Ya da da I've been writing again… I'm sorry it's always so long between chapters these days but having moved out of my parents I have even more adulty things to do… boo! Anyway, hope this makes up for it. Lots of Clara & friends in this one!
#-#-#-#
Getting back to school was great. Faye only went home a couple of days before they went back, but she hadn't seen Jess in weeks and Clara felt ready to get into that routine now. "Clara Oswald where have you been I've not heard a thing for days!" Jess ran up and hugged her. "Faye said you had a good time though?"
"Yeah we had a great time," Clara walked up to their room with her. "Is she back yet?"
Jess shook her head, "nope - she just messaged our group chat to say she's running late."
Clara nodded, "fair enough. Phone is stuck in my back pocket at the moment - no hands," she threw everything down on the bed when they got in.
"So what about Danny, half expected you to come back together?" Jess asked.
So Faye obviously hadn't said anything to her then. Clara sat down on the bed and looked down at the floor, "he's not coming back for a while. We don't really know how long, but he's had to go to France with his family - his Gran is really poorly. That's why Faye came - she found out, or worked it out. Kinda expected her to have told you to be honest," she played with her fingers a little while Jess joined her on the bed.
"Maybe she thought you would. You know you can speak to us about anything right?" Jess put an arm around her. "I knew something must be up when you went all quiet."
"I'm sorry, it all came as a bit of a shock to both of us. I didn't really have time to get my head around everything," Clara took a deep breath and sat up. "I'm determined to get through this - I want to prove to myself I can. So no more sulking, I want to hear all about your holidays - I even have snacks," she opened her bag and chucked crisps at Jess. "Tell me everything."
They chatted for a good hour or so before the bedroom door open and Faye ran in. "Well thanks for coming to greet me you two, I messaged you!"
Jess laughed and jumped up to hug her, "sorry we've been busy having fun without you."
"Charming!" Faye tutted and put her bags down. "Come on then what did I miss?"
"Jess has a boyfriend," Clara grinned and grabbed another crisp from the bag while raising her eyebrows at Jess and smirking.
Very quickly her friend grabbed a nearby cushion and threw it at her. "I do not! He's just a friend."
"Who took you for dinner and was round nearly everyday. Plus the kiss…" Clara shrugged.
"Woah there was a kiss?!" Faye sat down beside Clara and looked up at Jess who was blushing.
"It was only on the cheek guys honestly-" Jess replied. "Anyway enough about me!"
"Oh no no no, we need more details," Faye sat on the bed too. "Fill me in."
#-#-#-#
Danny sat on the bed in their holiday home, not that it felt much like a holiday. They'd been back and forth to see his Gran and she was getting progressively more poorly each day but she still seemed to be clinging on well - still making jokes and asking him about Clara every 5 minutes which didn't help how much he was missing her right now.
He'd been staring into space for about 10 minutes when his Mum came in. "You okay kid?"
"Mm, it's the first day back at school today, feels weird not to be going," he replied.
Gina sat down on the edge of the bed, "maybe we should have let you stay back."
Danny sat up, "no it's okay - I am glad I'm here, I'd regret it if I hadn't come. I just-"
"You're worried about Clara?" Gina smiled, it was so sweet how much he worried about her.
He sighed, "she's not contacted me today. I don't know if that's a good thing or not." Since he'd left Clara had been texting a lot, wanting updates and letting him know what she was up to. Danny had text her a couple of times today but not heard anything back which was so unlike her.
Gina put a hand on his shoulder, "you know she's probably just distracted with her friends right? Don't suffocate the poor girl, come on let's go sort dinner." Why did Mums always have that way of being right? Danny stood up and left his phone on the bed, making his way downstairs to help his family.
#-#-#-#
Clara escaped the dining room early, leaving Faye and Jess with Hayley and Kodi chatting away. As time went by that evening it felt more weird just the five of them and her mind wandered off topic. She went to her little room, locking the door and sitting on the bed, reading Danny's texts a few times more without replying.
Hope you settle back in okay. I miss you, but I know you'll be amazing. All fine here, don't worry - France is as beautiful as ever (reminds me of you). Don't forget to give me all the gossip when you get a sec. Love you xx
A few deep breaths, she had to be able to do this alone. It was getting late so she let her eyes shut and fell asleep slowly.
When her alarm went off Clara stretched out, opening her eyes and realising she never made it back to her room. Oops. She yawned a little, brushing her hair back with her hands and standing up to go back. She crept along the corridor, grateful for her early alarm and stopped in the bathroom before returning to her room, shutting the door painfully slowly.
"Morning stranger," Faye spoke through the darkness.
Guess they weren't all asleep then. "It's still early," Clara replied.
"Yeah, I woke up a few minutes ago," Faye sat up and put her bedside light on. "Come on, sit down. What's up?"
"I'm fine, honestly. Had a little self pep talk last night - determined to be strong. Gotta get back into this school business today anyway, double maths first," she grinned and Faye groaned. "You really gotta be more positive," Clara shrugged and stood back up. "I'm gonna go get ready, see you in a bit."
A couple of hours later and Clara walked into her first lesson, the first time she'd walked into one on her own for a long time. Unsurprisingly Paula was sat at her usual desk when she arrived. "Hey, you disappeared before I could catch you last night?"
"Yeah, sorry i was knackered. Went to my little room for a few minutes and fell asleep all night. Raring to go now though," Clara sat down. "How come you're here?"
"I wanted to check if you wanted company in the lessons you don't have with Jess and Faye?" Paula explained. She could see Jackie and her friends walking in and looking at her, making her breathing rate rise a little, but she fought it. "It's your decision, I got filled in on Danny's situation."
Clara sat up a little, "you know I think I'll be alright, but thank you. I'll find you if I need anything as normal," she smiled. "Honestly I'm a lot better than before the holidays."
"If you're sure?" Paula checked and Clara nodded. "Alright then kid, I'll see you later. Have a good day."
Determined to have a good day, Clara got her books out and sat back as the lesson started. It was good, one of her favourite topics and pretty easy for her to cope with. They were in the middle of a task when she heard the boys behind her struggling with the questions. Neil and Louis were alright, they were on Danny's football team but not really involved with Jackie or that crew. She must have spent a good 10 minutes deliberating over whether to turn around when Neil leant over and tapped her on the shoulder. Clara jumped a little but did turn around. "Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you," he quickly said.
"Oh no don't worry, I'm just a little… sensitive - I'm sure you've gathered that," she smiled a little to put them at ease while also silently congratulating herself on actually talking to someone. "Can I help?"
"We were kinda hoping so, you're pretty good with this stuff and we are completely stumped," Louis admitted. Clara nodded and turning her chair around properly.
"Go on then, hit me up," she grinned and started to explain what she could to them.
By the end of the lesson she'd got the ins and outs of trigonometry through to the two boys. "How do you know so much?!" Neil laughed as they walked out of the class.
Clara shrugged, "you read a lot of books when nobody talks to you," she admitted unashamedly. "Don't worry, I'm all good these days. Some people still don't get it but I don't mind explaining anything if you have questions." In the background she could see Faye and Jess walking towards her at a slightly alarming rate. "I'd better go, see you," she smiled and jogged over to them. "Stop looking like you're about to team up in a double murder - we were just chatting!" They both relaxed a little before looking somewhat confused. "I know, I surprised myself. Just helped them with some work so stop with those looks and let's get to science eh?"
They started walking, Jess and Faye taking their positions each side of her. "Sorry, we shouldn't act so shocked really. We just panicked when we saw them with you…" Faye started to explain.
"You're too protective sometimes," Clara put an arm around each of them. "I appreciate it, really, I've just got a complete determination to prove I can get through these next few weeks."
Jess nodded, "well you're certainly doing that. Can't promise we'll stop worrying though."
"Mmm especially when Danny's text you both asking you to keep a close eye," Clara replied and they both looked shocked again. "See you just said you'd stop that!"
Faye rolled her eyes, "you two know each other far too well."
Clara laughed, "he's predictable," she quietened down a little, "plus I haven't text him in almost 36 hours." With that she walked into their classroom and sat down.
"Did she just say…" Jess asked Faye.
"Lunch intervention?" Faye asked.
"Done."
#-#-#-#
Once science and geography were over, Faye disappeared off with some excuse about needing to speak to a teacher while Jess and Clara went to the canteen. "So where's she really gone then?" Clara asked, sitting down at the table. "I know you're up to something."
"I don't know what you're on about," Jess shrugged. "But we do need to talk about you ghosting Danny."
Clara dropped her fork and sat back, "I'm not ghosting him."
"You haven't not spoken in this long since the day you arrived at this school, what's going on?"
Her friend was most certainly being persistent. "I told you, I'm trying to get through this myself."
"That doesn't mean ignoring him," Jess pointed out before having another mouthful of pasta. "You're hiding something."
"So are you," Clara retorted. "Game of two halves Pritchard."
The use of Jess' last name wasn't unusual in their conversations, but the way she used it seemed strange. Jess didn't reply and instead got her phone out to check for any updates from Faye.
He's text 6 times this morning asking Clara to ring him? F xx
Jess glanced up at her friend who was staring into space behind her before replying to Faye.
She's not as alright as she's making out that's for sure. What did he say? Xx
Clara had stopped eating as well as talking now. While Jess was waiting for a reply, the brunette stood up and grabbed her tray. "I'm gonna go to the library. Things to do," she shrugged and walked off before Jess could reply.
We have a problem. I'm on my way. J xx
In the meantime Clara had quickly made her way up to the library and sat in the corner out the way. She didn't read or work, just sat on the chair and pulled her knees up to her chest, staring out into nothing. This was ridiculous, why couldn't she just get on with it? She was forever grateful for the silence that the library held, but that was broken when she heard footsteps heading closer to her. She looked up, ready to tell her friends to leave her alone, but was surprised to see Paula there. Clara sighed, "Jess and Faye found you then."
"No, actually. Haven't seen them today. I was speaking to your maths teacher and he mentioned you helped out Neil and Louis in class," she leant against the shelving while she spoke to Clara who nodded. "Good stuff. So how come you're hiding away in here now?"
"Because apparently helping people is bloody tiring," Clara spoke, frustrated with herself. "It felt great to speak to different people, especially helping, but now I'm knackered. Why can't I just cope on my own like a normal person would?!"
Paula walked over and sat beside her, "you - Clara Oswald - will never be a normal person. If you ever even try I'll knock some sense right back into you." That made her smile a little, "that's better. Now, back to the issue at hand. You don't have to prove yourself without Danny here you know?"
"Don't I? Everyone's thinking it - wondering how I'm going to cope. I sure am, because suddenly it's obvious how much everything I've done is down to Danny and I'm so grateful for him, but that's so much pressure on him and it's not fair. I used to be so independent and strong…" Clara sighed and readjusted herself on the chair a little.
A quick shake of her head, Paula moved to kneel on the floor in front of her. "You still are those things Clara. Think about it, all those times you've snuck out of school without telling me, and even before you started here you looked after your Dad. Clara you have come so far in the time you've been here and that is not all down to Danny whatever you might think. You put so much pressure on yourself, you don't have to be perfect you know? Recovery is a long process, you're well on the way but that doesn't mean you can be superwoman all of a sudden."
Clara scoffed. "Speaking to other kids doesn't make me superwoman."
"You know that's not what I meant. You managed to do it, and that's brilliant, but it's going to be hard work for you and that's okay. Just take it one step at a time and for goodness sake let your friends - and me - help you. That's how us 'normal' people get through life too you know?" Paula winked at her. Clara smiled a little. "There we go. Now I'm guessing your friends are worried sick about you so might be worth finding them eh? Oh and that boyfriend of yours? He phoned me earlier - now that's desperation."
"So that's why you're here," Clara realised. Paula nodded and handed her the phone sat beside her. "Thanks miss."
"No problem, I'll be in my office," she stood up and left.
#-#-#-#
The conversation with Danny was short, he was at the hospital when she phoned, but he sounded relieved that she alive at least. Once he was reassured they had to hang up for now and Clara went to find her friends, walking into their room a little sheepishly. Both Jess and Faye jumped up when they saw her, "I'm sorry," she immediately told them. "And before you argue the point, I should be. Anything that's wrong with me doesn't excuse the way I acted today, I was just being an idiot."
"Not going to argue that," Jess shrugged and smiled. "Give us a hug you fool."
A long group hug later and they sat down, "so I'm back in the room and ready to hear the gossip. What did I miss?"
"Well, Kodi reckons that Hayley fancies Jane," Faye smirked.
"No way, as in lacrosse Jane?" Clara looked shocked.
Faye nodded, "I know. I thought her type would be blonde."
"Definitely. Blonde but short hair. Couldn't be more wrong," Clara chuckled. "So has she done anything about it?" Jess groaned. "I take that as a no."
Shaking her head, Faye replied. "We tried, but she's too scared."
"Okay, so we need to find out more and take action," Clara sat up. "I'm with Hayley next lesson. I'll get something out of her."
They all grinned, "it's a plan. See you out there."
#-#-#-#
Clara sat in history with one mission and it definitely wasn't 16th century England. "So I hear there's a girl?" she whispered to Hayley who immediately blushed. "Hey, don't knock it she's a good catch!"
"I haven't exactly caught her yet," Hayley whispered. "And Kodi is a right blabbermouth."
"He wants our help," Clara winked at her.
"Miss Oswald are you with us?" Miss Pickering called out at her. Clara quickly looked up, "looking for a fact about Henry VIII."
After taking a second to compose herself Clara replied, "he built so many warships that it is now considered the beginning of the Royal Navy."
Miss Pickering was somewhat bemused by her reply, "right… well, yes, that is true."
Hayley was snickering a little behind her hands as she got back to teaching the lesson. "Don't think this gets you out of this conversation," Clara whispered to her before going back to the lesson.
They finished up in class and walked out together. "Right, with me - now." Clara grabbed her hand and dragged her through the school. They stopped just outside a door that Hayley didn't recognise and Clara told her to wait, knocking on the door and going in. A few seconds later she re-appeared and pulled Hayley in.
"Hold up Clara this is the boy's locker rooms," she looked confused.
"We're not staying," she rolled her eyes. "There's nobody in here anyway. Just had to check! Now come on." Clara dragged her through and out into the gym, shutting the door behind them and leaning against the wall. "Eh voila, lacrosse warm up."
Immediately Hayley tried to leave but Clara stopped her. "We can't just be here!"
"Nobody is chucking us out, trust me it's fine," Clara reassured her, smiling when she noticed Hayley's eyes drifting over to Jane. "Let's go sit up there," she suggested and pointed to the seating at the side of the sports hall.
When they sat down, Hayley noticed Jane glance up and smile at Clara before carrying on. "You know her?" she asked, a little shocked.
"Danny knows a lot of people, I'm just… there. Anyway, she's one of the good ones - can't stand Jackie and actually pretty tolerant of me. The occasional football practice I've been to she's often there, often does runs out on the sports field," she explained. "So my friend, I also know enough about her to be pretty sure she plays for the right team."
"You mean-" Hayley's jaw dropped a little and Clara grinned. "Oh geez Clara I can't do this."
"If you don't, I will," she sat back, crossing her legs and arms and sitting back in achievement.
Hayley groaned, "damn you getting more confident," she commented which also made Clara chuckle. "If this goes wrong I'll get you later."
"I have no doubt," she whispered back, but commented no further when Jane jogged up the stairs to them. "Hey, hope you don't mind - needed a break from the madness out there."
Jane shook her head, "no problem here. Good to see you, I heard Danny wasn't coming back for a bit - how you doing?"
"Eh, it's only day 2 but I've got good friends," she smiled. "Speaking of which - you and Hayley met before?"
Jane nodded, "yeah I think so. You've been to a match or two right? You like lacrosse?"
"I watched quite a lot of matches I guess, never played though," Hayley shrugged. Clara sat back, keeping quiet as they chatted.
"Well why don't you come out to practice? See how it's done," Jane smiled.
Hayley was a little taken-aback. "Well I'm hardly dressed for the occasion," she nervously chuckled.
"Then you'd better go change," she winked. "See you out there."
Clara grinned as Jane left to go outside with her team and stood up, "we'd better get you changed. Come on - opportunity not to be missed. I know you've always wanted to play! Added bonus of the hot girl too."
Hayley was once again dragged across the school to get her sorted before going onto the field. "Okay, you've done some good interfering Clara but… can I do this bit on my own?" Hayley asked when they reached the field.
Holding her hands up Clara nodded, "consider me gone. Enjoy your practice," she let Hayley go and turned around, pulling out her phone so she could locate her other friends.
#-#-#-#
"Where on earth have you been?" Faye asked when Clara joined them in their room.
"Busy," Clara slumped down on her bed and leant back. "Hayley's at lacrosse practice," she stated calmly which made her friends sit up.
Jess raised an eyebrow, "when you said you've been busy…"
"I remembered lacrosse practice was on tonight. Got Hayley to the gym after history, I knew Jane would come and speak to me about Danny and voila, match made," Clara shrugged. "Left them to it on the field. Lacrosse that is, obviously."
Faye chuckled, "you're a surprise everyday Clara Oswald. Nicely done! This means celebration - I'm breaking into the secret chocolate stash," she winked and jumped down, finding the box and chucking a bar to each of them. "Does Kodi know?"
"Dropped him a text. Not had a reply yet but-" she hadn't finished her sentence when there was a quick knock at the door. "Huh, that could be him," she jumped up and went to the door, opening it. Her grin dropping when she saw Paula stood there looking pretty serious. "Oh, hi."
"Clara we need to have a chat, do you want to come to my office?"