We are stuck together for survival
After the closing of Jurassic Park it took 3 years for Ingen's staff to return to the Island. Many of the buildings and old enclosure were left unattended and now were just a vague memory. They were the perfect hiding place for Owen and Claire.
They took one of the ATV's just to make sure no one will notice Owen's absence. The vegetation had almost devoured the building and the structure could only been spot if you knew where to look for it. Owen hid the ATV behind couple of trees and went inside. Claire was already in. After almost 25 years they didn't expect much, but the interior was clean enough to survive the night.
Ok, I think we are safe here! – said Owen as he entered the room.
Hope so! – Claire looked around and didn't feel so sure about that, but it was the only option they had. Her head was hurting; she felt the exhaustion getting the better of her. She sat down, gave the room another look then focused on Owen:
So, Owen, great job you got here! Happy you got back?
Uh-uh! – Owen closed his eyes and shook his head. - We aren't doing this right now!
Oh, yes, we are! – Claire said it through her teeth. – I cannot believe you went there alone! You almost got yourself killed and now because of you, we are probably going to die. Either we will get hunted and killed by bunch of psychos or chased and eaten by the locals. What a marvelous day!
Oh, my god, Claire, what is with you lately? – Owen was leaning against the wall, couple feet away from her. His tone was even and calm, but not for long if Claire continued to act like this. – If I remember correctly, couple of weeks ago you were perfectly fine, and then one day you went completely 180 on this. If there is something you need sort out for yourself just do it, but don't give me that crap. Not now, I have one helluva of a headache. – Owen once again rubbed the back of his head and slid down the wall and sat right opposite of Claire.
Claire said nothing else. She turned he head towards the window and left the sound of the pouring rain to silence the raging thoughts in her head. Owen noticed the concern look on her face. He couldn't stand when she was like that. He didn't want to fight with her, especially at this moment. His head wasn't helping much; he exhaled loudly in an empty effort to make things better.
Are you ok?
I'll live!
Owen, please! – Claire stood up and walked toward him. Let me see!
Babe, I am telling you, it's nothing!
Then let me see and if indeed is nothing, you can gloat about it later! Deal?
Owen only managed to smile at her. She was so close and he didn't mind it.
It's my head. One of those idiots ambushed me with something. And now it's killing me.
Claire checked the wound. It wasn't life threading, but it was definitely unpleasant.
Maybe you have a concussion; you are probably going to need and ex-ray on MRI, or something! – Claire placed her hand on Owen's face, just to make sure he was really alright. For a moment they just stood there, gazing at each other's eyes. But the moment was cut short. Claire felt one of those precious gifts that come with the pregnancy- her sight blurred for just a second, she lost her balance and inches before she hit the hard floor Owen managed to catch her.
Babe, babe, are you ok? - Claire was definitely out. Whether it was only because of the pregnancy, or combination of the stress and the fact that she hadn't eaten all day, it happened. Owen lost his composure and started to freak out. He repeatedly called her name, but Claire remained unconscious.
Claire, Claire, come on, open your eyes! Come on, honey, don't do this on me! He checked her body for wounds or injuries, but there was nothing. Owen was on the verge of panicking, when Claire finally spoke.
Claire, Claire! Babe, wake up!
Stop repeating my name, you'll wear it off.
Hey, hey, are you ok? – Owen spoke gently, while stroking her hair. He helped her to sit up, but never broke the eye contact with her.
I'm fine, Owen, I just need a moment! – She tried to stand up fully, but her legs did that thing again, they failed her once more.
Not even close. Don't get up! Let me get you some water!
No, no, no, don't go! Please!
I am not going anywhere!
Claire buried her head is his chest. Owen felt her racing heart and heavy breathing.
Claire, what's wrong? Are injured, are you in pain?
No, there's no pain! I'll be fine! I am used it! It'll go in a second!
Owen changed his position and now was standing before Claire. His eyes were moving up and down her body. He was looking for an answer. Claire was not well.
This had happened before? Are you sick? How often, did you see a doctor? Please, tell me you went to the doctor?
Actually, I did.
When?
Two weeks ago!
Claire, why didn't you tell me? Are you ok? What is it?
Well, that was the thing I was going to talk with you about! That's why I have been acting so weird and edgy!
Owen helped her to get up, making sure she is strong enough to stand on her on.
It started like a mount ago. I was feeling weak and tired almost all the time. I went to my GP and had some test done…
So, what is it?
Are you gonna continue with this! – Claire changed the subject right before she told him about the baby. Almost midsentence.
Really, we are gonna do this right now? Claire, tell me or so help me God!
First answer my question!
Not until you tell me what's wrong with you?
Not until you answer my question!
Owen lost it totally.
Woman, you're the most stubborn, unbelievable, impossible pain in the ass type of a girl, you know that? I can't even understand how I fell for that! For you!
Claire took a defensive position, with her arms crossed on her chest, with her held hell high; her look piercing Owen's eyes.
That's rich coming from you! You are the most blunt, uncontrollable and incorrigible idiot on the face of the earth.
What's with you and control? I am my own person; I won't be controlled by anyone! Not even by you!
Typical! I can't do this anymore!
Then don't! Walk away Claire, just walk away!
I can't!
Why not! It's clearly what you want! You have been acting like this long enough for me to get the point! You don't need me anymore, we are no longer a thing, just admit it!
Hey, don't put words in my mouth; I never said anything like this!
Then, why are you acting like? – Owen was giving up. Obviously, there were going to end their relationship soon. He was prepared for almost everything, but not this;
Because, I am pregnant, you jerk! – Claire finally found enough courage to spill the truth.
The room became quiet. The only thing filling the emptiness between Owen and Claire were the sound of the pouring rain. Owen was the first to break the unbearable silence.
Pregnant! With a baby?
No, Owen, with a freaking dinosaur! Of course with a baby, our baby, so I need you get yourself together and act like an adult for a moment!
How far are you?
Almost 9 weeks, but I found out last Monday! That's why I freak out when you told me about this six mounts trip.
But why didn't you tell me earlier?
I don't know, but it's finally out and we need to figure it out together!
Are you ok, is the baby ok? – Owen was slowly closing the distance between him and Claire. Even thought the news caught him off guard, he had never felt so happy in his life. He and the woman he loved so dearly were having a child together. Owen knew that Claire was going to be the best mother for his child. She has come a long way since the day they first met.
We are both in perfect health. For now, at least. – Claire was coming to terms with ridiculousness of the situation. She had to make the baby her first and only priority in order to survive the mess. Now with Owen here she felt little better, safer and more confident in the positive outcome… Oh, god let it be a positive outcome! Before she even realized Owen was standing before her. He grabbed her face and kissed her with such passion and love, that Claire was no longer afraid or angry with him.
I love you so much!
I love you too!
Nothing was left unsaid tonight. Those little words were there with them from the first day that they felt real before even spoken. Owen and Claire were stronger than ever. The only thing left to do was to get away from this Island for good.
Claire, I promise, I won't let anything happen to you both! I will get you out!
And I promise I won't let anything happen to you either! – Claire was no damsel in distress. She was as though as her man.
That's my girl! - Owen smiled at her and then kissed her once more.
They were still embracing each other, when Claire finally addresses the elephant in the room. Now that we establish it, how do you suggest we get out?
You know, you need to rest. You've been through enough for today. Let me worry for that for a change! Deal?
Deal! – Claire was too tired to admit that Owen had a point. She felt so overwhelmed with everything that happened; she could sleep for days straight.
Just, don't let go, ok! I got you once; I am never letting you go again!
Babe, I am never leaving you again! Ever! From now on you and the little guy in there are my only responsibility.
Now, get some rest! Tomorrow is going to be shitty day! Claire cuddled in Owen's arms, she rested her head again his chest and fell asleep. It made no sense. They were chased by people, that won't hesitate to kill them; on an island where the prehistoric T-Rex was free as a bird; but still Claire felt safe and happy. She was with the man she loved and that was the most important thing.
The storm was wearing off, the rain was no longer as strong as before, but it was going take another couple of hours for the sun to show its warm face again. Owen and Claire were sleeping, when the roar of a very know creature woke every animal on the Island. Even the majestic and quite deadly T-Rex would have remained hidden when there was storm raging outside. But the clouds were slowly departing from the Island. The T-Rex was no longer in his hiding place, now he was freely walking around.
Claire jumped as she heard him. Owen was so use to the noises the dinos were doing day and night, that didn't give much thought about it.
Owen, wake up. – Said Claire was almost whispering. – Wake up!
Owen opened his eyes, looked at Claire and said with still sleepy voice. - Well, good morning to you, hon! Did you sleep well?
Wake up, I heard it!
Owen was rubbing his eyes – Heard what?
That damn thing! It sounded close! Get up!
Babe, come on, he is not around. Come down and give me a kiss for good morning!
Owen Grady, stop whit the bs and take it seriously. It's probably waiting for us to come out and eat us! – Claire eyes were observing every leaf outside for a sign; if something was moving it was a potential threat.
He is not going to eat us and I thought you two were friends. Last time I saw you together you were doing fine taking the I-Rex down.
Ha-ha, very funny! – Claire frowned at Owen.
It's a little finny! – Owen stole a little kiss from her and got up. He took one of the riffles they got from the guards and a flashlight. He gave the other to Claire, just in case.
I will check it out and you're going to stay her, are we clear? – Owen gave Claire very insisting stare! Claire squinted her eyes at him with her jaw clenched and hissed – Fine! Claire hated when he did that, but she had to comply this time.
Perfect! If you hear anything out of the ordinary, don't wait around, just run!
What do you mean by out of the ordinary?
Like me getting eaten by a T-Rex kind of thing!
Claire froze – Stop it! It's not the time for jokes!
A good joke cannot wait!
That was the worst one I have ever heard! Be careful and don't get eaten, ok. Either I will have to kill you myself!
Now, that would be unfortunate!
Just be careful!
He nodded at her and took down the corridor.
Owen looked around the building. There were at least couple of inches of water, so he wasn't able to make out nothing; no footprints, nothing! After the amount of water that fell from the sky it was going to take days before the grounds dries out. Then he heard it again; the roar. It sounded distant; they were in no danger. Owen exhaled in relieve. No T-Rex to feast with them today.
But then noise came from behind him and startled Owen. He was quick on his hand and pointed the riffle at the direction of the noise.
For heaven's sake, I almost killed you! – Claire stupefied when Owen pointed the riffle right at her face. – Which part of do not move from here, you didn't get? I almost shot you! You need to stop with that!
Sorry, I heard it again and got scared that it already ate you! Sorry!
Babe, when we get out of here, we are gonna have some serious talk. Preferably before the little Grady-Dearing shows up.
Owen was smiling to Claire, his eyes sparkled when he mentioned the baby; even though she hated when he smiled like that at her, because that smiled made her knees weak; she tried to sound calm and determent.
The Dearing-Grady baby! No ring on that special finger, no first name privilege.
We have a plan, then! Owen was dead serious about that, but Claire though it was just another attempt to make her feel silly for thinking that the Rex ate him! Owen didn't need a baby to know that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. The little guy was an early Christmas present; the best present one could receive.
Since you are still alive and in one piece, can we please leave this wretched place and go home, before that thing finds us?
Sounds about right with me! The rain will stop soon, so Patterson will be checking for me the moment the sun is out. I prefer I get my hands on him first. That son of a bitch is going to pay for everything!
Ok there big guy, don't forget about me while doing that. Think of the big picture first.
But, babe…
Mister Grady!
Owen took Claire in his arms, press her right again his chest and just looked at her beautiful green eyes. I love when you call me Mister Grady! The way they kissed gave them enough power to go through everything that was ahead of them.
Enough of this for now. Let's go get our self a bad guy! Are you ready?
I think so!
When all of this is over it's gonna be just you and me, I promise!
I know! Just don't do anything stupid and rush, please!
Scout's honor!
Owen…
They kissed once more. There was no earthly power that would take him away from her; from their baby! Owen Grady found his true purpose in life, to take care for that magnificent, caring, amazing pain in the ass kind of woman!