2.

Claire sat on the edge of her bed and looked in the mirror. She felt a bit dishonest about denying her love for Alex, but her way of relationships was discretion, and Alex should know that they had to keep things quiet for a while. She gazed at her reflection. She admired her skin - not in a vain way though, just appreciating the fact that her skin was flawless, not a very common thing in the middle of summer. Usually she had a few cuts or freckles, but no, today was just right, until Alex walked in quietly startling her.

She looked down at the polished floor. "What do you want Alex?"

"What was that out there, Claire?! You just ignored me and made it look as if we had nothing going for us?"

"What? Like I'm supposed to be admitting that we have something, and blabbing all our secrets to everyone else just like Tess does about Dave? Is that what you want?!"

"No, it's not that - its that way you act as if nothing is important, like you cant break that 'precious shell' of yours - like you keep everything bottled up inside and you don't want anything personal revealed!"

"Personal feelings are my own Alex Ryan!" She had gone pink and was standing now, next to the door. Alex continued to raise his voice.

"If you really love me Claire, just admit it! God - how can you be so selfish!? I love you Claire! I always have! You have just to let go of your tough image and chill out a bit!"

"It's not that easy! I don't know how to handle this situation! I don't think I have felt this way - " She stopped and stood silent. She motioned for him to leave.

"Claire I'm not going until you say how you feel about me."

"Just go Alex."

"But - "

"I said GO!" Alex left as silently as he came in. Claire was left standing facing the door and she started to cry, slowly at first, then loud sobs. But she kept it hidden - she couldn't let anyone see her weak. Then she remembered the afternoon race.