes." Jim grabbed the waist of his pants to pull them up. "It seems you friend Christopher had a very limited collection of apparel to choose from in his closet. I had to make due with what was available."
"You look out of place." Clarissa cleared her throat while wiping a joyful tear from her eye.
"Well I would say, due to unforeseen circumstances, I am out of place." Jim hissed.
"Sorry about the clothes." Rebecca apologized as she set a jug of milk and orange juice on the table. "Chris is a bit bulkier. It was the smallest thing we could find to fit your string bean form." She took a seat between Clarissa and her daughter. "I hope it won't inconvenience you too much."
"Not to worry." Jim stabbed his fork into the stack of pancakes pulling them to his plate. "They shall suffice for the day."
With that settled the group dug into their breakfast. Clarissa watched as Abigail poured an obscene amount of syrup on her food. It was such a delight to be around such innocents as Abigail played with the excess liquid on her plate. Clarissa couldn't remember the last time she sat down to enjoy a real breakfast with normal people. This is what Jim had meant by missing out on the joy in the little things when one shuts themselves off from the world. She had to admit, never out loud, Jim was right. Everything felt so perfect as if there wasn't a care in the world. These little things must make it easier for normal people to get through their rough lives in the harsh world outside those doors.
Jim eyes shifted in her direction catching the subtle change in her features as a sign of content escaped her lips.
"We can raid my closet for you when we're all done eating." Rebecca comment brought Clarissa and Jim back to attention. "I think you'll fair better being closer to my size."
"Thank you." Clarissa smiled shyly.
When every bite was consumed and the plates were cleared Rebecca and Clarissa headed for the main bedroom leaving Jim behind to babysit Abigail in the living room.
"I know we'll find something in her that will be perfect for you." Rebecca swung open the closet door displaying the massive collection of clothes. She collected a few outfits handing them to Clarissa.
"You should try on this one" She threw a shirt over her shoulder. "and this and this one." Rebecca tossed them over her shoulder while Clarissa struggled to catch them all. "Oh my this color would look amazing on you." She spun around holding a purple and pink flower sun dress up to Clarissa.
Clarissa raised an eyebrow at the bright colors. "Don't you think it's a bit chilly today?" She tried to reason with her friend while Rebecca placed the dress on the bed.
"You're right, what was I thinking?" Rebecca pouted. "But it doesn't hurt to try it on. I don't wear half these outfits anyways. Chris has been bugging me to clean out my closet. So I thought, if you don't mind, you could take a few off my hands. I mean only if they fit and you like them you could just keep them or whatever."
Clarissa looked down at at the pile of clothes in her arms and back at her friend. Rebecca nervously playing with the hem of that colorful dress waiting for a response. Clarissa didn't see the point in all this. She certainly didn't need more than an outfit or two to get her through the visit. Besides she didn't want to be more of a burden to these people that had opened their home to her. It finally hit her. Little Becky only wanted to play dress up with her lost friend like a normal friendship. They had lost so many tiny experiences when she was removed from this life. Was only asking for a small piece of what was taken from them. She needed this and Clarissa was in no position to decline.
"Okay" Clarissa smiled at her friend. "Let's do this."
Clarissa's smile was met with a loud exciting shriek as Rebecca threw the dress over her head and dove back into the closet pulling out another large pile of clothes.
"You won't regret this." Rebecca tossed the clothes on the bed. "Almost none of these things have been worn more than twice." She sorted through everything in the bed. Clarissa giggled at her friend's determination. "Here we are." Rebecca threw her the first outfit, a pair of skinny jeans and a blue frilly blouse. "Let the fashion show begin." She shouted in excitement.
What should have taken five minutes was passing the hour mark as Clarissa tried on different fashions on an endless line of outfits at her friend's disposal. She didn't complain with the styles not matching her own or the bright color palette her friend seemed to fancy. Every outfit she tried on was commented with remarks of 'natural beauty', 'fits perfectly', or 'it looks better on you than it ever did on me.' Clarissa smiled the entire time as Rebecca complemented her with her own beaming personality. It was all too perfect. It was like they were just two happy teenagers playing in their room like a sleepover.
"Turn around" Rebecca jumped off the bed to help Clarissa with her dress. "I'll zip you up."
The playful scene was shattered as Clarissa realized what her friend meant to do.
"No thank you." Clarissa side stepped her friend keeping them facing each other. "I got it." She reached behind her back to close the dress and hide her little secret. But her arms could only reach the lower half of her body.
"No you don't." Rebecca stepped closer to help her friend. "I remember that dress well. It's a bitch to close."
"I said I got it." Clarissa snapped stepping away struggling to close the dress while tactically avoiding Rebecca.
After a few minutes of running around in circles Clarissa was backed into a corner and had thoroughly given up on the impossible device behind her. But Rebecca was closing in. She had to think fast. Rebecca took another step. She couldn't let her see. Clarissa frantically thought of how to get out of this situation as Rebecca placed her hands on Clarissa's shoulders motioning her to turn around.
"On second thought" Clarissa raised her hands pushing Rebecca's hands off her shoulder. "I don't like this dress." She tried to slide pass her friend calmly keeping them facing each other as she pulled the dress off her shoulders. " It's not my taste and I don't think I'll ever wear it. Taking it would just be a waste for-"
"Clarissa Marie Ripley." Clarissa froze in shock at the stern mom voice coming from her friend. "Stop your acting out and get your bum over here this instant." Rebecca pointed down at the spot in front of her.
Clarissa had no idea what came over her. Before she knew it her body was moving on its own accord walking over to Rebecca in shame. She never experienced anything like this before now. She felt like a child being scolded by a loving mother. The voice she used was scary with a hint of love.
"It works every time." Rebecca said feeling accomplished. "I don't know why you're making such a fuss." She spun Clarissa around to finish her task. Clarissa shut her eyes tight in fear. "It's not like-"
A gasp came from behind Clarissa. Her entire body tensed awaiting judgment. An eternity flew by as she stood there shivering half naked and vulnerable. A light touch traced one of the scars across her back with great care. Clarissa couldn't help but flinch expecting a painful strike.
"What on earth happened to you." Her finger never left Clarissa's skin. "All these years, who did this to you?"
Rebecca hadn't picked up on the fact that those scars were fresher than she had guessed. "I...uhh" Clarissa stuttered to by time while she searched for an explanation. "It's no big deal." Her voice was shaky as she tried to answer nonchalantly.
Clarissa kept her eyes shut wishing to disappear. She didn't want to lie to her friend. It would destroy the purist thing she ever had in her life. She had done so well in the last twenty four hours. But she couldn't tell the truth either. She couldn't tell them the monster that tortured and disfigured her was the same man she brought back with her. They would hate her forever if they knew she had let this menace into their home and sleep under the same roof as their defenseless child. She already hater herself for allowing him to get close to these people. Who's to say he wouldn't kill this family if she divulged his true identity. Her selfishness blinded her from the danger. She was the true monster here.
Clarissa opened her mouth to speak again. She wasn't sure exactly what would come out. It would either be fact or fiction as Clarissa gathered her nerve. Fact or fiction. It was too late to run now. Fact or fiction. What would she do? Fact or fiction. What could she do?
Strong arms came from behind wrapping around her in a protective hug. "Shhhh shh shh shh" Rebecca whispered in her ear as Clarissa's body tensed from the embrace. "It's okay if you don't want to tell me." Rebecca could sense the struggle within her friend being lifted as Clarissa relaxed. "It was selfish of me to ask." Clarissa fought the urge to keep them in that position as Rebecca released her from the hug. Like a needy child, all she wanted was for that motherly affection to last forever. "We've all lived separate lives" Rebecca zipped up the dress. "and we've all had to conquer different obstacles." She spun Clarissa around to look her in the face. "But you never have to go through these things alone... not anymore."
A familiar sting hit her eyes as Clarissa averted her gaze. "I'm so sorry." She sniffled as she stared at the blurry wall. "I'm sorry for all the shit you've had to put up with since I came back. It would have been better if I had just stayed lost."
Pinching Clarissa's chin with her fingers Rebecca jerked her head back to face her.
"Don't say that." Rebecca snapped. As Clarissa's vision cleared she could see her friends face. Her stern demeanor had Clarissa a little scared.. Rebecca looked angry. More than just a little angry, her friend was raging mad. "Don't you ever say something that despicable to me ever again."
Clarissa stared at her friend in shock. All the hurt she caused, how would the alternative be any worse? She looked into Rebecca's eyes to catch a glimpse of a tear her friend was holding back.
"Your presence her, the mere fact that you're standing here in front of me, is and always will be a gift." Rebecca fought to keep her composure as she spoke. "I will not accept it as anything less than that."
Clarissa nodded silently as the two calmed down. She had been engulfed in fear this entire time. Scared of being a burden. Scared of not living up to their expectations. She finally understood they weren't asking anything of her other than to be there. Clarissa smiled as she let the shame wash away.
"Now than" Rebecca cleared her throat as she rubbed her eyes. "I think that's enough shopping for the day." They both giggled to ease the tension. "Why don't you clean up and then we can take a tour of the city." Rebecca beaming personality came back to life as she smiled at Clarissa.
Clarissa changed back into her dirty clothes and head to the bathroom where a towel and the essentials were set out for her. She quickly washing in excitement to continue the rest of the day. Rebecca had the whole afternoon planned out. They were all going to visit some of the new sites that had been built and some old stomping grounds. It would be a nice relaxing day with nothing to worry about while they waited for the rest of the old pose to get into town.
Clarissa turned her head sharply as a knock came from the door. "Almost done." Clarissa called out as she heard the door open. "Be out in a minute." She stared at the white shower curtain trying to decipher who had walked in unannounced. Jim wouldn't dare play games right now, in this house, where anyone could catch him.
"Clarissa?" Rebecca's voice came from behind the curtain. Clarissa sighed in relief. "Chris called from the bakery with a bit of a problem."
"Okay?" Was the only answer Clarissa gave while she listened.
"Well I have to run down there for a bit and I was wondering..." Rebecca hesitated.
"What is it?" Clarissa asked only wanting to get back to her shower.
"Would you mind watching Abby while I'm gone?" Only the sound of running water could as Clarissa stood there immobilized. "It would only be for a little while and I'll be back as soon as possible."
Clarissa was shocked into silence. She didn't know what to say. She never had to babysit before now. She never had to look after anyone for an extended period of time, let alone a child. What if she screwed up?
"I know I'm putting you on the spot" Rebecca continued worried she hadn't gotten a response. "and you don't have to-"
"I'll do it." Clarissa stuck her head out of the shower to answer. "I can do it. No trouble at all."
"Great" Rebecca sounded relieved. "It won't take long. You won't even realize I'm gone. It anything happens just call. I left my number with Jim." Rebecca shut the door behind her.
Clarissa continued her shower. Jim. The name screamed in her head. She left Abby alone with Jim. "Shit" Clarissa cursed as she jumped out of the shower.
She ran down the hall barely taking the time to wrapper herself. Sliding to a stop, almost falling flat on her back, she scanned the living room. Her mouth dropped at the sight she saw. Sitting on the couch Jim was giving his full attention to the little girl who was sitting right next to him reading out loud from a book. He had an enchanted smile as Abigail raised the book to show him the picture. He didn't look annoyed or bored by the girl's presence at all. He only sat there quietly with no hint of an ulterior motive as he listened to the story. Clarissa almost forgot how dangerous this man truly is as she watched them. Finally sensing her at the entrance Jim lifted his head giving her the same delightful smile. Clarissa stepped back to reality at his acknowledgment.
"Did Rebecca leave?" She asked suspiciously.
"She just left a moment ago." Jim announced a little confused. "Didn't she mention needing to step out for a minute?"
Clarissa ignored his question as she looked over at her objective. "Abby dear," Abigail looked over to her. "Why don't you go to your room while I get dressed?"
"But I want to stay." The girl pouted. "Mommy said I could read if I was good."
"Yes...but...ummm" Clarissa couldn't think of an excuse good enough to pry the small child away from the charming monster.
"She did say that." Jim confirmed Abigail's argument.
Abigail had grown quite attached to him in such a short time. Jim didn't seemed to mind, on the contrary, he looked as if he was enjoying the company. But Clarissa wasn't comfortable enough to leave the two alone.
'How to separate the two.' Clarissa contemplated as she clung to the towel while a small puddle gather at her feet. 'I know...'
"Let's make a deal." Both Abigail and Jim raised an eyebrow in curiosity at Clarissa's statement. "You help me get ready and if you do a very good job you can pick the first place we visit when your mom gets back."
"Anywhere?" Abigail's face lit up in excitement.
"Anywhere." Clarissa agreed to the terms.
Abigail instantly shot out of her seat next to Jim and ran pass Clarissa down to hall. Clarissa grinned in satisfaction as the child disappeared into the guestroom. She turned back to look at Jim who had the same grin on his face.
"I know what you're trying to do." He set the discarded book on the table while staring at her.
"I don't have the faintest idea of what you are talking about." Clarissa held her head up high with confidence.
"You don't like the idea of allowing someone like me to be around such innocence." Jim stood to address her.
"Why on earth would I think that?" Clarissa stood her ground.
"You think I corrupt everything I touch." He crossed over the room while talking.
"Now what could possibly make me suspect such a thing?" She hissed sarcastically daring him to confirm her reasoning.
"But your wrong." Jim stopped inches away from her standing toe to toe. "You couldn't be more incorrect. Her innocence is the perfect weapon against the likes of me." Clarissa blinked in confusion. "It's easy to lie to a child. But they are the hardest people to trick. They can see right through the barriers adults put up against other adults. They crack the armor we surround ourselves in. Only using their innocence and honesty they are the best tricksters." Jim brushed a strand of wet hair off Clarissa's shoulder. His finger trailed down her wet bare arm. "I wonder Miss Ripley, Auntie Clarissa," He chuckled. "What that pure innocence will see in you."
Clarissa froze, not from his faint touch but from the weight of his words. He was right. Abigail hadn't only gotten close to Jim. She was also planted in Clarissa's heart. In such a short time Clarissa had taken the risk of going out of her way to protect someone she had only met and might never see again. The child already had power over her. A power Clarissa couldn't logically explain. Abigail's innocence had made her so nonthreatening Clarissa didn't realize the consequences of her actions. Abigail now relied on and expected certain things from this stranger she considered apart of the family. What would happen when this innocent child would get let down by Clarissa's true nature?
"I-" Clarissa was at a lose for words. It was too late for that now. "I-"
Clarissa was pulled from her thought and her position as a small hand wrapped around her's dragging her down the hall.
"Come on." Abigail chirped as she lead the way to the guest room.
All Clarissa could go was follow the adorable child as they went deeper down the this unknown path. Glancing behind her should Clarissa could see Jim waving them farewell with that sadistic grin.
"Bastard." She whispered under her breath as the door shut behind them.
There was no turning back. Abigail held out a dress, the same pink and purple that Clarissa and Rebecca fought about earlier that day.
"This one. This one." Abigail chirped in excitement. "It's pretty."
Clarissa instantly made a distasteful face at the sight of the child's choice. Quickly she removed the look and returned to her natural face. But it wasn't fast enough for Abigail not to catch. Her smile dropped to a frown and eyes widen in rejection.
"You don't like?" The child asked in a hurtful tone.
'Nice job jerk.' Clarissa cursed herself for already letting the child down in less than five minutes.
"No no no" Clarissa took the dress from the tiny hands holding it up to her body. "It's a beautiful dress." She smiled sincerely. "But don't you think it's a little cold outside?" She asked trying to sway the girl in the right direction. Abigail only looked down at her own outfit. A pink and purple flower pattern dress with black leggings. "Oh" Clarissa dropped her head.
'She wants us to match.' Clarissa took a couple steps closer and got on her knees in front of the girl. "It's a very pretty dress" She comforted the child. "and these" She pinched the stretchy material at Abigail's ankle letting it snap back into place. "will keep you nice and warm. But I didn't pack a pair for this trip. Maybe next time."
Abigail ran pass Clarissa without a word slamming the door behind her. Clarissa hung her head in shame as she sighed alone in the room.
'It will be fine.' Clarissa took a minute to collect herself. 'She'll get over it.' She picked out a pair of jeans and a long sleeve blue shirt. 'She probably won't even remember by the time I leave and everything will go back to normal.'
Just as Clarissa was tossing the shirt over her head the door swung open. Clarissa peeked her head through the hole to see Abigail standing in front of her with a pair of adult black leggings in her hands.
'Persistent little thing.' Clarissa pulled the shirt off. She confirmed Abigail had raided her mother's dresser to acquire the item. Shaking her head Clarissa took the leggings from the adorable girl. She quickly pulled them up over her legs and tossed on the dress making sure to only unzip it as little as possible.
"Do you like it." Abigail asked in glee.
Clarissa spun in a circle to give the child a good view. "I love it." She smiled at her.
"Goodie" Before she knew it Abigail was pulling her back out of the room and down the hall. "Uncle Jim Uncle Jim" Clarissa flinched at the title Abigail had given him. "How do we look?" She spun around in a circle holding Clarissa's hand to show off her outfit.
Jim was beaming with a bright smile as he observed the spectacle. "Absolutely beautiful." Jim affirmed. "If I didn't know any better I'd say you two were twins." Abigail squeaked squeezing Clarissa's hand in joy. Clarissa scrunched her nose in discomfort at his obvious teasing. "Now than where are we going all dressed up?"
"First off we are going to wait here for Abby's mother to return. Then-" Clarissa was cut off.
"But you said I get to pick the first place." Abigail abruptly interrupted.
"Yes I did, after your mother gets home." Clarissa explained. "I don't think she's appreciate us leaving her behind on such a journey."
Abigail mouth snapped shut. She stomped over to the couch and sunk into the cushion as she pouted. Clarissa pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed in frustration. It had only been about thirty minutes and she was already the worst babysitter in the world. Jim looked at her with what could only be described as concern for her predicament.
"I have an idea." Jim turned to face the sulking little girl. "How about we play a game?" He pulled out a deck of cards in a drawer from the end table. "Do you know how to play rummy?"
"No" Abigail sat up straight. "I know how to play goldfish."
"Oh." Jim shuffled the deck. "That will have to suffice for now." He began dealing the cards out for three players. "Care to join us?"
Both Jim and Abigail looked over at Clarissa who was still at the doorway. Clarissa stared there at the two in 'aaaa'. How was it that such a man had the ability to do these things. One minute Abigail was having a fit and the next she was perfectly happy sitting with Jim. She had completely forgotten about her upset state or even why she was mad in the first place. Clarissa shook away such thoughts and took her place on the floor across the table from them. Almost two hours went by as the played card games. During that time Jim took the opportunity to teach Abigail a couple new games. Abigail really enjoyed kings corners the most as Clarissa watched the two of them whisper to each other while breaking out into fits of giggles. It was the most ordinary thing she had ever seen Jim take part in since their first meeting over a month ago. Clarissa began to relax as they continued their game.
A buzzing sound caught Clarissa's attention in the middle of one of their close matches. Jim nonchalantly pulled out his phone to read a text and just as casually began typing a response before setting it down on the table.
"Work stuff?" Clarissa asked suspiciously.
"Not at all." Jim responded as the screen to his phone lit up and began buzzing again. He read it quickly before putting the device and his cards back on the table. "It seems your mother hit another snag at work. She wants us to start without her. She said she will meet up with us as soon as it is convenient." He explained with his normal professional tone as if he was conducting a business discussion.
"Yay" Abigail jumped up throwing the cards in the air. "That mean we can go now."
"We can go once you clean up the mess you just made." Jim pointed at the floor. Abigail and Clarissa both looked around at all the cards covering the carpet. Without even a peep of protest the girl scurried around the living room picking up every last card stacking them in a pile in the center of the table. She looked up at Jim for approval. With a nod of satisfaction from Jim she was at the door tying on her shoes. Clarissa started to rise when Jim offered her a hand. She took it institutionally and rubbed her sore bum.
"Well this will be fun, don't you think? You me and a child running around town together." Jim smiled. "One big happy family."
"We are nothing close to a family." Clarissa roller her eyes at the bold statement. "She is not your daughter and I am definitely not your sweetheart." She hissed as Abigail walked outside to wait for them. "Stop pretending you're something that you're not." Clarissa walked out the house leaving Jim there in the middle of the room.
It wasn't as cold as Clarissa expected. The temperature was at a comfortable degree with the dress and leggings. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the sun warmed her bare skin. She walked over to Abigail who was running around in circles jabbering in excitement.
"Sooo where to first?" Jim joined them in the yard.
"Come on" Abigail grabbed both Jim and Clarissa's hand dragging them deeper into the neighborhood without clearly answering the question. Neither one complained as they followed the child's lead to the dead end of the street.
"There" Abigail pointed into the thick gathering of trees. "I want to go in there."
It was the same woods Clarissa would play in as a child. It only made sense that all the kids in the neighborhood would find this place just as magical as she did once. Jim chuckled in realization that this was the woods from Clarissa's stories.
"Let's go." Abigail sprinted into the woods leaving the two behind. Both adults took action running in after her. Once they were deep inside the three leisurely strolled around not knowing exactly where they were going.
"This is where I have adventures with my friends." Abigail boasted. "We play hide and seek and do all sorts of other fun things."
Clarissa listened as she looked around the area. She imagined being in little Abby's tiny shoes as she ran around like a wild animal Clarissa use to be.
"It's the most special place in the world." Abigail boldly claimed. Clarissa couldn't agree more.
All three stopped in their tracks as they reached a tiny stream. Clarissa could have sworn this meager body of water was much bigger back in the day. She remember making a spectacle of herself crossing such an obstacle.
Wasting no time Jim leaped over the stream with ease. He grinned triumphantly as he playfully showed off. Clarissa glanced over at Abigail who was staring at Jim like he was some sort of hero that had just defeated the monstrous water tyrant. That wouldn't do one bit. She grabbed Abigail's hand guiding her to take a few steps back. She wouldn't allow this child to look up to such a person with such admiration. Abigail stared at the unconquered hurdle and back at Clarissa nervously. Clarissa would show this girl that they had the same, maybe even more, strength inside of them. She squeezed Abigail's hand to reassure her they can and will do this together. They ran forward jumping at the same time. For a moment they were flying before landing on the other side.
"We did it." Abigail ran around the tree trunks cheering. "Yeah!"
"Yeah" Clarissa fell to her knees exhausted by their small, yet intense, victory. "We did it."
She watched as Abigail celebrated their little victory. She did it. She showed the girl there was no feat they couldn't accomplish. All they had to do was try. With a smile on his face Jim stepped beside Clarissa lending her a hand up. He wasn't mad or even disappointed at her little act of defiance. If anything he looked proud of her.
"So what's next?" Both turned to Abigail. She was standing there waiting for their next big adventure.
"I don't know." Jim shrugged. "This is your show. What do you want to do?"
Abigail scratched her head contemplating their next move. "Let's play hide and seek." She chirped.
"I'm not so sure it's a good idea to separate." Clarissa looked around the thick woods. "What if one of us gets lost?"
She was more concerned about taking her eye off her friend's child. There was no telling what kind of trouble they could get into out here.
"I think it's a splendid idea." Jim voiced his opinion. "Don't worry so much." He nudged Clarissa playfully.
"Fine" Clarissa agreed without argument. "I that came you're it."
In a flash Clarissa had Abigail by the hand and was running deeper into the forest. In the distance they could hear Jim counting as they sprinted away.
"Please" Abigail whined as she was dragged behind Clarissa. "Slow down."
"You have to keep going." Clarissa called out looking straight ahead. "Have to keep running. You don't want the big bad wolf to catch you in such a defenseless state, now do you?"
"Huh?" Abigail was confused. Weren't they only playing a game.
Clarissa never responded as the ran. She didn't even feel their grip loosen as Abigail's tiny fingers slipped out of her hand. The only thing Clarissa could hear was the sound of leaves crunching under her feet and heavy breathing from her lungs. She was blissfully happy. All was forgotten and left behind as she looked onward into the familiar but unknown. There was nothing to think about, nothing to consider, and nothing to worry about as her body ran on instinct. Nothing was holding her back.
A shrilling scream pierced Clarissa's eardrums yanking her out of paradise. She skidded to a full stop looking around at her surroundings. There was no one to be seen. She was completely alone. Another scream came from the distance. A small high pitch scream that could have only came from a child. It had to be Abigail. The little girl was in trouble. Clarissa took off in the direction of the sound with all her speed. Horrible thoughts ran through her mind as she closed the gap.
'Never should have taken my eye off her. Not even for a second.' Clarissa cursed herself for her moment of selfishness. 'What if she was pain? Abby was hurt and it was all my fault.'
The sound of Abigail's voice was getting closer as Clarissa continued to run. She jumped into a clearing knowing Abigail was right behind it. All nerves were in edge as she surveyed the area prepared for anything...well almost everything.
Clarissa rubbed her eyes vigorously to get the image straight. There, right in front of her, Jim was spinning Abigail around in circles while he lifted her off the ground with his hands under her arms. Her feet were flying free as her dress blew in the wind. The pleading screams Clarissa thought she heard were actually joyful cries of laughter as she saw Abigail's gleeful face. Clarissa had misunderstood the situation entirely. Clarissa leaned against a near by tree trunk to watch like a casual bystander.
'They truly seemed to be enjoying themselves.' Clarissa told herself. 'Both of them.'
Clarissa observed Jim as he smiled and laughed in a tone she had never heard before. He didn't like the big bad wolf Clarissa saw him as or the sly fox he portrayed while conducting business. He was just an ordinary man playing with a sweet innocent child. He was happy.
Once the spinning slowed and the excitement tapered off Clarissa thought it best to announce her presence. With a loud clearing of the throat they both looked over to her still giggling as Jim placed Abigail on her feet.
"He found me." Abigail yelled as she ran out of Jim's hands to Clarissa. She hugged Clarissa's hip as Clarissa pushed off the tree.
"I can see that." Clarissa chuckled at the child's delight in their little game.
"But he didn't catch you." Abigail let go of Clarissa's body ans she took a step back to look up.
"Nah" Clarissa knelt in front of her. "Guess I'm just too fast for him." She bopped the tip of Abigail's nose. "I don't think he could ever catch me." Clarissa smiled as she lifted the Child up into her arms walking over th where Jim was standing. "So what's the plan now?" She asked Jim.
"My plan went out the window the minute we agreed to stay another day." Jim answered honestly.
Abigail got heavier as she relaxed in Clarissa's hold. She laid her head on Clarissa's shoulder yawning as she closed her eyes slowing falling asleep from exhaustion of the day's activities. Clarissa peeked over as Abigail's tired eyes. Struggled to stay open.
"I think it's about time we head back." Clarissa adjusted the small child in her arms. "It's probably her nap time."
"Do children her age still have a nap time?" Jim teased.
"I have absolutely no clue." Clarissa chuckled at their shared lack of knowledge.
They headed out of the forest of her childhood and back to the house where Clarissa laid Abigail on her bead to sleep. She sat on the couch next to Jim and turned on the television to watch nothing in particular while they waited for Rebecca to return.
"So that was interesting." Jim broke the comfortable silence.
"Yep" Clarissa agreed. "I'd say it was a real eye opener."
"What do you mean by that?" Jim's head rolled to look at her.
"Oh nothing." Clarissa decided to keep her new found knowledge about Jim all to herself for the time being. The whole day was filled with one awkward occurrence after another.
When Rebecca finally got home they all drove around town to sight see. They went to their old school, a couple candy shops, and a couple of new places she wanted to show Clarissa. Half the places had changed dramatically while others looked as if there were frozen in time untouched by the city's progress plan.
Night was about to come when they got back to the house. Clarissa sat on the couch utterly exhausted by the day's events. But she had to admit it was fun. For once it didn't feel like she was going through the motions of everyday life. It was exciting to relive a couple of good memories and seeing that these things didn't disappear with her when she left. Clarissa sat up as the front door opened. Chris came in talking on his cellphone as he made his way down the hall and out of her sight.
"He's been on that damn thing all day." Rebecca collapsed next to her on the couch. "It's like he's on some kind of mission or something."
"What has he been doing?" Clarissa was a little concerned by Chris' concentration.
"Just making sure everything goes smoothly for tonight." Rebecca explained. "But it sounds like it's all going according to plan."
Both women turned when Chris came back into the living room. "Well I'm off." Chris headed for the front door. "But I'll be back soon."
"But you just got here." Rebecca sprang off the couch wrapping her arms around her husband. "Where are you off to now?"
"I need to get firewood for the pit tonight." Chris pried her wife off him. "Gonna go down to the woods and collect some logs. It should only take thirty minutes or so."
"Why don't you ask Jim to tag along? " Rebecca threw out the idea. "It will be faster with an extra pair of hands to help."
Chris and Clarissa glanced weary at each other. It wasn't a secret Jim and Chris hadn't quite been getting along since their little spat at dinner. Clarissa didn't think it was a good idea to leave the two alone together in such an isolated place.
"I wouldn't want to waste his precious time." Chris spat. "Besides he doesn't seem to be the type of person who would want to roll up his sleeves and do some hard labor."
Clarissa nodded in agreement. There was no way he-
"I'd love to help out" Everyone turned to see Jim standing in the living room entrance. "Your wife it right. It will take far less time with two people on the job."
Clarissa opened her mouth to intervene. There was no way she was letting this mad man anywhere near her childhood friend especially if there were sharp objects involved.
"Right then." Chris was the first to speak. "There should be an extra axe in the garage."
Both men headed out the door leaving Clarissa there baffled. 'What the fuck just happened?' Clarissa began to follow them planning on offering her help as well. 'If two people would make the work go twice as fast than three people would make it a breeze.' There was no flaw in her logic.
"Oh no you don't." Rebecca caught Clarissa by the arm pulling her to the kitchen. "You're not leaving me to do the rest of the preparations by myself."
Clarissa could hear the truck starting. They were getting away. Maybe if she ran for it she could catch them before they walked into the forest.
"Besides the need a little male bonding time." Clarissa blinked at Rebecca's reasoning distracting her from her objective. "Between you and me I don't think Chris approves of your taste in men."
Clarissa couldn't help but snort at her friend's comment. Her choice in this man wasn't exactly a choice.
"But this will be good for them." Rebecca started collecting dishes from the cabinets. "Men have to do macho things if they are going to talk about their feelings. This way they can clear the air and get a few things off their chests. Who knows, maybe they'll come back best friends. Trust me on this."
Clarissa rolled her eyes. There was no way things were going to play out the way Rebecca imagined. But it was to late now. They were probably already too deep in the woods to find. She was stuck here forced to take her friend's advice. Half an hour, thirty minutes, one thousand eight hundred seconds, Clarissa felt that time drag on as they set up the site for the bonfire. Walking back and forth to the house to get supplies she kept her eye on the road waiting for the men to return. She prayed it would be both to come back unharmed. She didn't expect Jim to do anything rash in her hometown. But that didn't mean he wouldn't try. Accidents happen when on on is around to witness.
Finally Clarissa could hear the loud engine of Chris' beat up pickup truck. She dropped everything on the picnic table and sprinted back to the house.
'He's okay. He's safe. He's alive.' She tried to reassure herself as she saw the truck pull into the drive way.
From the driver's side Jim climbed out of the truck. Where was Chris? There was no reason for Jim to be driving the truck. It was a bad sign. What did that monster do with the body? Clarissa ran faster ready to pounce on Jim. She was prepared to do whatever it took to get the truth out of him.
Her eyes shifted as the passenger door opened. Chris stepped out, with his back to her, looking completely unharmed. As he turned around, neither understood what took her over, Clarissa was leaping into his arms wrapping herself around his body squeezing him as if his life depended on it.
"Your safe." The words escaped her life before she could think.
"Of course I am." Chris laughed in confusion as he embraced his friend matching her intensity. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Clarissa didn't pay attention to her surroundings as she stayed in that position. She didn't want to let go for fear that her mind was playing tricks on her.
"Clarissa?" She was staring into those lightening blue eyes filled with life and something else she couldn't quite pinpoint. "Are you with us?" He gave her a little shake. "Are you alright?"
Was it concern? Why was he looking at her like that? He was the one who nearly escaped certain death. So why was he concerned for her?
Clarissa's head snapped to the side at the sound of someone clearing their throat. Jim stood there next to the bed of the truck. His body stiff, hands as his side clenched into fists, and eyes pitch black with rage glaring at the couple. Clarissa instantly released her friend taking a step back to give them some distance.
'So fucking reckless.' Clarissa kept her gaze on the pebbles under her feet refusing to make eye contact with either man. She had forgotten Jim was still there. 'He saw...he saw...everything.'
She was careless and let him see a vulnerable side of her. A side he would easily use to get something he wants at a later time.
"This wood isn't going to move itself." Chris uncomfortably shifted around Clarissa, who was still staring at the ground, and Jim, who didn't move his gaze away from her.
He gathered up a pile of logs and headed to the fire pit without another word. Clarissa prepared herself for the backlash. But she wasn't sure exactly what to expect. Would he make some snide comment about her random show affection or would he just laugh at her pathetic display? Either way she was ready for it.
Forcefully Jim snatched Clarissa by the wrist and dragged her to the back of the truck. She held her breath waiting for him to speak. But nothing was said. Glancing up she looked at the man standing in front of her. His breathing was erratic as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He wasn't even looking at her. His head slightly nodded as his eyes darted side to side in deep thought. It was as if he was struggling with some difficult mathematic equation in his head. Letting go of her wrist Jim ran his fingers through his hair while taking in a long breath to calm himself. Grabbing the back of his head he stared up into the burning sky or read and orange as the sun set in the distance. Releasing the air from his lungs Jim's entire body relaxed head to toe. His shoulders slouched and head hung down in defeat. In defeat of what Clarissa had no idea.
Jim turned away from her and picked up a couple of logs. He shoved the wood into Clarissa's arms. She immediately took the logs shifting them to redistribute the weight. Jim stacked a few more logs in her waiting arms and grabbed a pile for himself before walking away. Clarissa followed behind him too scared to make a noise. They dropped the wood to make a neat pile next to the pit and headed back to the truck. They followed the same routine of silence as Jim handed her the wood, gathered a stack for himself, and walked one behind the other to the fire pit.
It was driving her insane. His silence was killing her inside. Where was the hurtful words or laughter at her expense? Jim knelt down to stack his logs in a neat pile on the ground and straightened up to walk away.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Clarissa yelled throwing her hands up letting the wood fall all over the ground.
Jim stopped walking and turned to face her. He trekked over to her only to crouch and pick up the discarded log.
"Don't you want to analyze that happened" She towered over him as he cleaned up her mess. "or make some snippy comment?" Jim remained silent as he picked up the last log which only infuriated her more. "God damn it say something." Clarissa screamed. She shoved Jim forcing him to fall back. The wood dropped back to the ground as Jim used his hands to catch himself. He leaned back on his hands to look up at her.
"What do you want me to say?" His voice was monotone and empty. Clarissa expected the same rage as before when she looked into her eyes. But the only thing she saw was sadness. Jim pushed himself up to his feet brushing the dirt from his pants. "What exactly would you like me to say?" Clarissa took a step back as Jim stepped forward. She didn't know what to expect. "Would you like me to admit I couldn't help you?" Clarissa kept a safe distance as Jim advanced on her. "That you've made more progress here in the last twenty four hours than you ever could have made with me even if I had an entire lifetime." Jim grabbed her by the wrist as she tried to maneuver away pulling her closer to him. ""Want me to admit that even though I love you I am completely useless to you? He tangled his fingers in the hair at the side of her head pulling her face up to look at him. "Is that what you want to hear?"
Clarissa was ready for a fight. She thought she was ready for a confrontation. But she wasn't ready for this. In Jim's face, at the corner of his eye, tears were forming. He was upset... to the point of tears. Her tough exterior melted as the first tear slid down his cheek.
"You said you wanted to help." Her tone was soft like she was talking to a child. "You said all of this was for me."
"I thought we would make the journey together." Jim released her turning his head away in shame. "I didn't expect you to leave me behind."
Clarissa brought her hands up to cup his cheeks pulling him back to look at her. "You did a good thing for me." She wiped the tears away with her thumbs. "You made all of this possible. Nobody has ever gone to such lengths for me. I will never forget that."
"So I guess we're done here." Jim brought Clarissa's hands to his lips placing a gentle kiss on each palms. "I'll be taking my leave now." He dropped her hands and stepped back to walk away. "Have fun tonight."He turned around to head for the house. "A plane will be waiting to take you home. All your possessions will be in your apartment when you get back to the city."
Clarissa stood there frozen staring at the back of Jim's head as he slowly walked away. Jim was letting her go. She was free. Free to go where ever and do whatever she wanted. She knew exactly what would be her first decision with her new freedom. Clarissa was going to spend her first night of freedom around a fire with her childhood friends. She was going to reconnect with lost friends from her past and be happy. Lost friends that were all coming together from the combined efforts of Chris... and Jim. Jim, all of this was thanks to him. None of this would have ever come around without his meddling and prying into her life. Clarissa had more than she could ever dream for and Jim was leaving empty handed. Something about that didn't sit right with her. There was no doubt in her mind that he was a horrible person. He had done Horrific things to her physically and mentally. But in his own fucked up way he had helped her. He was the cause of all of this.
With her first act of freedom Clarissa ran to catch up with Jim.
"Wait" She shouted as she blocked his path. "Just hold on here a minute." Placing her hands on Jim's shoulders she panted to catch her breath. It wasn't the short run that had her out of breath. It was what she was about to offer that had her hesitating. "Why don't you stick around for the night?"
"Whatever for?" Jim Scrunched his nose in distaste. "What reason would I have to stay here and hang around complete strangers?"
"Because- Because I want you to stay?" Her answer was more in a form of a question to test the waters. "You deserve to have a little fun. This would be the ideal place to let loose and relax a little. They're all very friendly people. They won't be suspicious or ask any intrusive questions. Rebecca had to of told them about you. We'll say you're with me and they will accept you with open arms."
Clarissa tried to convince him. She thought her offer would be good for him to see ordinary people finding joy in the little things. She thought that this more reasonable Jim wouldn't refuse her. But his stare said differently. His cold emotionless features were telling her that she had no power over the situation and he was going to leave.
"Besides" Clarissa added. "Chris and Rebecca know we came together. You leaving now, without any explanation, will only bring up more questions. What am I suppose to say? If they ask I have no way of answering them honestly. You wouldn't force me to lie to my dearest friends, now would you?"
She had him now. He wouldn't let her throw away all the hard work they put in on something so trivial. Not if he could help it.
"Fine I'll stay." Jim sighed in defeat. "But only for the festivities." He added the amendment. "Once the party dies down I am on the next flight out of here."
Clarissa nodded in agreement. She thought it best not to push her luck on the matter. Jim pushed pass her irritated as all hell that she was able to manipulate him in such a way. Clarissa glanced over her shoulder to watch him walk away.
'His temper will cool down by the time everyone gets here.' She reassured herself. 'He'll come to realize this is for his own good.'
Time flew while the rest of the preparations were getting the finishing touches. The sun was gone and the fire was blazing as the guests began to arrive. Rebecca was the first to jump off of her log dragging Clarissa by the arm to greet everyone.
The first out of the car was Adri. Opening her mocha arms wide she braced herself for Rebecca's on coming hug. Rebecca ran straight into Adri's waiting arms and squeezed tight.
"Nice to see you too." Adri gasped from the pressure.
Clarissa stood there nervously twiddling her fingers behind her back waiting for the introduction. They two women separated still holding each other's arms. Adri was the first to glance in Clarissa's direction.
"Adri this is-" Rebecca was cut off by Adri's movement.
"I know who this is you twit." Adri stepped around Rebecca to stand in front of Clarissa. "Come over here." She pulled Clarissa into a hug. "It's so good to see you again."
Clarissa had to remind herself to breath. She had to tell her body to relax. 'This it what normal people do.' She lifted her arms wrapping them around Adri to reciprocate the hug. 'This is normal.' Their hug lasted much longer than that of Rebecca and Adri's. Finally when they pulled away Adri got a good look at her. She studied Clarissa's face as if she was memorizing every detail. Clarissa tried to control herself from squirming uncomfortably. It was all too overwhelming.
A car door slammed behind them cause Adri to turn her head away. A plain looking woman in a pink plaid shirt walked around from the other side of the car smiling at the two.
"How rude of me." Adri stepped to the side to make the introduction. "Dani this is Clarissa. Clairssa this is my partner Dani."
"Nice to meet you." Dani held her hand out for Clarissa to shake. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Same here" Clarissa took the the extended hand. Dani gave her a confused look."Rebecca was catching me up on a few things. You came up in conversation."
"All good things I hope." the smile came back to Dani's face.
"Nothing but good things." Clarissa confirmed.
"If you want you can all head over to the fire." Rebecca instructed. "It's nice and toasty over there. Food and booze is all set up so feel free to help yourself."
Adri nodded wrapping her arm around Dani's shoulder to escort her. She gave Clarissa a playful wink as they took their leave. Before Clarissa could relax another car pulled up. A young lad was the first to jump out of the moving car.
"Aunt Becky" The boy ran up hugging Rebecca at the waist. "We're here."
"I can see that." Rebecca giggled wrapping her arms around the boy's head placing a kiss on his hair.
"Kim David Wilkins" A stern woman's voice yelled out. "What have we talked about?" A steaming mad woman stomped over and yanked the boy out of Rebecca's hold. She crouched down to look the boy in the eye. "You can't go jumping out of cars when they're still moving. You could get hurt and there where would you be?"
"I'd be hurt." The boy made a smart remark infuriating his mother even more.
She was red in the face. "If you think-"
"Relax honey." A man came up behind her. "Everything is fine."
"This time." The woman woman straightened up turning to her husband. "But what about next time David?"
"There won't be a next time. Will there?" David glanced at their child. Kim nodded in shame.
"David, Jen, nice to see you again." Rebecca greeted them both with a peck on the cheek. "Seems like you two are enjoying the preteen years."
"Yeah" Jen sighed. "It's been this whole ordeal of reckless behavior and back sass." She was obviously exhausted. "This one here is completely useless." She gave David a playful nudge. "All he does is shrug and say boys will be boys."
"He'll grow out of it." David shrugged. He grabbed his son from behind pulling him close as Kim fought against it. "He needs to make the mistakes to learn from it."
"Another famous David Wilkins life lesson." Jen shook her head shuckling.
All three adults laughed as Clarissa stood there uncomfortably. She felt out of place. It was like a stranger looking in all over again. The laughter died down and all attention turned to the odd man out. With all eyes on her Clarissa awkwardly smiled and waved.
"Clarissa you remember Jen and David right?" Rebecca broke the awkward silence.
"Right" Clarissa extended her hand to Jen first. "How are you?"
"I-um-I" Jen stuttered as she stared at Clarissa.
Her shaky hand timidly took ahold of Clarissa's hand. All frustration and anger was dissolved as the connection was made. This was why they were all here. They all gathered together to see if it was true. Clarissa Ripley was back from the dead.
"We've been great." David helped his wife picking up her part of conversation. He shook Clarissa's hand firmly. "Very busy as you can see." He seemed unfazed by the situation. The complete opposite of his wife. She thought they were the perfect match. "This little trouble maker is Kim" David pulled his son's head back by the hair. "Say hello to the nice lady."
"Hi" Kim said shyly.
"Hiya." Clarissa greeted the child as warmly as she could.
Kim ran out of his father's hold toward the rest of the group next to the fire.
"Slow down." Jen left them standing there as she trailed after her son.
"Sorry about that." David apologized for his family. "He's going through a phase right now."
"Boys will be boys." Clarissa shrugged mimicking David.
"He'll come around. Jen will too. Give it time." David smiled at Clarissa. "Honestly we were all very surprised when we got Chris' call. I don't think she's been able to process everything quite yet."
"That makes two of us." Clarissa could relate. "Everything happened so fast. At first we were only here to get a look at the old house. All of a sudden I'm seeing familiar faces and having some big reunion. It can all be a bit overwhelming."
"Yeah" David agreed."But it's all worth it. I can speak for my wife when I say it's good to see you."
"Same here." Clarissa smiled.
"Well I should go join everybody over there." David walked away.
"There's hot dogs and cold beer." Rebecca called out. "I also bought supplies for s'mores later."
The two women stood there alone. Clarissa took a deep breath to collect herself.
"How ya doin'?" Rebecca nudged Clarissa. There was the same motherly concern Clarissa had grown accustom. "Ya feeling all right?"
"Yeah I'm good." Clarissa gave her a weary smile. "It just everyone is here because of me. It's a lot of pressure."
"Don't worry about them." Rebecca wrapped her arm around Clarissa's shoulder. "Take care of yourself first. If you need some time to yourself than take it. We will all understand. Yes this night is a reunion. But it's also about having fun. Try to remember that."
"Thanks" Clarissa hugged her with one arm.
Before they could head back to the group another car pulled up behind them. It gave a loud obnoxious honk causing both women to jump.
"Becky" A man with sunglasses jumped out of the car speed walking up to them. "It's been ages."
"Lucas" Rebecca gave him a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. "Fashionably late and making an entrance. I see things haven't changed much."
"Yeah you know how it is." The separated laughing at each other. Lucas pulled off his glasses and turned to Clarissa with a big grin. "And this must be the guest of honor."
Clarissa extended her hand. Lucas Immediately took it pulling her in close for a hug. She wasn't particularly thrilled by the physical contact nor was she thrilled when Lucas planted a big kiss on her cheek.
"You my dear have been the big topic of a lot of discussions over the last twenty four hours." He let her go.
Clarissa became very defensive as they took a step back.
"What do you mean?" Rebecca asked the question on the tip of Clarissa's tongue.
"Well right after I got the call my cell has been buzzing off the hook." Lucas elaborated. "Jen and Adri both called me multiple time with question like I had any more knowledge than the rest of them. Asking shit like 'where has she been?', 'What's she doing there?' and 'Why now?' The only thing I said was get your ass into town and ask her yourself. Women can be such busy bodies."
"Still single?" Rebecca asked sarcastically not liking his last comment.
No one had noticed that Clarissa was feeling a little hurt by Lucas' conversation. She didn't come here with some master plan or ulterior motive. All of this was by accident. She had no other answers for them.
"Anyways" Lucas rested his arms on Rebecca's and Clarissa's shoulders. "Can't keep the fans waiting." He started walking forward dragging the women with him. "Lets get this party started." He shouted and the rest of the group cheered.
The rest of the night went rather smoothly. Clarissa's anxiety died down as the alcohol entered her blood stream. Everyone was laughing and talking as they ate around the fire. They all took turns talking to her taking care not to ask personal questions and then all taking together as if nothing had changed. It was all going perfectly. Rebecca introduced Jim as Clarissa's boyfriend so she wasn't hassled with any questions about him. She looked around the fire drinking bottle after bottle as the hours passed. It was all so casual and happy.
"You're not doing it right." Clarissa turner her head to see Kim complaining to Jim about something. Jim was sitting on a log with a kid on each side of him as he helped them make s'mores. "The marshmallow is all burnt now." Kim whined as Jim blew out the flaming puff. "It's going to taste gross. What kind of idiot doesn't know how to make a s'more?"
"Kim" Jen yelled across the fire to scold her son. "Manners."
"You know Kim is a girl's name right?" Jim confronted the child with harsh words.
The only three that heard him were Kim, Abigail, and unfortunatly Jim, Clarissa.
"Jim" Clarissa snapped trying not to make a scene. "Play nice."
But it was too late for apologies. The boy's feeling were already hurt.
"Come on Abby." The boy stomped away. "Lets go."
Not really wanting to leave Abigail sat there unmoved. She glanced over cautiously at Jim trying to gauge his anger.
"Go on Abby." Chris nudge his daughters foot with his shoe. "Go play."
Abigail reluctantly stood up and followed her fathers orders. In a fit Jim snapped the branch he was using to cook the marshmallow throwing it into the fire pit and sat alone. Thinking it best not to leave him alone to sulk Clarissa stood up and walked over to him. She carefully sat next to him watching as he stared into the flames. He didn't acknowledge her or even take his eyes off the flames as he sat there seething in anger.
Clarissa was the first to speak. "That was rude."
"He started it." Jim answered.
Clarissa rolled her eyes at his immaturity. Both silently took a sip of their beer.
"He had a point though." Clarissa picked up a long branch and stabbed a marshmallow on the end. "You did burn it and it would have tasted horrible."
"There were too many unknown variables." Jim tried to make excuses.
"A stick, a puff, and a flame." Clarissa giggled. "It's not rocket science."
Jim shook his head ending the conversation while Clarissa rotated the marshmallow in the fire. She pulled it to her face inspecting the density.
"Perfect " She smiled over at Jim who only turned away from her.
She put the marshmallow on top of a piece of chocolate between two pieces of graham cracker. She elbowed Jim's back forcing him to face her. Jim turned around mouth open ready to snap on her. Before he could utter another hurtful word Clarissa shoved her s'more in his open mouth.
"Here" She left the snack in his mouth waiting for Jim to take it. "Eat it." She replaced the empty space at the end of her stick with another marshmallow.
Jim took a hold of the s'more and bit down without further complaint. His brow raised and eyes lit up in shocked delight as he chewed the delicious desert. The rest was devoured in seconds.
"What a delicious little morsel." Jim sucked the tip of his finger.
In a fit of laughter Clarissa fell back off the log. The stick she was holding flew up lifting a flaming marshmallow.
Chris was the first on his feet as he steadied the stick. "That's enough alcohol for you." He chuckled helping Clarissa back to her seat.
"No no no I'm fine." Clarissa smiled at Chris as she took back the stick dismissing him. She Looked over at Jim. "Are you going to tell me you have never had a s'more?" Jim gave a little shrug causing Clarissa to giggle again. "Well that explains a lot." She took the slightly burnt marshmallow and made herself another treat. Glancing over she was Jim staring with pleading eyes and a watering mouth. "Nah uh" She took an unnecessary large bite into her s'more. "If you want one you have to make it yourself." She said between bites.
Jim huffed in annoyance snatching the stick at Clarissa's side. He stabbed a marshmallow and placed it in the fire.
"You're too close to the flames." Clarissa adjusted the stick a little higher. You want to warm the marshmallow not catch it on fire."
After his lesson Jim enjoyed another treat mixed with beer in satisfaction. Everyone was laughing and chatting away as the beer bottles piled up.
"Auntie Clarissa" Abigail ran up to her with cupped hands. "Look what I got."
Clarissa took a peek to see a few fireflies crawling around. "Wow" She faked her enthusiastic tone. "What are you going to do with them?"
"Abigail C. Peterson." Rebecca called out beside them. "You drop those nasty creatures this very instant."
"But" Abigail pouted. "I caught them. They're mine."
"So you're going to carry them around all night?" Rebecca asked already knowing he would get the response she wanted.
"Maybe" Abigail tried to argue.
Little tears were forming in Abigail's eyes as Clarissa looked at her struggle.
"You don't want to keep them captive." She placed her hands on top of Abigail's tiny hands covering them completely.
"I don't?" Abigail asked.
"Of course you don't" Clarissa smiled catching the girl's curiosity. "Because everybody knows that fireflies are actually fairies in disguise. Fairies that grant wishes to the people that set them free."
"They do?" The sadness disappeared from Abigail's face as she listened.
"Yep" Clarissa nodded. "All you have to do is whisper a wish to them and it will come true."
"Really?" Abigail smiled.
"Oh course." Clarissa opened her hands. "Lean in and think of a wish." The girl follow her instructions. "You got it?" The girl nodded. "Okay whisper it into your hands." Abigail whispered softly and looked up at Clarissa. "Now open your hands and let them fly away."
"Wait" Abigail commanded. "You have to make a wish too."
Clarissa leaned in and muttered something into the small opening. She looked at Abigail signaling her that they were ready. Abigail opened her hand and flung her arms out letting the bugs fly around them and up into the sky.
"What did you wish for?" Abigail asked.
"I can't say." Clarissa explained. She pulled Abigail into her lap and faced the fire. "If you tell someone your wish it won't come true."
Abigail giggled in acceptance as they sat by the fire. Jim offered the girl one of his s'mores as the all enjoyed the beautiful night. Slowly Abigail fell asleep in Clarissa's arms.
"I'll take that from ya." Rebecca walked up behind the couple. Clarissa lifted the tiny girl up bridal style handing her off to her mother.
"Come on Kim." Jen called out to her son. "It's way past your bed time. Aunt Becky said you could have a sleepover in Abby's room tonight." She lifted her son and both parents headed back to the house.
Clarissa slouched over to the side resting her head on Jim's shoulder. Jim finished fifth s'more licking his fingers as he chugged the last of his beer.
'This is what It is like to have a life with friends.' She listened to the crackling logs as all other sounds drowned out. 'This is what I've been missing.'
Clarissa was filled with regret for wasting the last twenty years. So much time lost. So many things she missed out on while keeping her distance from everyone. Even when Irene and her went out on the ton Clarissa was only going through the motions. Even the sex Irene convinced her to have with a few men was more of a stress reliever than an exciting experience.
'But not anymore.' Clarissa promised herself. 'There were going to be changes.' She was going to allow herself to experience happiness, joy, and love.
"Look what we found while putting the kids to bed." Jen held up an old acoustic guitar. "Forgotten in a corner covered in dust. But I think it can still hold a tune."
Rebecca smiled wickedly at her husband as Jen handed him the guitar.
"No no no" Chris waved his hands in front of his refusing to take it. "It's been years since I've played that thing and-"
"Oh come on honey." Rebecca took the guitar and set it in Chris' lap. "Everybody here wants to hear a Chris Peterson original. Isn't that right?"
Everyone cheered encouraging Chris to play.
"Please please please" Clarissa clapped in excitement begging like a child.
Chris scowl turned into a soft smile as he looked at Clarissa's eager face. "Fine" His hand wrapped around the neck of the Guitar while the other hand strum the strings to tune the guitar. "One song."
Everyone cheered at their accomplishment. Rebecca sat next to her husband as he finished adjusting the notes. Slowly the soft sounds of the guitar filled the air as each note combined to make a beautiful melody. The music washed over everyone as the atmosphere turned into a calm serene place. Clarissa rested her head back on Jim's Shoulder. He nuzzled the top of her head taking her hand in his. She took in his scent. It wasn't the minty fresh smell she had come accustom. He smelled of smoke and hint of booze. Under all these new smells there was an unknown, but somewhat familiar, scent. It was Jim, stripped of all her expensive soaps and cologne, that was reaching her nose. It was indescribable. It was amazing. Clarissa was drowning in the combined forces of music and pheromones.
Clarissa forced her eyes open, she couldn't remember closing them, and searched for something to focus her attention. Her eyes fell on Chris at their side. His face was a solid look as he concentrated on the notes. His fingers moved to pluck the strings to make this enticing music. His passion filled blue eyes stared right through her while hypnotizing her at the same time.
A swift change to an upbeat tempo change shifted the atmosphere. The group jumped to their feet spinning around dancing with each other. Clarissa clapped her hands to the beat as she enjoyed the view on the side line.
"Hey there girlie. What do you think you're doing?" Lucas pulled Clarissa out of her seat into the imaginary dance floor. "This is not a spectator sport."
Clarissa awkwardly stood there as the rest of the group danced around her. "I-I can't dance." She used the excuse as she tried to make her way back to the fire.
"Ha ha nice try." Lucas jumped in front of her. "The best way to learn to swim is by drowning." He pulled her in close while swaying his hips to the music. "Just keep your head up and follow my lead."
He took a step to the side using his hand on her hip to guide her all the way. Clarissa giggled every time she stepped on his feet as they danced in circles.
"I told you I can't dance."She gripped his shoulders to steady herself.
"Some where they call this dancing instead of drowning." Lucas joked refusing to let her give up.
"Can I cut in?" Adri snuck up behind Clarissa spinning her around before Lucas could answer.
Dani appeared behind Clarissa taking Lucas' place. The three danced while Lucas, Jen, Rebecca, and David paired up. One song turned into five as partners changed and the dancing continued. Everyone was lost in the music. Swaying their bodies to the music everybody went lower and lower until they were almost crouching. All together they jumped up in unison moving in perfect timing to the song. Clarissa's dress swished around her thighs as she danced. Warm arms wrapped around her waist before traveling down to her hips from behind. Throwing her head back she melted into the solid body behind her. Clarissa's hands came up reaching behind her head to wrap around the person's neck clawing at the skin. She her body relaxed as the tempo slowed and settled to long, deep strokes.
Slowly Clarissa spun on her heels to face her dance partner. Jim stood there staring down at her. The mood changed dramatically for the two. They both stayed there motionless as the group danced around them not sensing the disturbance. Jim had finally started to enjoy himself. Both of them were having fun the minute they had forgotten where and who they were only moments ago. Now he stood in front of her a complete stranger waiting for the rejection. Clarissa let her intoxicated body take over her rational thought. She flopped her arms over his shoulders instructing him to sway back and forth with her to the slow music. While they moved she stepped closer to take in that exquisite natural scent. Jim nuzzled her hair as they closed the gap. Clarissa closed her eyes finding herself lost in the moment yet again.
"And I would never try to be anything you didn't want to be, Gracie girl." Jim slurred as he sung the lyrics. Clarissa giggled as his warm alcohol breath graced her neck.
"How much have you drank?" She whispered in his ear.
"Sad to say I've lost count." Jim head tilted back with no control. "Your friend David is a formidable opponent."
'Friend' Clarissa grinned in delight at the thought.
"And you will always have a part of me. Nobody else is ever going to see but you and me, Gracie girl." Jim continued to sing as they swayed to the music.
"Mmmm" Clarissa hummed in content at Jim's beautiful voice. Who knew he had the capability to make such a sound?
A rush of clapping snapped Clarissa back to reality as she opened her eyes looking around. The music had stopped and all her friends were cheering on Clarissa and Jim as they continued to dance. Clarissa froze in embarrassment stepping back away from Jim. Jim kept his hands on her hips as he looked around and finally realized they were the center of everyone's celebration. He took a hand off her body to step to the side and bow dramatically to the crowd. The cheering increased as he pulled Clarissa closer signaling her to bow with him. Red in the face, Clarissa took her bow and swiftly walked out of the circle and back to the fire.
Chris was putting his guitar away as she sat down next to him.
"That was beautiful." Clarissa praised him. "I didn't know you could play that thing."
"It's a hobby of mine." Chris scooted closer. "You seemed to be enjoying yourself out here."
"Yeah But it was all thanks to the music." She patted him on the knee. "It helped me relax."
"I could see that." He laughed settling on a happy smile. "To speak frankly thought, I had my doubts about you and him being a couple. You never seemed to make the first move towards him. You also looked disgusted every time he touched or even talked to you. But the two of you out there. You were happy. It was like you were the only two in the universe."
"Yes well I'm not one for displays of affection." She made a lazy excuse. She was in no state to come up with anything better.
The rest of the group made their way back to the fire. The conversation slowed as the fire died. With only a few embers glowing Chris stood up and stretched.
"I think it's time to call it a night."
Sounds of dissatisfaction roared through the group. But everyone knew it was time to go. While Chris ad Rebecca cleaned up the site Clarissa made the rounds saying good bye and exchanging contact information. Once everyone was safe in their cars and driving away Clarissa helped her friends take everything inside.
"That was fun." Rebecca said as she tossed the trash into the bins. "Did you have fun?" She turned to Clarissa.
"I can honestly say I can't remember ever having that much fun." The women walked hand in hand while Chris trailed behind the with the bulk of the supplies.
"Do you know when you need to leave?" Rebecca asked in the kitchen while piling up the dishes for the morning.
"Bright and early I'm assuming." Clarissa sat on the couch next to Chris exhausted.
"Make sure you wake us before you head out." Rebecca pulled her husband up helping him to their bed.
Clarissa was left alone with her beer goggles on as she scanned the happy home. This was the best day of her life. She rest her her elbows on her knees and her chin in her palm to keep herself up. She didn't want to go to bed. She didn't want to wake up the next morning to make the trip back to the big city. She definitely didn't want this day to end.
'We all have to come back to reality at some point. But we learn to relish in the tiny moments. We carry them with us and recall them in times of need.'
She heard Jim's voice in her head. His words always seemed to slip in there in times of need. Come to think of it she hadn't seen Jim since their dance.
'It was time for the party to end.' Clarissa reminded herself. 'Jim must have gone home.' She frowned. 'He didn't even say good bye.'
Clarissa forced herself to stand. She stretched her sore muscles. It had been a long time since she danced like that.
"Well" She spoke to the empty room. "All good things must come to an end." Clarissa headed for the hallway to the guest room.
"By the way" Rebecca's voice called out behind her. Clarissa sluggishly turned around to face her friend. Rebecca was in front of her arms wrapped around her body in a death grip. "Don't you ever think you can disappear on us again, ya hear me?" Clarissa was stunned by her friends words. "You're back now, back for good, and you're apart of this family whether you like it or not." Rebecca pulled back a little to look at her. But she didn't let go. "That means you have to make an effort. We can't always be searching for you."
Clarissa nodded instantly. She understood she had a responsibility now. Her actions now affected more than just herself. She wouldn't let them down.
"Good" Rebecca spun Clarissa around patting her on the bum to send her on her way. "Sleep well and we'll see you in the morning."
Clarissa wordlessly followed her friend's command and walked into the guest room. She took off the dress and fell back into the mattress with a bounce.
"Hey" A complaining voice caused Clarissa to jump out of bed and turned to see Jim on his stomach in his designated spot.
"Watch it" His voice was groggy and highly intoxicated as he shuffled over to make room for her.
"I thought you went home." Clarissa climbed into bed. The Ceiling began to spin as she stared up. "You said you were leaving after the party."
"That was the plan." Jim muffled through his pillow.
"So why are you here?" She closed her eyes to stop the spinning. Smaller question was all she could handle at this point.
"Car problems" Jim pushed onto his side to face her
"What was the problem?" One eye opened to glance at Jim.
"Operator error." He tried to give her a grin. But even that signature smile came out crooked from the alcohol.
"All the booze in the world couldn't stop James Moriarty from doing whatever he wanted." Clarissa tried to roll over on her stomach. But that was too much effort. She laid still on her back.
"You would be correct." Jim fell over on his back. "But even I am no match for a nagging mother's concern."
Clarissa forced herself to lay in her side to face Jim. "Rebecca?" She raised an eyebrow already knowing the answer.
"That woman is insufferable." Both laughed together.
Clarissa rolled on her stomach and closed her eyes to sleep.
"Clarissa" Jim nudged her leg with his toe.
"What?" Clarissa groaned in protest. All she wanted now was for the room to stop spinning and to fall asleep.
"What do you think about children?" His raspy voice filled the room with his question.
"Well Kim is a little jerk." She turned her head towards the empty space in the room. "But Abby is adorable. She's so sweet and smart too."
"Do you think you'll ever have children?" He elaborated his previous question.
"Oh" Clarissa thought for a second. "I never gave any thought about having kids of my own. Do you have any kids?"
"Of course not." Jim scoffed at her question.
"Well you might have one you don't know about"
"I know everything." He snapped at her statement.
"Of course you do." She sighed. Clarissa was too tired to have this conversation drag on. But something was bugging her. She propped herself up on her elbows. "Why do you ask?"
"Curiosity." Jim shrugged.
Oh... well do you want kids?"
"In my line of work it would be irresponsible, not to mention dangerous, to have a pressure point like children." He explained.
"That's not what I asked." Clarissa tried to interjected.
"Besides what kind of father could I be to them?" He continues unfazed. "I could never give them the love they required while staying disconnected. If anyone was ever stupid enough to even try to use them as leverage I would have to cut them loose to keep the upper hand in the situation."
"I don't believe that." Clarissa turned on her side keeping herself propped up on her forearm. "I think you would burn the world down to get your children back safely. I don't even want to imagine what you would do to those people once you caught them."
"That sounds ridiculous." Jim turned on his side nose to nose with Clarissa."No, I could never allow that to happen."
"Priorities change after you have a family." Clarissa countered. "All rational thinking is kicked to the curb as instinct takes over. You take care of what's yours at any cost." Jim rolled his eyes at her statement. "For what' it's worth I think you would be a good father." She laid down on her back and closed her eyes.
"Clarissa?" Jim nudged her again.
"Yes?"
"I love you." Jim fell on his back and closed his eyes.
"I know." Her voice held no emotion.
"Clarissa?" The sound of her name from his mouth was really starting to irritate her.
"What?"
"Thank you." Jim sighed as he relaxed.
"You're welcome." Clarissa yawned. "Now go to sleep."
Clarissa fell asleep only to wake up a few hours later. Her head pounded as her eyes tried to adjust to the dark. Dawn was trying to peek out and start the a new day. But the night still clung to the sky through the window. Clarissa smacked her dry lips running her tongue along the chapped skin to moisten them. Her throat was coarse and sore suffering from dehydration.
'The worst thing to wake up with, a morning hangover.'
Clarissa kicked the blanket off and swung her legs over the edge of the mattress as she gathered the strength to sit up.
'One glass of water and maybe a couple more hours of sleep.' She told herself as she lumbered down the hall and into the kitchen holding her head with every step. Chugging down a large glass of water Clarissa wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and sighed.
Turning around to head back to bed She froze in her steps. There sitting on the couch in the living room a figure gloomed over an item in its' lap in deep concentration.
'Maybe it didn't see me?' Clarissa thought it best not to disturb the figure as she tried to tiptoe softly to the hall.
"Clarissa" Chris called after her. She stopped mid step right in front of the entrance. "Please join me."
Clarissa dropped her head in failure and took the long uneasy journey to the dreary couch. Carefully she took a seat next to him. Clarissa glanced over at him as they sat there quietly. Her gaze traveled down to the large shoe box in his lap. It was filled with opened envelopes and folded or crinkled up pieces of paper. It was to dark to see any of the writing.
"Do you know what this is?" Chris placed a hand on top of the stack of papers. Clarissa averted her eyes not wanting to force Chris to explain his odd behavior. "A box of regret. Every letter I wrote to you was opened and sent back with no response." She turned back to the box. There had to be over five hundred letters in there.
"I never got them." She confirmed his suspicions.
"I know that now." He set the box on the table. "The first time I did when I got my driver's license was jumped into my car and drove straight to that address." Chris grabbed her hand squeezing it tight. "I was going to bring you home. But every time I tried I was sent away empty handed."
"Chris I was an orphan." Clarissa moved away uncomfortably giving the two some space. But he didn't let go of her hand. "I didn't have a home."
"Yes you did." Chris moved closer closing the space Clarissa had created. "You always hand a home with my mom and I."
Clarissa gave him a perplex look. She had no idea what he was babbling about. Chris sensed her confusion.
"Do you remember the days after the funeral?" Chris asked gently.
"Not really." She answered honestly. "I must have blocked it out. Some people might call it a child's defense mechanism."
"Well I do." Chris offered to fill in the blanks. "Once the funeral was over your grandmother and my mother thought it best for you to stay with us. She was going to adapt you and make you apart of the family. Since we didn't have an extra mattress yet you slept with me in my bed." He cupped her hand with both of his. "I would stay up half the night for a week consoling you as you cried and soothing you until you fell asleep. Every night I would pull you in close promising to protect you from that day forward. Everyday I woke up overjoyed that you were safe right next to me. One day when we were playing in our room a couple of strangers came to the door. I remember my mom shouting as they barged in and pluck you away from us. I could see the fear in your eyes as you kicked and screamed fighting against them. As a last resort I clawed at one of the man's leg to slow him down. I sunk my teeth into his ankle as my mom pulled me off him. I felt completely helpless as they dragged you away." Chris squeezed her wrist tighter as he relived that day. "I guess there was some problem with the adoption process. There were legal fees, processing fees, and adoption fees that hadn't had the opportunity to pay yet. You have to believe me when I said everyone pulled together to collect the money as fast as they could. But by the time they reached their goal it was too late. The orphanage had already sold you to a rich family. Those people were able to streamline the process by throwing money at it. Mother was ready to fight them for you. She used every cent we had to get a lawyer with plans to meet them in court. But those horrible people," Chris spat. "they kept her tied up in legal system. The money quickly dwindled down to nothing as we were left standing in the same position that we started. We had lost. We lost you. But we never forgot."
"Chris you're hurting me." Clarissa struggled to pry his grip off her wrist.
Chris immediately released her. "Do you know why it was so important for me to throw this party?"
"Closure." Clarissa answered remembering her prior conversation with Rebecca. "It was a horrific experience for all of us when I disappeared. You needed to know I was the same girl that played with you in those wood back when we were happy and everything was good."
"It was because I love you." Clarissa flinched when he rested his hand on her shoulder. "I did it because I never stopped loving you. Two decades passed but not a day went by that I didn't think about you. You were suppose to be a part of this family. You were suppose to be my little sister." Chris' anger rose with his voice. "I failed you as a big brother. I failed you everyday you were not home. I look at you and I see such pain and suffering in your eyes. Please tell me what happened to you in that place."
"Chris you didn't fail me." She tried to convince him. "It wasn't that bad."
"You're lying." Chris' voice reminded Clarissa of the way Jim would say those exact words.
There it was. The lie. The one thing she didn't want to do to them.
"Please don't lie to me." He begged. "I need to hear this. I need to hear it from you."
"No you don't." Clarissa stated coldly. "You don't need to know anything. Me telling you would only cause you to punish yourself more for something that you had no control over."
"Something happened to you while you were away." He pushed forward not listening to her argument.
"Yes it did" She agreed. "and I am still working on overcoming a few issues that might have resulted from my past."
"But I love you." Chris tried to convince her to tell him. "I can help."
"I truly believe that." She agreed again trying to work this at a different angle. "But you can't help me in this state of mind. You can't take all the blame and expect that to magically unburden me."
They sat there a moment in silence to take in her words. Clarissa didn't want to hold back. She wanted to tell Chris everything right then and there. But it wouldn't be helpful for either of them.
"Can we make a compromise?" Clarissa spoke up. Chris lifted his head. She could see the hope in those brilliant blue eyes. "I give you something, one tiny piece of information, to help you understand what I'm going through. Then next time I come back I add more pieces to the story. That way it will give you time to accept the information slowly without obsessing over it as a failure on your part. I can not make it clear enough that none of this is your fault. Got it?"
Chris leaned in nodding while begging her to continue. Clarissa carefully explain her situation. She started by explaining that the only reason she was adopted by that family was to be used as an accessory piece. She mentioned they let her keep her original last name because it was a great conversation starter. She only meant to tell him small things. But then started talking about the lack of love and affection she received in that house.
"That would explain a few things." Chris leaned back taking the time to process everything.
"What does?" Clarissa smiled. All the tension had finally left the room.
"Well your relationship with Jim makes more sense." He shrugged. "The way you act towards him is almost cold and hateful."
"He knows everything and is trying to help me right now." Clarissa was quick to elaborate.
"It also explains your reaction to my earlier statement."
"Which statement was that?" She asked. They had covered a lot of ground in a short period of time.
"Clarissa" Chris straightened up in his seat. "I told you I love you and you glossed over it like it was nothing."
"Oh" Clarissa hadn't realized she made such a mistake. "That would be another thing I'll have to work on." Chris chuckled at her use of those particular words. "But I did hear you. I do know that you love me. There is no doubt in my mind about that." She smiled warmly at her friend. "And I... I...I really appreciate yours and Rebecca's patience with me."
Clarissa glanced at the floor. She couldn't do it. She couldn't say the words. She couldn't say them and mean it yet.
"It's alright" Chris pulled her into his loving embrace. "You don't have to say it. I know, we know, how you feel towards us."
Clarissa relaxed in his arms. This was nice. She might not be able to say it. But this feeling proved her wanted it. She wanted to say it to the people she cared about.
Chris released her and stood up taking the box off the table with him. "Well I guess there's no more point in holding onto this anymore."
"Wait" Clarissa jumped up. "If you're just going to throw them away do you mind if I take them with me?"
"Why?"
"Well I missed so much." Clarissa took hold of the sides of the box. "There are stories in here, pieces of your life that I didn't get to be apart of, and I would like to know them."
"If that's what you want" Chris released the box into Clarissa's possession. "than by all means feel free. They were meant for you in the first place." He placed his palm on her back guiding her to the hall. "But for now let's try to get some sleep before everyone else wakes up."
"Sounds like a plan." Clarissa too the initiative and placed a kiss on Chris' cheek. "See you in the morning."
"I'll be there." Chris winked before walking back to his room to sleep with his loving wife.
The next day Clarissa was the last to wake up. She met everyone in the kitchen for their farewell breakfast. Chris helped Jim load up the extra luggage into the car. All of Rebecca's hand-me -downs added up to three more suitcases.
"I want those back next time you visit." Rebecca hugged Clarissa good bye. She used the luggage as a bargaining tool to see her again soon.
"I will bring them back personally as soon as I can." Clarissa knew exactly what her sneaky friend was trying to do and she couldn't be happier.
"Until next time." Chris hugged Clarissa.
"Until next time." She repeated before climbing into the car.
The family waved her off as they drove away.
"So what are your plans when you get back to the city?" Jim buckled his seat belt as the engines of the plane came to life ready for take off.
"I'm not going back to the city. Not yet." Her words surprise Jim as he stared at her waiting for her to continue. "You were right. This trip was good for me. I made great strides in the last two days. But there's still a lot more work to do. Now I know what I've been missing and I have goals to reach. You are the only one that knows everything. You're the only one that can help me with this. I want you to help me."
"It would be my honor." Jim grinned wide admiring her bravery.
The rest of the flight was silent as the distance between Clarissa and her family grew. But Clarissa didn't mind. Clarissa pulled a large shoe box out from under her seat. She dug through it taking out the very bottom letter. Opening it Clarissa began to read while Jim watched her in curiosity. She knew she would be back. She wanted to go back.
