Chapter 4- Unexpected

Hey guys! Remember me? Probably not…lol. Sorry it took so long! I lost this chapter after I emptied out my folder and almost had to rewrite it. If that would have happened, I wouldn't have updated for a long time. I know what you're thinking… It was already long. I'M COMPLETELY SORRY! So, I did change my pen name and my profile, since it's gotten a lot of hits. Go figure… Hope this chapter was well worth the wait!

Charlie and Claire lay on the couch in front of the television. Charlie lay on his side, with his back against the back of the couch. His arm was protectively wrapped around her waist and the other was dangled across the armrest of the couch. His head was laid on hers and he could smell the sweet scent of her blonde locks. Claire brushed her fingertips along the arm that was secured around her waist. Her other arm acted as a pillow for her head. Both were in a light sleep, and the kids were in their rooms taking their routine naps.

The doorbell sounded, followed by a few light taps on the door. Charlie groaned, which made Claire smile. Both of them stayed there, making no attempt to get up, their eyes still closed. The doorbell rang again.

"You get it." Charlie said groggily.

"It's your turn." Claire said snuggling into Charlie's hold.

"I'll do it next time." Charlie said kissing her cheek, eyes still closed.

"No, you'll do it now." She said laughing. Charlie sighed and removed his arm from around her waist. He carefully climbed over her and headed towards the door to be greeted by another ring of the doorbell. He opened the door to see an older woman, probably in her 40s. She was wearing a pale green dress, with a pale green jacket over it, that had sleeves that stopped at her elbows. She had black heels on, which made her a half inch taller. Charlie gave her a questioning look.

"Can I help you?" He asked laying a hand on the door frame.

"Maybe… Are you Charlie Pace?" The woman asked in an unfriendly tone. Claire's eyes shot open. She sat up and looked over at Charlie.

"Yeah… um… do I know you?" He asked furrowing his eyebrows.

"No, but I know your wife. Claire Pace, once known as Claire Littleton." She said pulling her purse strap onto her shoulder.

"Right, excuse me for being curious, I just don't let strangers come in here and speak to my wife. Who are you?" He asked taking his hand off the door frame. Claire walked up next to him.

"She's my mother." Claire said crossing her arms. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see my daughter." She said looking at the two of them standing in the doorway.

"Really, because last time I saw you… you said you didn't have a daughter anymore… that the daughter you raised would never have a baby so young and without a husband." Claire said pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I was angry, Claire. Can you really hold such a grudge for words said out of anger?"

"Claire, maybe you should hear her out." Charlie said with a sympathetic look.

"Why are you taking her side?" Claire asked with an angered tone.

"I'm not, I just don't want you to regret this." Charlie said with pleading eyes.

"Okay, come in." She said walking towards the couch. Charlie and Mrs.Littleton followed behind. He sat next to Claire on the couch, but Mrs.Littleton sat on the loveseat.

"So, where are the kids?" She asked looking around.

"They're taking their naps." Charlie said wrapping his arm around Claire. She snuggled into him, laying a hand on his chest.

"So, when was the wedding?" The woman asked crossing her legs and placing her purse on the ground.

"So that's what this is all about?" Claire asked shaking her head and letting out a small laugh. "You want me to feel guilty for not inviting you to the wedding." Claire said pulling away from Charlie and standing up, with a smile on her face.

"Well, I can't say I'm happy about not being invited." She said raising an eyebrow.

"Mum, we didn't invite you, because you are no higher than Thomas on my list. Thomas left me and you disowned me."

"I never disowned you." She defended.

"Well, telling me I'm not your daughter seems close enough to me." Claire said crossing her arms and nodding her head.

"Watch the way you speak to me young lady." Mrs.Littleton said standing up, eye level with Claire.

"No, watch the way you speak to my wife." Charlie said rubbing the back of his head. Adam walked down the stairs, over to Charlie. He pulled him into his lap and kissed his forehead.

"What are you doing up sweetie?" Claire asked walking over and kissing his cheek.

"I had a nightmare." He said wrapping his arms around Charlie's neck.

"Another one?" Charlie asked holding his close. Adam nodded. Claire sighed, sat down, and rubbed his back. She looked over at her mother.

"Mum, could you leave please?"

"Fine, but I'll be back Claire. We need to talk things over."

"Alright, but call next time." Claire said walking her to the door and slamming it shut behind her. Faith let out a scream and began to cry. Claire headed towards the stairs.

"Claire?" Charlie said standing up, still holding Adam close.

"Yeah?" She asked turning to look at him, trying to fight the tears.

"Are you okay?" He asked walking over to her.

"Yeah… it's just, she makes me so angry." Claire said putting her arm around his back, the other resting on Adam's back. Faith let out another scream, again followed by crying.

"I'll get her luv." Charlie said passing Adam to Claire and walking up the stairs. Claire kissed Adam's cheek and rubbed her hand over his back. He loosened his grip around her neck and his breathing was back to normal. Claire made a promise to herself… she would never be like her "mother."

SO, I hope it was worth the long long wait! Did you know it was Claire's mom that was going to show up? If so, give yourself a pat on the back! (applauds you) I hope to get an update in a week or two, but I need to write it first… (ponders what to write) Please review, because sometimes that cures my boredom and gets me motivated to write! (bribes you with candy also)

Thanks to these people for reviewing chapter 3:

ghost888

Aww… That's so nice of you to say!

bluejolteon

(facepalm) I knew I was going to end up doing that! Thanks for letting me know!

jesi0546

(is flattered) It does, doesn't it? (sigh)

Zoaster The Toaster

Thanks I thought so too… lol.

moodys-rejected-heart

Yes, it's very important for him to know.

FluffLover

I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter!

Lara Chubb of Deephollow

NOPE! Should've stuck with your guess of Claire's mom. (gives you a cookie to feel better)

Lost Hobbit

Thanks, I like for everyone to love Liam. There's just something so special about him. He's fun to play with.