Over the Years
Part Three
Disclaimer: Not mine, at all. I wish…
CLAIRE
He hadn't come home last night. We got into a fight, I mean it wasn't even a big one. He wanted to go back to New York for Christmas. I told him that was a bad idea. I mean, after the huge fight with Nathan, why would we go back? It's not like he approved of us…
The front door opened. "Peter?"
He walked in and leaned against the doorframe, staring at me. "Where have you been?"
He stared at me, then shook his head. "We cant do this." He muttered.
I looked at him in shock. "What?"
I looked at me with pain in his eyes. "I love you Claire. You know that. But Nathan is my brother…"
"I know." I said softly.
He just sighed. "We have to work this out. Somehow…"
"We will." I promised him.
He smiled. "Get ready. Niki and Micah are coming over in like two hours."
His smile instantly faltered. "Why?"
I frowned at him. "Peter, they come over once a month."
"Oh right." He said uncomfortably. He shrugged, "I'll go take a shower." He came over and kissed me quickly.
"Go." I said, pulling away and laughing.
He smirked. "yeah, yeah."
I shook my head as he walked into the bathroom. He took a quick shower and was getting dressed when there was a knock on the door. "Hey Niki, hey Micah." I said, opening the door and smiling at the two of them.
"Hi Claire." Micah said, automatically moving towards the computer.
Niki gave me a strained smile. I frowned at her. "You okay?" I asked her.
She kept giving me that smile. "Fine."
I raised my eyebrows, but ignored it. "Okay. Want to help me make lunch?'
She nodded quickly, then followed me into the kitchen. "Peter will be out in a minute." I told her.
She just nodded silently. We worked in silence a while, then she turned to me. "How are you and Peter? Everything okay?"
I gave her a confused smile. "Everything is fine. Unless you know something I don't."
She winced, then laughed. "Of course not."
"Okay." I said, turning back to the food. Someone wrapped there arms around my body. "That better be Peter." I said good naturedly.
"Oh, who else would it be?" He teased.
I laughed. "Wouldn't you like to know."
He just smirked and leaned down to kiss me. "Hey Niki."
"Peter."
That's strange. What's up with them?
"Micah! Time to eat!" I called, putting the food down on the table. Micah hurried in and took his usual seat between Niki and Peter.
"So, anything new?" I asked everyone in general, then frowned at the way both Niki and Peter winced.
"Nothing." Niki said quickly.
"Mom has a new boyfriend." Micah said helpfully. "That's why I was locked in my room all last night."
I laughed and looked at Niki, who looked like she was about to let Jessica out to play. "Who's the mystery guy?"
Niki laughed unconvincingly. "Nobody. It doesn't matter."
I frowned again. That's strange. Niki usually gave me to much information about her latest conquests. This time, she didn't give me enough.
"Let's take pictures!" Micah said, going into my room and taking out my camera. That boy has a strange fascination with cameras….
He snapped a photo of Niki, who laughed and took the camera from him. He quickly came over beside me and smiled. Niki snapped the photo. "Get one of Peter and Claire!" Micah told his mother. I laughed and stood, walking behind Peter and putting my arms around him. Niki snapped the photo.