~ i do not own jurassic world or any of the characters ~

~ this story is set a few weeks after the incident at jurassic world ~

"Hey Zara... I got you something. " Claire said sneakily as she pulled a bag out of her purse. Zara, who was sitting on the bed reading, looked up with curiosity. "What is it?" she said, leaning forward, trying to see what Claire was doing. Claire pulled out a black sequined bikini and showed it to her assistant. Zara looked confused. "Wow, I love the glitter, and I look great in black but... what's it for?" she asked, putting her book down. "What do you say to a quick trip to our private pool? We haven't been there for a swim in forever. " Zara looked hesitant. "N-no... no no no, Claire I can't get in water... no way. " she said, panicking slightly. "Sure you can. Come on Zar, just for a minute. I'll be right there and it's even inside, and warm." Claire said, trying to convince her scared assistant. Zara shook her head. "No, I'm too scared. I know I sound like a child but... I just can't do it. I'm sorry. " Claire pulled her to her feet and started unbuttoning her shirt. "What are you doing?" she asked. "What do you think? Changing your clothes." Claire replied, patting her arm. Zara just stood, allowing Claire to finish. "Ok, got the top on. You look adorable!" Claire said with a giggle. Zara just smiled nervously. "Now, go put the bottom on. " she said, handing her the other half of the bikini.

~when she got back~

"How do I look?" Zara asked nervously. Claire looked up from her phone and smiled. "So cute! Oh my gosh, I knew you'd look good in that!" Zara smiled and said "I'm still scared to swim..." Claire rubbed her back and said "I know. I'll help you, ok?" Zara nodded as Claire went to change her own clothes. A few minutes later, she returned wearing a red and black polka dot bikini. "What do you think?" Zara smiled and said "It's cute! Did you buy that today or have I just never seen it?" she asked. Claire laughed and said "I bought it today, yeah." Zara nodded and followed her friend out the door.

~ at the pool ~

Zara gulped nervously at seeing the water. Claire put a reassuring hand on the small of her back and smiled at her. The redhead stepped into the water. "Oh, it feels so good! Come on Zar, it's just the way you like it." Claire said, offering her hand. Zara took a deep breath and took the first step into the water, tightly gripping her friend's hand. She whimpered and tried to get closer to Claire. Once she was finally off the steps, and standing in the 4 feet deep water, she started to get more scared. She wrapped her arms around Claire's neck and buried her face in her chest. Claire gently splashed water onto Zara's upper back and shoulders. Zara whined and said "Can you pick me up? " Claire nodded and said "I can try, you're lighter in water after all." She lifted Zara into a secure embrace and rubbed her back, occasionally splashing water on her so she wouldn't get cold. Zara relaxed a bit with Claire holding her. Suddenly, a crow that had been flying around outside, cawed loudly, terrifying Zara. The assistant screamed and tightened her grip on Claire. "its ok sweetie, it was just a crow. Calm down. " Claire said gently. Zara started to cry and laid her head on Claire's shoulder. Zara suddenly let go of Claire, causing herself to drop into the water . In a panic, she began kicking and thrashing against Claire's attempts to pull her back up. She screamed that same deep, terrified scream as she had a few weeks ago. Claire finally lifted Zara into her arms again and held her against her chest. Zara sobbed intensely into Claire's shoulder. The olded woman carried her out of the pool and laid her in a lounge chair. She gently rubbed her chest and shushed her until she calmed down. "You ok?" she finally asked. Zara nodded and reached for Claire to hold her. Claire lifted her into her arms and said "I think that's enough swimming for tonight. Let's go to bed."

~ in the room ~

Claire tucked Zara into her bed after changing her into her pajamas. She laid beside her and rubbed her stomach. "Sorry I made you do that. I just thought that maybe it would help you recover from the trauma. " Zara smiled at her friend and said "Claire, I'm not mad. And maybe if we do that every now and then, it will start to help. But right now... I'm exhausted.." Claire smiled and pulled her close. "Sleep tight, Zar Zar." she said as she kissed her friend on the head. " Good night. " the British woman mumbled into Claire's chest. And with that, they fell asleep.

~ please review ~