As always, thanks for the amazing reviews! It's what keeps the story going!! Prepare yourself for some major drama... You might hate me, but trust me, everything is going to turn out right! (A/N: The rest of the character pics are posted on my profile, in case you wanted to see.) Reviews make me smile :) and post chapters faster...
THANKS!!
(Oh, and candyycane21- The reason Josh was giving Claire a piggyback ride is, 1.) Because Massie was wearing a dress, and that would have been awkward, 2.) I just want to show how tight the foursome is- they feel totally comfortable with each other, 3.) Derrick and Claire still aren't together, so Derrick couldn't have been giving her a piggy-back ride, and 4.) Massie and Derrick don't feel as comfortable together as Josh and Claire, because they had dated.) Haha, that's probably a lot longer and more info. than you wanted, but whatever... lol.
"Rate me."
Claire turned to her with a disbelieving look.
"Rate you? Mass, we haven't rated each other since the ninth grade, when you declared rating 'out'."
Massie rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, well, things change Kuh-laire. And as of now, I proclaim rating 'in'."
"But you won't 'proclaim' stupid nicknames like 'Kuh-laire' out, will you?" Claire muttered darkly.
"What was that?" Massie demanded.
"Nuh-thing, Queen Massie." Claire said sarcastically. Massie threw her a dirty look, but smiled all the same. They could never stay mad at each other for long. They were in Derrick's yacht, in Massie and Josh's bedroom, getting dressed for Hunter's party. If all the A-listers staying in Nantucket were going to be there, they needed to look perfect. Derrick and Josh were already ready, playing Guitar Hero III while waiting for the two girls.
"Oh, fine. Massie is wearing a royal purple Victoria's Secret embellished halter top, with a fabulous gold neckline to add some sparkle to it all. She is also wearing light tan cargo Bebe short shorts, and gold sequined Prada slingbacks. Gold Stella McCartney hoops are on her ears, and her brunette locks are wavy and loose. She is, overall, a 9.6. A touch of Copacabana Coffee Lancome JUICY TUBES lip gloss would make you a 9.7."
Massie nodded, looking pleased, and rummaged through her black Coach tote for the gloss. Claire cleared her throat loudly.
"What about me?"
Massie rolled her eyes again and sighed.
"Gawd, Claire, and it was you who thought rating was stupid. Besides, you look ah-mazing in whatever you wear. But whatevs. Kuh-laire Lyons is wearing a gorgeous patterned magenta, hunter green, and white horizontally striped Victoria's Secret strapless smock dress with a 'fit-and-flare' empire-waist shape and ruffle hem. She also has on my white Juicy Couture lace up gladiator sandals; black and white chunky bangles, and her loosely curled blonde hair is pushed back with a thin, hunter green headband. A solid 9.5. Add a hint of Hard Candy glitter eye pencil from Sephora and some Bare Escentuals Renegade Chic eyeshadow, and you'll be a 9.7, just like me."
"Okay."
Claire rushed into the bathroom, and quickly applied what Massie told her to add, and stepped out, her piercing blue eyes set off dramatically.
"Nice." Massie nodded approvingly. "Derrick is going to go nuts when he sees you. So is Hunter." She winked.
"Puh-lease." Claire said, waving her off. "I don't like Hunter anymore."
"Then can I have him? He's a total HART!"
"MASSIE!"
"JK, I have Joshy. Why would I want anyone else?"
"True dat."
"You know you're jealous."
"Uh huh..."
They walked out the door, and into the den, where Derrick had just defeated Josh in "Through the Fire and Flames" on expert.
"WHAT NOW, HOTZ? No one can beat the king!"
Derrick turned, and his eyes fell on Claire. The guitar dropped from his hands, and hit the ground with a loud thump. Massie ran to Josh and twirled, while he whistled appreciatively. Claire nervously tugged at the hem of her dress, and gave Derrick a small smile. Forgetting completely that he and Claire weren't together, he walked over to her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and whispered,
"You look stunning."
She smiled shyly.
"Thanks Derrick."
They stared at each other, completely lost in the other's eyes, until Josh punched Derrick's shoulder, and Massie pinched Claire's arm.
"Come on, lovebirds. We got a party to get to." Massie teased, as Derrick and Claire blushed.
"Claire! You made it!" Hunter called. He was dancing with a tall, dark-haired girl with green-catlike eyes; one hand on her waist and the other clutching a Heineken. Derrick, Claire, Josh, and Massie had quickly got onto Hunter's yacht, called Bay Eaze, right before they took off. They presented their invitations to the burly, large bodyguard who stood at the entrance, and he had nodded, letting them in. Hunter rushed toward them, leaving the girl looking annoyed. He gave Claire a hug and a quick peck on the cheek.
"You look great, Claire bear."
Then he turned to the bodyguard still at the entrance.
"Alight Lars, that's everyone. You can go now." he said dismissively, and looked back at Claire, smiling. He gestured to the tall girl who's arms were crossed and was huffing.
"That's Cassie. My girlfriend. She's been completely jealous since I saw you and wouldn't shut up about our relationship. Just ignore her." He looked at the rest of the group. "Anyhow, have a drink by the bar, and enjoy yourself. You got the whole night to party!"
Grinning, Hunter turned, and pushed his way through the crowd of young, beautiful people, back to his girlfriend. Claire smiled at them all.
"Let's dance!"
She grabbed Massie's hand, who grabbed Josh, who grabbed Derrick, and they made their way to the center of the dance floor, bouncing to the loud, thumping beat of "Low" by FloRida.
Shawty had them Apple Bottom Jeans Jeans
Boots with the fur With the fur
The whole club was lookin at her
She hit the flo She hit the flo
Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low.
Them baggy sweat pants
And the Reeboks with the straps With the straps
She turned around and gave that big booty a smack Ayy
She hit the flo She hit the flo
Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low.
Jumping and singing loudly, they caught the attention of everyone. Josh grabbed Massie and grinded, shooting glares at any guy who tried to get near her. Claire swayed her hips, and ran a hand through her hair, glancing seductively with a grin at the many males who were watching her, awestruck. Derrick, looking frustrated, placed his hand on her hips- giving them a silent message that Claire was his. Normally, she would have pulled back- she hated being treated like 'property'- but the angry expressions on all the guys' face was too delicious to turn up. They kept dancing until their feet hurt, to 'Lollipop' by Lil Wayne, 'Get Buck in Here' by Akon, and 'The Way I Are' by Timbaland.
"Let's get a drink!" Josh shouted over the deafening music. Claire, Massie, and Derrick nodded, and tried to push through the throngs of people surrounding them. Finally, after a song and a half, they reached the bar, where they all sat on the tall barstools, ordering their drinks.
"Scotch, on the rocks." Derrick commanded, panting slightly.
"Tequila blanco." Josh said, licking his lips.
"Pina colada." Massie ordered, her chest heaving from the dancing.
"Bourbon whiskey!" Claire shouted over the noise, and gave the young, sexy bartender a winning smile. He nodded, and made the drinks quickly, and handed it to each of them.
"YOUR ATTENTION, EVERYONE!"
They all turned to see Hunter, with no shirt on, revealing his toned six-pack, standing on top of one of the tables, next to the DJ, shouting.
"Alright, so, just to shake things up a bit, we're going to have an 'exes dance'. Three songs, you have to dance with your ex boyfriend or girlfriend for every single one of them." He paused and winked at a tall, leggy redhead, who was watching him stonily. "NO ONE is going to be sitting this one out!" He nodded at a random person in the crowd surrounding him, and jumped off the table, making his way to the redhead. The four friends exchanged glances nervously.
"Hey Josh..." They turned to see Alicia, looking disgustingly beautiful in a black Miss Sixty denim mini skirt, blue and white horizontally striped Banana Republic tube top, and black knee-high Michael Kors, low-heeled calfskin boots. Her thick raven hair was up in a high pony tail, and she smiled innocently at her ex. "Do you want to dance?"
Josh glared at her.
"No, not really. But seeing as it's an exes dance, fine."
He squeezed Massie's hand reassuringly, and gave her a kiss on the cheek, before turning to Alicia and following her through the crowd.
"Massie, m'lady." Derrick said, in a goofy, Shakespearean voice, and he bowed to her, holding his hand out. Massie giggled, gave Claire a smile that said 'Don't worry about it- we're only friends.'
They followed Alicia and Josh into the crowd as well, leaving Claire alone. She saw Hunter talking to the angry redhead, obviously trying to convince her to dance with him. She caught his eye, and he winked.
"Hi Claire."
Claire turned to see Cam, smiling at her sweetly, his face practically glowing as he looked at her. She stayed silent, and sipped her whiskey.
"Dance with me?" he asked her, softly, and bit his lip nervously, something that Claire could never resist. She gave him a small, half-smile.
"Alright." she agreed, and stood. He beamed, took her hand, and led her to the center of the dance floor, in complete view of everyone. 'Apologize' by One Republic came on.
I'm holding on your rope,
Got me ten feet off the ground
Cam placed his hands firmly on her hips, and breathed deeply. Claire, not meeting his eye, wrapped her arms around his neck, and they swayed.
I'm hearin what you say but I just can't make a sound
She spotted Massie and Derrick laughing as they danced, and watched as Derrick looked at her, and gave her a longing smile.
You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down, but wait
You tell me that you're sorry
Didn't think I'd turn around, and say...
Josh and Alicia were slow dancing, but Josh looked incredibly stiff, while Alicia was speaking to him in a low voice.
"Claire?"
She looked up to see Cam watching her, a confused expression on his handsome face.
It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late.
"Yeah?"
"I miss you."
"Should have thought of that before you decided to cheat on me with that dumb slut."
I'd take another chance, take a fall
Take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
But it's nothin new
"Claire, I made a mistake. You have no reason to forgive me, but-"
"But what?"
"I love you."
I loved you with a fire red-
Now it's turning blue, and you say...
"Sorry" like the angel heaven let me think was you
But I'm afraid...
"Don't you remember those days in middle school and the beginning of high school? We were the perfect couple. Remember Valentine's Day in eighth grade?"
She remembered.
-Flashback-
"Go away, Cam!" Claire shouted, her eyes filling with tears. "I don't want to see you!"
"Claire, please, just listen! Come outside!"
"NO! Go away!"
And just to get the point across, she threw a soccer ball out her bedroom window, hitting him straight in the face.
"OW!"
"Oh my god! Cam, I'm so sorry!" She cried, and ran down the stairs and out the door, still in her pajamas. "Are you alright?"
"I'll live."
"I'm still mad at you."
"Why?"
"Let's think." Claire said sarcastically. "It's Valentine's Day. Massie and Derrick went to see a romantic movie together; Josh and Alicia are having dinner at the new 'Bertucci's in Westchester; Dylan and Plovert went to an Akon concert; and Kemp and Kris went to a high school soccer championship game. What did we do? NOTHING. You basically ignored me the entire day! I even made you a collage that have pictures of us together- that I've been working on for weeks- and kept it in your locker this morning!"
Cam grinned.
"Claire, let's go." With that, he grabbed her by the waist, and put her on his bike. Then he got on in front of her, and placed her hands around his waist. Then, without listening to her shouts telling him to get lost, started pedaling swiftly. She wouldn't shut up until they reached Westchester Park. It was almost midnight. Placing his hands over her eyes, he led her to a secluded part of the park, next to the lake, and took his hands off. She gasped. He had set up a picnic blanket on the ground, with ice cream, cake, chocolates, and gummy bears filling the plates. He smiled at her shocked expression, and placed his iPod in the speakers next to the blanket. 'Our Song' by Taylor Swift came on. It was their song. Claire couldn't contain her joy.
"OH MY GOD! Cam, this is amazing!"
"Glad you like it." he whispered shyly. Smiling, he reached out for her hand, and looked into her eyes. "Claire Lyons, will you honor me with a dance?"
"I would love to."
They danced, ballroom-style, until the end of the song. Claire looked up to stare into Cam's one green and one blue eye, and found herself kissing him.
"I love you Cam."
"I love you too, Claire. Forever and ever."
-End Flashback-
"Claire, I still feel the same way about you as I had that day. Nothing has changed. We can still be that perfect couple we always were."
Claire sighed, breathing in the intoxicating scent of his Drakkar Noir.
"I love you."
Those three damn words that kept coming out of his mouth were slowly killing her. She wanted to punch him and kiss him at the same time, but instead, contented herself with looking down at the floor.
"You. Cheated. On. Me." Claire enunciated slowly, trying to convince herself, more than him. "Why the hell should I forgive you?"
It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late
Cam sighed.
"Because."
And he leaned in and kissed her, wiping her mind blissfully blank of the cheers of the people around them; the shocked looks on Massie and Josh's face; the triumphant smirk on Alicia; and the hurt and sadness in Derrick's warm brown eyes...
It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late
It's too late to apologize, yeah
I said it's too late to apologize, yeah-
I'm holdin on your rope, got me ten feet off the ground...
I KNOW EVERYONE MUST HATE ME RIGHT NOW. It nearly killed me to right this chapter. But this is a Clairington fic, not Clam, so not to worry... Next chapter is still taking place at the party, with some Jolicia/Mosh and Clammington tension. Preview of the next chapter:
"I can't believe her." Derrick sighed, looking out into the sea.
"I'd never do anything like that to you."
Derrick looked at the person talking to him.
"Yeah, well, that doesn't help."
The girl smiled at him sympathetically.
"Look, Derrick, I know you're upset. But will you give 'us' a chance? Please?"
Derrick glared at her, but looked behind her to see Claire and Cam still dancing.
"Fine."
I'm so evil. Who is Derrick's mystery girl? But review anyways...