Here is the long awaited chapter 7 of 'Better Than Paradise'. I'm thankful for all that have reviewed this story. Did everybody watch the repeat of Confidence Man last night and see peanut butter? LOL. :)
Chapter Seven: Planning A Life
The month went by slow for Charlie and Claire who were trying to find jobs as well as plan a wedding within a month and a half.
"We're running behind on our bills," Claire said to Karen on the phone.
"You and Charlie can't seem to find any job?" Karen asked.
"No, do you know of anything that's open?" Claire asked.
"Well, actually I do," Karen said. "Come work in my book shop."
"And get paid minimum wage?" Claire asked.
"Not if I make you assistant manager," Karen said. Claire almost dropped the phone.
"Are you serious, you'd let me have that job?" Claire asked.
"Yeah, it's great too. We have a lot of business so it won't be like you'll be getting minimum wage or anything like that," Karen said.
"Thanks Karen, you are the greatest!" Claire replied.
"You're welcome, now you just have to hope Charlie will find a job," Karen said. "If not, Liam and I will help pay your bills."
"Oh no, Karen you and Liam have to worry about your own bills and Megan's needs," Claire explained.
"And you don't have to worry about Aidan's?" Karen asked. "We'd be more than happy to help you."
"Thanks, I'll talk to Charlie and we'll considerate," Claire said. She heard the door open and she knew Charlie was home.
"Alright, I'll let you go," Karen said.
"Bye," Claire said and hung up. Just as she placed the phone down Charlie kissed her cheek.
"I'm home," he whispered in her ear.
"I noticed," Claire said turning to face him. They kissed and then Claire pulled apart.
"Claire, I have great news," Charlie said as she walked to Aidan's room to check on him.
"What is it?" she asked picking Aidan up out of his crib.
"I found a job today," Charlie said. Claire turned and smiled she hugged him.
"That's great, where?" she asked.
"With Liam, I'll be working with him giving reviews of new albums that come out," Charlie explained taking Aidan from Claire.
"So, you'll be a music critic?" Claire asked.
"Yeah," Charlie said tickling Aidan's feet and giving him kisses.
"Well, I got a job too," Claire said walking out of the room. Charlie followed her.
"Where?" he asked.
"At Karen's book shop. I'll be the assistant manager," Claire explained. "Karen says it pays good." Charlie kissed her forehead.
"That's wonderful, we're actually doing what we wanted," Charlie said sitting down on the couch. Claire sat next to him.
"And what's that?" Claire asked.
"Well, getting married, having children, finding jobs, and spending the rest of our lives together," Charlie said. Claire smiled and placed her head on his shoulder.
"Did you know from the moment I saw you on the island something told me you were going to be the one to be my ultimate friend for life?" Claire asked.
"The day I helped you with your suitcase?" Charlie asked. Claire nodded.
"But I didn't know that I would fall in love with you or anything like that," Claire replied.
"I did," Charlie said.
Claire sat up and looked at him. "When?"
"When, I saw you pass out on the beach and I took care of you when we had no water. I had a feeling I was going to fall in love with you. I didn't believe it until I realized I already was, when you went into false labor with Aidan, the day we were kidnapped," Charlie explained. Claire smiled at him.
"Oh, Charlie," Claire said and smiled. Charlie smiled back and kissed her.
A few days later...
"Okay guys what do you think?" Claire asked coming out of the dressing room. Her, Karen, and Kate were at a dress shop trying on wedding dresses for the big day.
"Too fancy," Kate said. Claire looked at her reflection and nodded.
"Yeah, too much frill," Claire said. Karen handed her the next one.
"How many more are you going to try on?" Karen asked.
"As many as I want to or until I find the perfect dress," Claire said. She just wanted a nice dress; one she knew Charlie would love her in. Kate and Karen were done, and so was Megan who was going to be the flower girl.
"Okay, here's this one," Claire said coming out. Kate and Karen gasped.
"It's gorgeous," Kate said. "Charlie will love you in that."
"You might even make him pass out," Karen said. They laughed and Claire looked herself over in the mirror. The gown was spaghetti strapped. It was sort of fanned out at the waist and dropped straight to the floor. The upper part held snug to her body and she knew it would make Charlie drool with anticipation for that night. It was a creamy white color and Claire smiled. This was the dress.
"You guys are absolutely right, this is it!" Claire said. The girls squealed in delightment until Claire heard a voice.
"Claire?" Claire turned to see her mom standing there.
"Mom, what are you doing here?" Claire asked.
"I was walking by and I saw you in here trying on a wedding dress," Mrs. Littleton said. "So I came in."
"Oh, yes I am getting married," Claire said. "To Charlie."
"That man I saw you with at the mall?" Mrs. Littleton asked.
"Yeah, that's him," Claire said.
"How come I didn't get an invitation?" Mrs. Littleton asked.
"They're in the mail," Claire said.
"Well, you look lovely," Mrs. Littleton said. Claire smiled.
"Thank you," Claire said.
"Although, I must admit, I don't like the appearance of your fiancé," Mrs. Littleton said. Claire's smiled dropped. "Tell him to get a haircut and shave."
"That's not my decision, and besides I like him just the way he is," Claire said. Mrs. Littleton rolled her eyes.
"Figures," she said. "Bye Claire."
"Bye mom," Claire said. Mrs. Littleton turned on her heel and left. Claire sighed.
"Well, let's look for some veils," she said and walked off leaving Kate and Karen there at the front of the shop. They walked over to Claire and grabbed her.
"What?" Claire asked.
"That was your mom?" Kate asked. Claire nodded.
"Damn, what has she got up her ass?" Kate asked. Claire shrugged.
"Has she always been this way?" Karen asked.
"Yeah, as long as I can remember. I don't know how my dad put up with it for so long. I guess that's why he left," Claire said.
"Has Charlie met her?" Kate asked.
"Yeah, as you can see she doesn't like him," Claire said.
"Sorry," Karen said.
"Not your fault, now let's look for the veil to go with this gown," Claire said. Kate and Karen looked at each other and followed Claire.
All right, the next chapter is going to be the wedding! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I'm going to try to get chapter eight out before I go back to school on Monday. I probably will get it out.
REVIEW RESPONSES
Eaglechic32- Thanks so much. I try to make the characters the way they are on the show. I didn't think I was doing so well, but your review made me see I am. Thanks!
Dom-Monaghan-Fan01- No, it's okay to incorporate that quote in this story. I say it at every wedding! Drinks all around! Wedding is in next chapter!
MusicMonkey88- Thanks for the praise. I'm excited for the wedding too! As for the wedding night, that will be chapter nine!
Until next time,
Bloomy Angel