Chapter 3.
Clare wanted to ask the Counselor what he was up to next, but was worried that his answer would tell of his leaving, and wasn't too keen on that idea. She was trying to figure out how to offhandedly get him to stay longer when he solved the dilemma for her.
"Thanks for the food, it was great. What are you up to now?" He asked.
"I'm not sure. I didn't have much planned, since it's my day off. I do have a party to cook for, though, as my nephew is turning three."
"That sounds like fun. How can I help?"
Clare turned to him in surprise. "You cook?"
"Sure. I always used to help my mom, though I don't get the chance very often any more, what with my travels. She tried to teach my sister, Amy, how to cook. But when that didn't work, she just continued to teach me. No my sister, Martha, helps her."
Clare looked at him weird. "Your sister's names are Amy and Martha?"
"Yep."
"Are those your only siblings?"
"No, my youngest sister is Rose."
"Amy, Martha, and Rose. Just like in the BBC series?"
"Yeah, where do you think the producer got the names from?"
Her mouth dropped open. "The producer knows your sisters?"
"The producer is a time lord, but he had to use a fob watch, and so he doesn't remember who he is."
"You mean like the fob watch that the Master used in the show?"
The intriguing idea was proposed in the TV series, that the time lords carried these fob watches that carried a special power. If a time lord was in dire danger, they could use the watch to change their biology, and they became human. They then forgot who they were, and could only turn back if they opened the watch.
"Yeah, the same kind of thing. The only problem is that the producer has to fill in the blanks about the actual time lords, and he often screws up, like with the converse shoes.
Clare glared at him. "That is so screwed up, the Doctor has to have converse!"
"Look, you're really killing me. I have known the Doctor for over 200 years, and you've never met him. I have scrapped my knees running away from the time vortex with him, annoyed little girls with him, and even watched him regenerate and gain a whole new body. But somehow I'm the one who's clueless on his apparel?"
"Exactly!" Clare smirked.
The Counselor threw his hands up in frustration. He stood quickly and looked around. "Give me something to do before you drive me insane."
"Well, you could wash the dishes." She said with a cheeky grin.
"Fine. Anything but continuing this conversation."
They were silent for a few moments as they went about their separate tasks. Clare put away the rest of the fajitas, and figured she would offer them as a piece offering to her mother when she returned from the local gym. Lois Kennedy could hold a grudge for a really long time, and Clare just wasn't up to the strain during a family get together.
"So how many people are going to be at this party?" The Counselor asked.
"Around 25. I'll practically be catering."
The Counselor didn't miss the slight tone of fatigue in her voice, and made a quick decision.
"Would you like a fellow caterer?"
Clare grinned. "I would love one. Thanks!"
"No problem." He paused. "But who are all these people?"
"Well my brother-in-law has a large family, and young Deakon has some other friends besides."
"Tell me about them."
Clare pulled ingredients out of the cupboards in order to make the cookies she needed for that evening. "Well my sister married Dustin, and they had Evalynn and Deakon. Dustin's parents are still living, and they'll be there. Then there's Dustin's sister, Celia, and her husband and three kids. Dustin's brother, Tanner, and his new wife. Dustin's twin sisters, Kelly and Ellie. The former is married to Mark, and the latter is married to Evan and has a little girl. Then there's Dustin's brother, Jack, and my brother, Matt, whom you've met. Larry Bishop and his daughter, Emily, are family friends, and Deakon invited a few of Matt's friends as well, who he has a lot of fun with.
By this time the Counselor had finished the dishes, and turned to watch Clare.
"Whew. That's a lot of people. What I find interesting is that Deakon didn't just want younger friends closer to his age. By the way, how can I help?"
Clare pointed to the fridge. "Grab the ham from in there, along with the thing of cherries on the bottom shelf. And as for Deakon, he loves adults. He really gets along well with everybody. Plus Celia has three boys, so he does have a few younger boys to play with." Clare's eyes softened.
"He's such a sweetheart. He got that from his dad."
"You said he's like his dad. He didn't get that from his mom?"
"Hardly."
Clare's tone hinted at something more, but he decided not to push her. "What's for supper, then?"
"Deakon wanted a cherry glazed ham and cheesy potatoes, along with chocolate chip cookies. Of course my sister also insisted I serve something 'healthy,' so I'm also making a Caesar salad. That's all of our favorites."
Clare's reaction to the Counselor's mention of the Doctor's older sister came back to mind, and combined with her harsh tone when speaking of her own sister, the Counselor though he was seeing another piece of the puzzle come into focus. He tucked that thought away for later, hoping for the right time to bring it up.
Clare finished with the cookie dough, and went to work on the cherry glaze for the ham.
"Could you peel the potatoes for me? The potatoes are on the floor in the pantry, and the peeler is in the second drawer to the right of the oven."
"Sure. Should I wash them first?"
"That would be great."
It was quiet for many moments, and the Counselor decided to make simple conversation. "So my Mom taught me the simple tasks of cooking, but I'm not so great at the actual work of combining flavors and tweaking recipes to perfection. Do you think that is something you could show me?"
Clare turned to look at him. "How would I do that unless you stuck around for a while?"
The Counselor merely looked at her, studying her, as if discerning her ability to do something. Although what that thing was, Clare wasn't sure. He opened his mouth to speak, when the front door opened and laughter interrupted him.
Clare signed, sorry that they had been interrupted, but resigning herself to preheating the oven and plastering a smile on her face right before Matt and his buddies came into the room. Jeff, Brogan, Jason, and Toby were four very different young men, but along with Matt, they made up an intriguing group of friends.
Jason walked straight to Clare and threw an arm around her shoulders. "Hey squirt. What are you making us today?" He used his other hand to reach for the bowl if cookie dough, but Clare slapped his hand before it reached its desired location.
"Don't even think about it, Jason. And since you resorted to once again calling me by such and undesired nickname, I am forced to stay silent on the subject of food."
Matt, Brogan, and Jeff glared at Jason, for he had once again allowed his tongue to get them on Clare's bad side. Toby, however, looked unfazed.
"We live in an age where silence is not only criminal but suicidal." He said. "James Baldwin."
"Yeah, what he said." Brogan cried out, certain they had won.
"Silence is the perfectest herald of joy." The Counselor quipped. "Shakespeare."
The boys stared at him, but once again Toby had come prepared. "Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly. Gandhi."
"Yeah, so act accordingly, Clare." Jeff said.
"Thoughts works in silence, so does virtue. One might erect statues to silence. Thomas Carlyle." The Counselor said, once again earning the boy's stares. But Toby fought back.
"He who does not bellow the truth when he knows the truth makes himself the accomplice of liars and forgers. Charles Peguy."
By this time, Clare had put a tray of cookies in the oven, and all eyes in the room where glued to the match of verbal wit.
"Silence is the language of God. Swami Sivinanda."
"The day we see the truth and cease to speak is the day we begin to die. Martin Luther King Jr."
The two glared each other down for many moments before Clare burst out laughing. All occupants of the room turned to her in surprise. "All right, all right, already." She said through her chuckles. "You both win. I am making chocolate chip cookies, and there will be plenty for both a snack now and for supper later. And Chris," she turned to the Counselor. "Thanks for defending my honor."
He nodded, and tried not to smile at her continuation of calling him Chris. He had no doubt that he would be introduced to the whole family as "Chris Piper." That was fine by him, as he was sure that no one would believe Clare if she tried to tell him the truth.
Minutes later, after introductions, the boys were seated at the table munching on cookies, and drinking milk as they talked. Brogan and Jeff sat in one corner discussing the throwing tactics of Matt Cassel, and disagreeing on his potential to improve. Matt sat with the other two guys discussing the latest Usher album, and the deficiencies of the lead drummer.
Clare worked steadily at the Caesar salad, and the Counselor chopped the potatoes and threw them in a pan coated with melted butter. Clare had just begun to make the cheesy mixture to pour over the potatoes, when she heard a car pull into the garage. She visibly tensed and took a deep breath. The Counselor noticed, and he turned to glance at Matt.
"Your Mother?" He mouthed, and Matt nodded.
The others were oblivious to this small exchange, and the Counselor sent up a quick prayer that Lois Kennedy would be in a good mood when she came in. Moments later, he was given the chance to find out.
"Clare, did you leave any lunch for me?" Lois asked as she entered the room.
Clare didn't like the accusatory tone her mother was using, but she turned with a smile nonetheless. "Hi, Mother. Yes, there is fajita meat in the fridge, as well as tortillas and lettuce. Or I could dish you up some of the Caesar salad I just finished, there is plenty. There are also warm cookies."
"I don't want cookies, I just got back from the gym." Her harsh tone made the boys stare at her, but if Lois noticed, she didn't let on.
"Of course, Mother. I'm sorry."
"I'll take Caesar salad." It was a command.
Clare turned back around, and the Counselor noticed tears in her eyes as she grabbed a plate from the cupboard. He took it gently from her and started to dish up the salad himself. Clare took the reprieve to blink back tears, and compose herself.
"Thank you." She whispered, taking the plate from him.
The Counselor watched as she brought the plate, a fork, and a glass of water to her mother at the table. She returned a moment later with Caesar dressing. Lois seemed to have softened a little, and after a few bites she turned to the Counselor.
"So are you a friend of Matt's?"
"No Mother." Clare said. "The is Chris Piper. He has volunteered to help me cater the food tonight."
"And what are your intentions towards my daughter?" Lois directed the question to the Counselor. Matt and Clare's jaws dropped at the audacious question, but the Counselor took it in a stride.
"That is uncertain at the moment."
Lois didn't look happy with this answer, but she didn't have the time to comment on it, because the Counselor grabbed Clare's arm, and guided her out of the room. He took her onto the front porch before stopping and turning to face her.
"Are you all right?"
"I'm just shocked that she would ask you that. I mean, she has a habit of being a matchmaker, but she's not usually that forward."
The Counselor chuckled, and Clare looked up at him. This once again reminded her of their height difference. She had to look up quite a ways to see the twinkle in his brown eyes.
"What's so funny?"
"Your Mother. She certainly is forward, but I had guessed that about her."
Clare wasn't sure what that meant, but rather than ask him she turned and sank into a wicker outdoors chair. The Counselor dropped into one facing her, and quietly waited for her to speak.
"What did you mean by your answer?" She finally asked.
"The one I gave your mother?"
"Yes."
The Counselor leaned back and looked up at the roof of the porch for many moments before speaking. Finally he turned his gaze to Clare and folded his hands in-between separated knees. He leaned forward before beginning.
"I'm not sure what it means, Clare. All I can tell you is that you intrigued me from the first moment. You are an attractive young woman with spunk, intelligence, and an incredible knowledge of culinary skills. You have what sounds like a fun family, a great job, and enjoyable friends. But even though you have everything going for you, there is still something missing. There is a pain that you keep inside, and I don't think it stems only from your mother's treatment of you. It isn't out there for the world to see, but when you have eyes like mine, your pain is hard to miss.
"I want to help you, Clare. Maybe it's just a rescue the maiden in distress instinct, but I think there's more than that. I think I know what you are missing, what could fill the hole you so desperately try to hide, but I want you to discover it for yourself. And I would love to help you. That's why I told your mother I was uncertain at the moment, because that is my intention, but only if you are willing to accept my offer."
Clare stared at him, and realized that she was desperately trying to hold back tears. He had pinned who she was so perfectly, she hadn't even been aware of everything he said until just now. How could this man she just met understand her better than she understood herself?
"So I guess that is why they call you the Counselor, huh?": She tried to make her voice sound light, but the Counselor noticed her attempts to keep from crying and the wobble in her voice. He didn't say anything, but merely watched her.
"What is your offer, then?" Clare finally asked.
"My offer is this; you come with me in the Tardis." He held up a hand. "Now before you get all excited, let me explain. I am not going to take you all over the universe, though we would travel time. I want only to show you what you will find what you are looking for, and the difference it can make in your life. We would travel mostly on Earth, and possibly go once or twice to Gallifrey."
Clare looked very excited, but she managed to calm herself down enough to think logically. She had her job to think about, and what her leaving for a while would mean for Dustin and the other Diner staff. She just wasn't sure that she could get off for an extended amount of time, even though her boss was a relation.
"To be honest, I'd love to take you up on your offer. But I'm not sure how to work out the details at my job. I'm a big part of the Diner, and I'm not sure what Dustin would have to do if I went traveling, which I'm sure would be my excuse when people want to know where I'll be."
"I can understand that," he said. "I figured you would need some time to think about it. Why don't you get back to me."
"All right." Clare stood. "I had better get back inside before Mother comes looking for me."
He grabbed her wrist and waited until she turned to look at him. "Are you sure you're okay?"
She took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. "I'm still upset, but I have to get over it if I'm going to survive this evening."
He nodded and squeezed her hand warmly before releasing her. He then stood and followed her inside. Just before they went back into the kitchen he spoke. "I'll be right here."
"Thanks."
Clare was actually having fun. She had been behind the serving table almost the whole night, except for when she had gone to give Deakon, Evalynn Jr., and Dustin a hug. But the Counselor had kept up a lively discussion, and before long Clare had relaxed. It was almost time for the present opening, when Clare felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned from her the sassy remark she was about to give the Counselor, and faced the person who had tapped her. Her eyes widened when she saw who it was.
"Lillian!"
She rushed out from behind the table, and embraced the young woman who resembled Dustin and his siblings. Lillian was Dustin's older sister, who had originally held the job of head baker, but then Lillian had married and moved to Louisiana. Clare had taken over the job, and this was the first time Clare had seen the sister-in-law who was closer than a sister since then.
"What are you doing here? Where's Paul?"
Lillian looked at the floor. "Paul and I aren't doing so well right now. I'm moving back here for now; we need some time apart."
"Oh, Lillian, I'm so sorry."
"Yeah, well, so am I." Lillian looked up. "But who's your friend here? I haven't seen him before."
"Lillian, this is Chris Piper. Chris, this is my sister-in-law, Lillian."
"Nice to meet you." Lillian shook his hand. His shake was warm and strong.
"Likewise." He replied.
"Lillian used to have my job at the Diner." Clare explained. "She taught me everything I know."
"Nonsense," Lillian said. "You were always a natural."
"Maybe, but two years of culinary school sure helped."
Lillian laughed. "Anyways, I'm now looking for a job. Do you know of somewhere in town that is hiring?"
Clare looked at the Counselor in surprise. "Coincidence?"
"I think not." He replied.
"What are you two talking about?" Lillian asked.
Clare turned back to her. "I'm thinking about doing some traveling, but I didn't know how I was going to get away from the Diner. There aren't many people who can do my job, but you are an exception."
"Where are you going?"
"Oh, I don't know. I just need to get out for a while. I've been getting stressed."
"Have you talked to Dustin yet?"
"No. Like I said, I didn't think I could get away."
"Well, are you sure? I wouldn't need the job for more than a few months."
"I'm sure."
"Ok, I'll go get Dustin."
"Sounds good."
Lillian walked off, and Clare turned back to the Counselor. "Wow, that was kind of weird."
The Counselor wanted to say "that was kind of God," but he refrained.
Clare sat at a table with Matt and his friends. Their constant light banter was always entertaining, and she simply sat back and enjoyed the fun. This went on for many minutes, before Brock turned to her with a question.
"Hey Clare, my birthday is next week. Can you bring a large batch of macaroons?"
"Sorry Brock, I'd love to but I'm probably going to be traveling for a while, and I'm not sure when I will be back."
Matt looked up sharply at his sister with surprise. Their eyes locked, and Clare tried to communicate that the answers he wanted would have to wait until later. Matt must have gotten the message, because he nodded so slightly, anyone else would have missed it. Then he went back to his piece of cake.
"Traveling!" Jeff and Jason exclaimed. "But why?"
"Yeah, Clare. You can't just leave us, we need you!" Brock cried out.
"You need her food you mean." Jason teased as he elbowed Brock.
"Well, sure. But we need her too."
"People say you have to travel to see the world. Sometimes I think that if you just stay in one place and keep your eyes open, you're going to see just about all you can handle. Paul Auster." Toby said.
Clare was about to argue when she felt the Counselor come up behind her chair. "The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. Saint Augustine." He countered Toby.
The occupants of the table got comfortable for another fight of wits and memory.
"People commonly travel the world over to see rivers and mountains, new stars, garish birds, freak fish…; they fall into an animal stupor that gapes at existence and they think that they have seen something. Soren Kierkegaard."
"Travel teaches toleration. Benjamin Disraeli."
"Everywhere is nowhere. When a person spends all his time in foreign travel, he ends by having many acquaintances, but no friends. Lucius Annaeus Seneca."
"When a place gets crowded enough to require ID's, social collapse is not far away. It is time to go elsewhere. The best thing about space travel is that it is made possible to go elsewhere. Robert A. Heinlein"
Toby didn't have an immediate response for that one, and the other occupants of the table leaned forward; sure that the end was near. After many tense silent moments, Toby fired his last shot.
"I never saw a discontented tree!"
The observers laughed out loud at this one. "You made that up!" Jeff said in between hearty laughs that belied his short Asian frame.
"No he didn't" The Counselor's words were so quiet, that they barely heard him.
"What do you mean?" Clare asked.
"He didn't make the tree line up. That was John Muir."
As Toby looked at the Counselor, his eyes shone with a mixture of triumph at his win, and admiration for his competitor. The Counselor looked right back, and the two seemed to share a type of camaraderie.
"Who is John Muir?" Matt asked.
Toby took this one. "Scottish-born Muir was the founder of the Sierra Club, which is one of the most important conservation organizations in the United States. He also wrote many letters and books telling of his adventures in nature, which have been read by millions."
"That explains the comment about the tree." Jason said.
They all laughed at this, and it was at that moment that Clare realized that the Counselor's hand had come to rest on her shoulder. It surprised her how relaxed he was in simply touching people.
Her mind went back to remember him tussling Deakon's hair, touching Lillian's arm when speaking to her, and lifting young Eva to his shoulders for a ride. He had even put his arm around Kim's shoulders during a lively conversation, and Clare's sister acted like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Even now, as his hand continued to lie lightly on her shoulder, Clare wasn't the least bit uncomfortable. It seemed quite natural, and Clare even enjoyed the strength she could feel in his light touch.