I want to thank Halawen again as she is an amazing best friend, and I can never thank her enough for her encouragement of me in not only my writing, plus she helps me with it too, and reads it all as I go, but is so supportive in my life. I also want to thank ChiTownChris (husband and wife), BigWrestler, dragonsprit and tomfeltonlover1991 for being good friends and support too. And of course my guest reviewer WJAM because I wouldn't be where I am today without her! You guys are all great!
Ch. 5 Oh Brothers
(Clare)
The alarm on my phone went off but apparently I was the only one to hear it because when I opened my eyes, Owen was still fast asleep. I lifted his arm and maneuvered out of bed, grabbing stuff from my duffle I could wear to school and headed out for the bathroom. I could hear noises in the other bedrooms so obviously Tristan and at least one of Owen's parents was also awake.
While in the shower I thought over what I would tell Jake, and how I was going to explain not only getting married, but having a desire to have my brothers there when I told my mom because I know she'll freak out. But this thought kept leading me right back to thinking about Owen. He has promised to protect me, and to never hurt me, and he'll be there when I tell my mom, and brought me home, to his home, to stay the night and meet his family, but I can't help but wonder if this is just him caring about me after what happened. I know I was scared when I first woke up in bed with him Saturday morning, and he's held my hand or put an arm around my shoulders but could that just be him showing he cares? I seem to be initiating kisses, but he also said he wouldn't push, so maybe he's just respecting me. I wish I knew how he felt. I wish I knew how I felt. I know I care about him, and definitely don't want to lose him, but do I love him? Am I in love with him?
I realize at this point that the water is getting cold, so I turn it off and step out of the shower and get changed. When I come out of the bathroom Tristan's coming out of his room. "Hi Clare," he greets with a hint of surprise in his voice.
"Morning Tristan," I smile, but now I'm curious. "What's up, you seem surprised, did I do something?" I question.
"No it's not that, it's just, I was surprised when Owen brought you home last night, but I didn't realize you actually stayed too, although I never heard Owen leave to drive you home so it makes sense. You stayed in his room. I don't think he's ever had a girl stay in his room. Are you and my brother dating?" he questions. Tristan always was on the curious side.
"Tristan stop badgering her with questions. All you need to know is we'll be having a family meeting tonight after dinner, and that if you don't get down stairs to eat you'll be late for school," his dad tells him. "Good morning Clare, I hope you slept well," he says smiling as he passes me for the stairs.
"Yes sir… I mean Noah, I slept very well, and thank you again," I comment and then see them both go downstairs. I go back to Owen's room finding him still asleep. I put down my stuff, walking to the bed, and shake Owen's arm slightly, "Owen?" I question. I try again, but it doesn't seem to be working. I think of a different approach, like they use in the movies. I lean over and kiss his cheek, and keep doing it until he stirs. I pull back to see him open his eyes.
"Morning," he says sleepily.
"Good morning. Were you still going to drive me to school, and I'm assuming Tristan too, as we're going to the same place?" I question as Owen begins to wake up more.
"Ya, of course, I'll be down in a few minutes," he tells me, so I leave the room and head down for breakfast.
"Morning Clare. Since you'll be back here for the family meeting tonight, you're welcome to stay for dinner, and stay here again tonight if you'd like. I'm not sure how long the meeting will be and we know that whatever happens won't happen today," Danielle remarks, when I've come down, sat at the table and poured myself a bowl of cereal.
"Good morning Danielle, thank you so much. Owen and I have to talk to my brothers after school, but dinner sounds great. When do you normally eat?" I question.
"When we are able to eat as a family, like tonight, we usually sit down about 6," she tells me as Owen comes in and sits down.
"Alright, I'm headed to work now, I'll see you all for dinner tonight," Noah says kissing Danielle, and then shaking hands with Owen and Tristan.
"Bye honey, have a nice day," Danielle calls and the boys each say bye, and then so do I, and Noah kisses the top of my head, says goodbye and leaves. Tristan gives me a funny look, but doesn't say anything. We all eat breakfast quickly.
"Alright let's get going," Owen remarks standing up. I get up and grab both our dishes taking them to the sink.
"Thank you Clare," Danielle comments smiling, and I smile back.
"Since when are you taking me? It's your summer vacation, I figured you'd sleep in most of the day," Tristan remarks.
"I promised to take Clare to school this morning, so I'll take you too, but she and I have plans after school so you'll need to walk home," Owen tells his brother as I head up to Owen's room to grab my purse and backpack, which I had with me so I could do my homework on the plane, but leave my duffle as I'll be back tonight. When I get downstairs we all say goodbye to Danielle, who even hugs me after the boys and we go out to Owen's SUV and he starts driving.
"Ok, what in the world is going on? Clare is the first girl I've ever known to stay in your room, you promised to drive her to school, mom and dad seem to have embraced her, and she's coming to our family meeting tonight," Tristan rambles. "What is she pregnant?" he jokes.
Owen looks at me in the passenger seat, and I nod, "we'll be telling my brothers today, so Tris should know too."
"Know what?!" Tris exclaims.
"Clare and I are married," Owen announces. I look in the back and Tris looks flabbergasted.
"I uh… I don't even know what to say," Tris starts, pausing for a moment. "Are you crazy? Why in the world would you get married?" Tris asks, and then smacks Owen upside the head.
"Oww, what is your problem? You're lucky you're back there and I'm driving," Owen glares at his brother in the rear view mirror, and I'm surprised Tris had the guts to hit his brother.
"Just please don't tell me you got married because Clare is pregnant, because you were stupid, and pressured her into breaking her vow," Tris starts, his voice getting stronger as he stands up figuratively against his brother.
"Tris, it's okay," I tell him, as I see Owen getting madder at his brother's assumption. "Owen never pressured me. We've only ever been friends, but Friday night we both got drunk for different reasons and got married. But we're both happy being married, and we told your parents last night, which is why they're including me in family type stuff, and want to discuss with us what will happen now that we are married. I stayed over, because not only are we married, but my mom and I weren't getting along when I left Friday and she wasn't home yesterday when we left the airport," I tell him and I see his face begin to gain a smile.
"So my brother is actually married?" Tris questions.
"Yes, and I'm happy about it. It may not have been what I planned, but I'm certainly happy," Owen answers confidently, and I smile and lean over kissing his cheek, and can feel him smile while I do.
"You two, are certainly a shocking pair, but seeing you together actually seems right," Tris comments as we pull into the school parking lot. Owen parks and we all climb out.
"Thanks little bro," Owen laughs and the brothers male hug.
"Thanks Tris," I smile and then we hug. "But there are only a few people who know about Owen and I right now, so please don't say anything until we have a chance to tell those we want to," I suggest to Tris.
"Okay, I promise," Tris says looking at both of us, and then with a big wide smile heads over when he sees Maya sitting on the steps.
Most of Owen's friends graduated with him and no longer go to Degrassi, while my former friends no longer live here, and my few current close friends know about Owen and I so we don't think much of being seen. "Have a good day. I know Jake will be calling at lunch so I won't come by, but I'll be here to pick you up later," Owen remarks, and then leans down and kisses me quickly. I can't help but smile, and feel my cheeks go red. We pull away, and I can see there are some people around the yard that are looking, but many of them are grade 9's who appear to just think Owen is cute.
"Thanks Owen, you enjoy your day too, I'll see you after school," I tell him and then watch as he climbs back in his SUV as Adam pulls up in the minivan.
Owen drives away with a small wave and smile, as Adam parks, and gets out. We aren't together for more than a minute when Imogen bounces up greeting us. "Morning Adam, Clare. So what ended up happening last night?" she asks, but after her greeting remembers to whisper her question. I point inside, and we head in to the memorial garden so we can speak more freely.
"Last night was fine. Owen, Bianca and I all left not long after you and Fi. We told Owen's parents last night. They were shocked, but were supportive after some explaining. They let me stay last night, but we'll be having a Milligan family meeting after dinner tonight, which I'm having there. If my mom calls can I tell her I'm staying at your place Imogen. I can't claim I'm staying with Adam again. My mom may not care too much when it doesn't come to her, but even she knows Audra isn't big on girls staying over, even when they don't date her sons."
"Sure Clare, it's no problem," Imogen says and puts a hand on my shoulder.
"Thanks. So, I also emailed Jake and asked him to call today at lunch so we could talk, and texted Jay and Lucas, so Owen and I are meeting them along with Spinner and Emma today after school. We also told Tristan this morning, but asked him not to say anything," I tell my friends.
"Sounds like it's been productive," Adam comments with a laugh. "My parents were wondering if you and Owen would be available to talk Thursday evening. Maybe come over for dinner and talk after?" Adam questions.
"I'll talk to Owen and let you know," I tell him, and then look at my watch. "We have just enough time to get to our lockers before the bells rings," I tell them, so we all get up heading to the hall of senior lockers and each get out our books. The bell rings soon after and Adam and I head to University English, while Imogen has Girls gym this period. We say goodbye, and head to class. Adam and I sit next to each other, and I pull out a book to start reading, but the girl who sits behind me taps my shoulder.
"Clare, who was the guy I saw you with this morning?" she asks sweetly and curiously. Gaea is a pretty girl with brown hair with red highlights, pretty hazel eyes and a gorgeous smile, that started here in February at the start of this semester. I'm sure it must be difficult being a senior starting at a new school for her final semester, but she said her dad's job got transferred so she had no choice.
"Morning Gaea, that was Owen Milligan. He's Tristan's older brother, and just finished his first year at TU," I tell her, but leave out the details.
"Oh, cool, he's cute. But I saw you with him, so no worries," she comments, and I smile. She is right though, Owen is cute.
"So did you have a boyfriend before you moved here?" I ask.
"I did my sophomore year but we broke up that summer. Nothing since then," she answers as Ms. Dawes comes in and class begins.
When class finished, Adam, Gaea and I walked out together. We had talked a little off and on since Gaea moved here and became friends but she was on the quiet side so we didn't know too much about her. "So what type of guys do you like?" I inquire as we get to our lockers. We grab our books and walk to the memorial garden for morning break as it's still too cool to be outside today.
"Well my boyfriend during our sophomore year was quiet, like me," she starts as we all sit down. "But he walked away. At a certain point it just didn't feel right. I think I'd like someone a little more troublesome, without being crazy. But he's still got to have a caring side," she confesses. And this gets me thinking.
"I can tell why you were attracted to Owen," I comment with a laugh, and Gaea looks at me. "You just about described him perfectly, he was a ravine kid at one time. You know, our area's group of troublemakers and delinquents, although Owen cleaned up his act as a junior," I tell her.
"Have you guys ever been to the ravine?" she asks curiously.
"Me? Once, but not the section with the van where the kids hang out," Adam starts, but when Gaea looks at him curiously he continues, "it's a long story."
"I was with Adam for that in grade 10, but in grade 9 I also went to the section of the ravine where the kids hang out too, but just once, although I know a bunch of people who used to hang out there," I comment and then the bell rings. Gaea and Adam have music this period while I have world history. I enjoy history, but the only person in the class I know well is Dave, and after his problems with Alli, we mostly just say hi anymore. Class goes by fairly quickly today, and before I know it I'm sitting in the memorial garden, eating lunch and waiting for Jake to call.
I wait about five minutes and then pick it up quick when it rings. "Hay Clare, what's up?" Jake greets when I answer.
"Hey Jake, how's BC?" I question hoping to postpone the obvious.
"BC is fine, now what's up Clare? Your email made it seem urgent," Jake responds.
"Ya, well it is important that I tell you something, but I need you to promise not to tell your dad or my mom until I have the chance to talk to them, and you can't tell anyone else. And I'm a little afraid of how you're going to react," I tell him nervously. Although he'd only be able to hold my hand, I kind of wish Owen was here while I talk to Jake.
"You know you can tell me whatever you want Clare, I won't tell my dad, and I don't care about talking to your mom. But I'm paying for calling so just tell me what it is," Jake gets out, and I know my brother isn't always the most sensitive person around but he does love and care about me.
"Ok, so I went down to Vegas this weekend for Drew and Bianca's wedding. They didn't end up getting married, but I got drunk due to some personal stuff, and the next morning I woke up married to Owen Milligan. He had been drunk too, and neither of us remember any of it," I get out in about one breath.
There's silence for a moment before, "Clare why would you drunkenly marry Owen of all people?! If you wanted to piss off your mom I can think of much better ways."
"I didn't do it to piss off my mom Jake, although she was part of the reason I started drinking. But it just happened, although I'm not sorry. It was a good thing Jake, and we're both happy about it."
"Okay, well then I'm happy for you, I guess," Jake comments nonchalantly. But that's the way he is, and I know I probably shouldn't have been so nervous.
"Thanks bro. So how's Katie?" I ask curiously.
"She's fine. She stayed in California for the summer, to help coach a girl's soccer team. But I know she's missing Maya," he answers.
"I know we both miss the two of you. You can tell her about Owen and I if you want, but let me know if you do and she can't tell anyone, okay?" I comment.
"We miss you guys, but I love the west coast sis. Let me know how things go with Owen, and I promise to keep my mouth shut, unless I decide to tell Katie. Got to go now, have to head into work. There is a time difference remember," Jake comments with a laugh. We say love you and goodbye, and then hang up. I have just enough time to finish my lunch and get to my locker.
The rest of the day goes by with a slow lull, but finally it's the end of the day. I head to my locker and switch out my books and then head for the front doors.
Just as I get out the front doors I see Gaea beside me. "Have plans this afternoon?" she asks. And then I see Owen standing beside his SUV.
"Actually ya Owen and I have plans to meet my older brothers this afternoon, but would you like to meet Owen before we leave?" I suggest, feeling bad that Gaea and I can't spend the afternoon together, but right now talking to my brothers is important.
"Ok, I understand, maybe another day, and sure I'd like to meet him," she smiles and we walk over.
"Ya, another day would be great. I have a lot of plans this week but I'll let you know," I comment.
"Sounds good to me," she remarks.
"Gaea, this is Owen, Owen, this is my friend Gaea, she moved here at the start of the semester from California, and is a senior too," I introduce them, and they shake hands.
"It's nice to meet you Owen," Gaea smiles.
"Nice to meet you also, have a good afternoon," Owen greets, and then remarks, "Clare you ready to go?"
"Yep," I answer Owen. "Bye Gaea," I tell my friend, and then she waves as Owen and I climb in and head for Above the Dot. When we arrive I see Jay's car, and what I will assume is Lucas's newest car that he fixed up. We head upstairs and find Jay, Lucas, Spinner and Emma all sitting on stools by the juice bar. They all turn around when they hear us come in and the door close.
They all look surprised to see me with Owen, but all greet me warmly with hellos and hugs. And then we all sit down on the couches at the far side of the room. Owen and I next to each other on one couch, Spinner and Emma together on the opposite couch, and Jay and Lucas at either end of the couches in the oversized leather arm chairs.
I'm not quite sure how to get this conversation started, but Jay decides to start instead. "Hey Owen, it's been a while and nice to see you, but we're here to have a conversation with Clare, because she called us together so we could talk. Is there a reason you're here?" he questions, although given the fact that probably the last time any of them saw Owen he was still hanging out in the ravine it's not a surprise.
"Actually, he's part of why I wanted to talk to you guys," I answer before Owen has the chance to say anything.
"It is good to see you guys again," Owen greets and then reaches over and shakes all their hands. Emma and Owen shake also, but she also never really knew Owen the same way the guys did, given the she spent very little time in the ravine once he was old enough to be there. "Congrats on the weddings, and jobs, and baby," Owen comments with a smile.
"Thanks Owen," they comment all speaking at once.
"So why did you want to talk to us Clare, and just so you know, I called Peter after you called us and promised to let him know whatever is going on," Emma informs me, and I knew that was coming. When it comes to me, these five don't keep secrets.
"Well, its two things really. But it's kind of a long story," I tell them so they're prepared. "Well, recently my mom and I have been butting heads even worse than we have in a long time, probably since the divorce. With dad and Darcy and Jake all gone, I have no one on my side. Glen usually takes mom's side, and he's getting to be weirder the longer he's around. But he's not really the problem. I just don't like being there when he is," I remark. "Anyway, I decided to try calling my dad to see if I could visit him for a little while, just to have a break from mom. When I called the condo, his young former secretary, new wife answered. I asked her to tell him I called, but not before learning that she's pregnant. When I didn't hear from my dad for about I week I tried calling again this past Thursday night, only to find that the numbers been disconnected. So either she pressured him into changing it, and possibly moving knowing her, so I wouldn't be able to contact him again, or he's just that cruel now, that he doesn't care about me at all that he didn't even let me know his new number," I tell my brothers, starting to get upset, and more angry at my dad the more I talk. At one time he was a loving Christian husband, who would do anything for his children, and now it's like we don't exist.
I see anger brewing on my brother's faces. "Why didn't you call us then Clare?" Spinner asks, and I can hear the anger in his voice.
"Because I just wanted to forget about it and enjoy the weekend. I didn't want to give her or my dad the satisfaction of ruining anything," I tell them. "So anyway, the next morning, my mom and I got into a big fight. Her being controlling as always," and the guys and Emma all laugh. They've known my mom for years, and know how she can get. "But I didn't worry about her at the time, because I was meeting my friends to fly down to Vegas for a wedding."
"Oh yeah, how'd that go?" Emma speaks up. I had told her I was going to Vegas this weekend to see friends get married a couple months ago.
"Well, let's just say Drew knows how to screw up every relationship he gets into," I say and Owen laughs. "So they didn't end up getting married. But the infidelity, although they weren't yet married, and the broken wedding, and the anger I had at both my parents just ended up hitting me super hard and I swiped some alcohol from the reception and began drinking," I tell them, and wait for the reactions.
"You were drinking Clare?" they all ask at virtually the same time. Yep, me drinking does come as quite a shock to many of the people who know me.
"Ya, I got drinking, but it hit me harder than I expected," I answer.
"Clare, you could have been hurt or kidnapped, anything could have happened to you, especially in Vegas. We should know, we've all been drinking a lot longer and a lot more than you," Jay pipes up, trying to prove a point.
"Hey, no judgement here, as you just pointed out, you have all drank a lot more than me, and I know many of the other stupid, delinquent and sometimes even illegal things you all have done, and I'm guessing Owen knows some of them too," I lash out to get my point across.
"Ok, Clare, we promise, no judging, we just want you to be careful and learn from the stupid stuff we've done, and we all love you and don't want to see you get hurt," Emma tearfully comments. The hormones must be getting to her.
"I know you guys love me, and I love you all too. Which is why I'm telling you all now, but at the time, I just needed a way to forget what was happening at home," I inform them, and then gesture that Owen should begin explaining.
"So, I was also a guest at this wedding. There was the bride and groom, his brother and parents, Clare, myself and two more friends of ours who are a couple. Anyway, I had just finished my first year of University on Thursday, and although I hadn't had a drink since I stopped hanging out in the ravine, I decided that getting through my first year, and that fact that the wedding wasn't happening so we wouldn't get to enjoy the party, I wanted a drink, so I swiped some from the hotel and started drinking. I'm not sure how long I was drinking but whatever it was got to me," Owen explains.
"So you were both drinking?" Lucas questions.
"We didn't know it, but apparently we were," I remark. "Neither one of us remembers anything until the next morning actually," I tell them, and then Owen steps in.
"I woke up in my hotel room, and something was tickling my face, I pulled back whatever it was opening my eyes, and saw Clare asleep next to me," Owen gets out not able to finish, as all three guys burst out in anger.
"YOU ARE SO DEAD OWEN! Jay yells and it surprises Emma, whose nerves are not good at this point. I see Owen get a shocked look and then stand up, but looks ready to take them all on.
The guys all start advancing on Owen who stands his ground. "Guys stop," I scream, and right now I don't care if anyone downstairs can hear me. ""It's not Owen's fault," I tell them, but it doesn't help.
"She was drinking, and barely ever drinks, I know how much you used to drink, don't you ever come near Clare again. If you hurt her, I swear…" Lucas gets out and Spinner looks ready to punch Owen who hasn't said anything in his own defense, but has put up his hands to protect himself.
"Owen and I are married!" I yell standing up, and they all stop and stare at me. Their jaws have all dropped, and they just stand frozen.
"Clare?" Emma breaks the silence, as she says my name, and the guys all snap out of their shocked, frozen stances.
"I better not have just heard you say that the two of you were married!" Spinner says, but his voice is eerily calm, it's almost scarier then when Jay was screaming.
"All of you sit and let Clare and Owen explain," Emma yells out, and given her situation, the guys know not to argue, so we all sit back down, but all of the guys are looking angry still. Jay, Spinner and Lucas because of the situation, and Owen because he still wants to defend himself. "Alright Clare, please explain what happened, and all of you keep your mouths shut until their done," Emma gets out with authority. Spinner looks at his wife, and sees how determined she is.
"Thanks Em," I begin. "So anyway, with the help of Bianca Saturday morning, we figured out we had gotten married Friday night. We even called the chapel that was listed on the photo we had and they confirmed it," I tell my brothers.
"Then we spent the weekend with Bianca and Adam getting to know each other and having fun around Vegas," Owen remarks, "legal fun, I assure you," he adds.
"So why did you wait until today to tell us?" Jay asks, and it appears he's calmed down some.
"Well, we got married Friday night, found out Saturday, spent the weekend getting to know each other and realizing we are happy being married, came home yesterday and told Owen's parents last night, and today told Owen's brother Tris, my step-brother Jake, and you guys," I explain why it took this long.
"You couldn't have just called?" Spinner questions.
"From Vegas?" I ask. "Besides I thought this would be better done in person, and I had school again today."
"So you haven't told Darcy or your parents?" Lucas comments.
"I emailed Darcy Saturday night, but haven't heard back yet. I have no way and really no desire to ever tell my dad now, and given my relationship with my mom I've been avoiding telling her. Owen has said he'll come of course, but I was hoping you guys might be there when I talk to her. As backup?" I ask, in a slightly pleading voice.
I watch as they all look at each other a moment. "Of course Clare. So when do you plan on telling her?" Emma asks, and she's calmed down, leaning on Spinner slightly.
"I was thinking maybe tomorrow night," I suggest, looking up at Owen who nods.
"If you haven't told your mom yet, I'm guessing you haven't been home, so where did you stay last night and where are you staying tonight?" Jay asks, and now I get slightly nervous.