Heyy everyone, sorry I've been MIA. I had a writer's block. But I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 6

"Hey. Is everything okay?" Zia asked curiously as she walked out of Claire's apartment. She noticed the mood had changed dramatically for Claire and Owen versus when the left.

Claire nodded, not wanting to get into it. "Yeah, everything's fine."

"What did the lawyer say?"

"Actually—" Claire glanced over her shoulder to make sure Maisie wasn't in hearing range. "Things might not pan out the way we want it to. I can't go into detail now..,but do you think you can head over to DPG later today, and help Franklin? If he needs anything, let me know. I need you two more than ever."

Zia wanted to know exactly what was going on, but she knew when and where to pick her battles, and now wasn't one of them. She figured she'd wait and ask Franklin what was going on. For now, she gave Claire her best smile and nodded. "Sure thing, I'll head over there later. Whatever is going on, Claire, I know you and Owen will get through it. You guys have before."

Claire nodded, wishing Zia would be right. "Text me later. Thanks again." Claire waited until Zia was no longer visible past the closing of the elevator doors before closing her door. She then turned around so her back was against the door, and sighed. She felt like breaking down into tears, but she knew she had to be strong for Maisie's sake.

"Hey."

Claire looked up at Owen, who had emerged from Maise's side of the house. Before she could say anything, it was as if he read her mind.

"Maisie is playing with her toys. Preoccupied. Safe. Fine."

Claire nodded, relieved. "I think we should call Iris." Claire hated to have to bother the woman, but she felt as if Iris of all people deserved to know what was going on with Maisie.

"I agree." Owen said. Grabbing Claire's hand, he led her to their couch. "Go ahead." He said once they'd sat down.

With shaky hands, Claire pulled out the phone and dialed Iris' number. She picked up on the 2nd ring, in a panicked voice. Asking what happened—because they'd agreed they wouldn't contact her until Christmas time, and it was only May. They quickly brought her up to speed on the day's events in hushed tones so that Maisie would not overhear. They asked her to be ready to fly back to California in case they needed her. She agreed and was going to stand by for more news from them. After thanking them for keeping her in the loop, they hung up.

"Only one person left." Owen said softly, grabbing Claire's hands.

"I don't want to do this, Owen." She her voice crack but couldn't help it.

"I know, neither do it. But we have to prepare her."

"Okay." Claire nodded.

"Hey Mais?" Owen called out, while keeping his eyes locked onto Claire's.

"Yeah?" Maisie shouted back from her room.

"Could you come here a second?"

"Sure! Coming!" A few seconds later, Maisie appeared. She tilted her head to the side slightly after taking in the serious faces of Owen and Claire. "What did I do?"

"Nothing hunny. None of this…none of this is your fault." Claire said, stretching her arms out so that Maisie would come sit between her and Owen.

"None of what? What's going on?"

"Some people found documents online that tell the truth about you…being what you are." Owen said softly, choosing his words carefully.

"A clone?"

"Yes. But sweetheart we are going to do everything we can to protect you."

"What's going to happen to me now?"

"We're not sure. We know that Ingen has an important document that has to do with you. We're going to try to get it back. But until we do…they might think they have a chance of taking you from us, but—"
"No!" Maisie screamed, and immediately began sobbing. "Please, I don't wanna go! I'm sorry!"

"Kiddo, shhhh, it's okay. Don't be sorry. You've got nothing to apologize for." Owen grabbed the sobbing girl and engulfed her in a hug. He began stroking her hair to quiet her. She was shaking from crying so hard. Claire could only watch as her heart broke.

"I'm-m-m s-s-sorry. Please. Please." Maisie kept stammering.

"Shhhh. It's okay. We will work this out, I promise."

"Yes, we will." Claire grabbed Maisie's hand and squeezed it.

It was a while for anyone said anything. Finally, Maisie pushed away from Owen and looked at both him and Claire.

"What are they going to do to me? Run tests on me like I'm some sort of lab rat?"

"Maisie, listen to me." Claire's face was dead serious as she looked Maisie in the eyes. "You will not be tested on. Not if we can help it. Owen and I love you. And we will do everything—everything—in our power to protect you. You've got to believe that. Do you?"

"Yes." Maisie nodded.

"Okay. Good."

"We've got a plan." Owen whispered. Maisie's face snapped over to look at him.

"Really?" There was hope in her voice. "What is it?"

"If worst case scenario is that somebody has to take you—we will make sure it can be Iris. So you'll be in safe hands until we can get everything sorted out. How does that sound?"

"Okay, that sounds good." For the first time since the conversation started, Maisie smiled.

Claire breathed a sigh of relief, and let out the breath she didn't know she was holding. She hoped everything was going to work out, just like they promised Maisie.

What did you think? Please review!