I called it! Jesse spending the money had to do with investing in the dress shop! Maybe Rachel will take over the shop? Or whoever buys it, keeps the shop and keeps Rachel on staff.

As for Clara being a side partner with Fiona... That would be cool!

Summer, August, 1915

Jesse came back to the cafe at noon time to check on Clara. Last night she had trouble falling asleep and it took her from nine at night until three in the morning to fall asleep. Just the other day she had trouble waking up in the morning too, claiming that she was too sleepy to get up at the moment. A few hours later when Jesse checked on her again, she had asked him if she could inform Luca about not feeling too well to come in and work that night. For the rest of the day, Clara slept.

When Clara was awake she had very little energy to do anything or when she did, it was at a slower pace than her usual speed. If questioned if she was fatigued she would shrug and reply, "I don't feel the need to sleep and yet I do want to sit down sometimes."

She rarely ate much. She claimed that she had eaten a bigger meal earlier in the day, but sometimes Jesse could hear her stomach groan with hunger. Jesse would eventually get Clara to nibbles on some of the meals, but at a price. The price of an angry Clara.

"I told you I am NOT hungry!" She'd shout.

Thankfully the few times that had happened, Bill was around in the kitchen to help out. He'd take Clara out of the room and talk with her for a little while and then come back, fill a plate or bowl of food, then bring it to her upstairs. He'd come back down and assure Jesse, "She'll be okay now. She had a tough day with—" Followed by telling Jesse what Clara had explained.

Clara was a honest woman and she loved Bill as much as she had her father when he was alive. Jesse believed the words that came from Clara.

Jesse came to the cafe to find Bill alone. "Did Clara get up yet?"

"No. She said she didn't feel well," Bill answered. "I felt her forehead but she felt a headache coming." Bill slid the food from the pan onto the plate. "Has she been sick?"

Jesse nearly shrugged. "Uh-Sort of. She's just not been herself the past couple of days."

Upstairs Clara laid in the bed. She struggled between wanting to sleep but wanting to stay awake. She had planned last night as she got ready for bed her plans for today. Babysit Jack, work with Bill, come home and sew some baby blankets together for a friend in Hamilton who was expecting her second baby with her husband.

Clara had absolutely no energy today to do any of it. She knew that today was the first time she was unable to watch Jack and it hurt her so badly that she was unable to watch him... But she knew Elizabeth would understand... Yet she also had this negative thought. What if Elizabeth won't allow me to watch him again? Did I let her down forever when it comes to watching Little Jack? She felt herself become more upset.

There was a gentle knock and Jesse walked in. Clara was still in the bed. He came closer to her and sat near her, brushing her hair back. "Hi Clara," He kissed her cheek. "How are you feeling?"

Clara did the best to shrug. Not able to she replied in a low voice, "Ok." This wasn't a typical Clara answer.

"You want to go to the saloon?"

"No."

"Want me to make you something downstairs?"

"No."

"Clara," He sighed. "You didn't eat breakfast this morning." he pointed out. "It's after one-thirty in the afternoon. You have to eat something." But Clara didn't respond. Again, Jesse sighed. "I'm going to tell Lee I'm staying home today to take care of you."

Clara forced energy in her to speak up, "No!" She shouted. Jesse jumped. "I'm ok... Go back to work."

"Clara I know I screwed up with the money. But I can take a day off from work to come home and take care of you if you're sick."

Clara's head shook and she laid back down. "No, go back. I'm ok." She knew he had to believe her, even if she was lying about being ok. "If anything, if I am so hungry I will go downstairs and get something... Or maybe Bill will bring up something for me."

"You sure?"

"Promise."

Yes. It was a short chapter. Sue me.