A/N:

Here is the next chap. Sorry it took so long to get it posted. I've had a really stressful couple of weeks and it's been hard to get anything written.

Hope you enjoy it!

Claire's POV

A whole day had passed and I was still feeling betrayed and angry as hell. I was lying in bed watching reruns of Friends and ignoring my cell phone, which had just rung for the millionth time. My mom had been calling repeatedly and I refused to answer, because I was still not ready to talk to her. So I put my phone on vibrate, turned up the TV's volume, and tried to escape the thoughts that were swirling around in my head.

A few minutes later, Shane came in and sat down on the bed next to me.

"Do you think you have that loud enough?" Shane asked, picking up remote up from beside me, where it lay on the bed, and turned the volume down.

"Think you could sound anymore like my Mother?" I asked pointedly, grabbing the remote out of his hand and turned the volume back up.

"Wow…I was just kidding," Shane said, sounding taken aback by my attitude and behavior.

I turned to face him. "What do you want?" I asked with a more annoyance in my voice than I had intended.

"Okay… I just came in here to see how you were doing. But I can leave if you want me to."

"God Shane, I'm sorry," I said, feeling horrible for being so rude to him. "I don't know what has gotten in to me. You've been so wonderful and here I am being a bitch to you. Of course I don't want you to leave. Can you forgive me?"

"Does this answer your question?" he asked, then reached out, put his right hand on my cheek and leaned in to kiss me sensually.

His kiss set my whole body a blaze with passion, the way only his kisses could, every nerve ending in my body screaming, 'More, More.' I never wanted the kiss to end. I needed him, all of him. It was like every bad thing that had happened in the last couple of days were melting away with that one kiss, and it ended way too soon.

"I love it when you kiss me like that," I said, sighing softly in content.

"I know," he smirked.

"Want to fool around for a while?"

"You don't know how badly," he said, his eyes full of lust as he pulled me in for another kiss. "But…you really should call your mom," he murmured against my lips a moment later, then gave me another gentle peck before he pulled back and smiled at me.

"I don't want to think about my mother right now," I said, then tried to kiss him again, but he dodged it by turning his head away.

"Uh-uh…Claire."

I furrowed my brow in frustration. "Why are you doing this? I don't want to talk to her right now…or ever, Shane," I pouted, looking down at my hands in my lap.

Shane placed a gentle fingertip under my chin and lifted my head, compelling me to keep eye contact with him. "To answer your question, it's because I love you. Now call her…you know you want to."

"No I don't," I stated petulantly.

He subtly shook his head. "Baby, I know you do and I know that you'll hate yourself if you don't."

"No I won't," I insisted.

He slightly raised his eyebrows, looking at me imploringly. "Trust me, you will… Look, I know how much you love your mother, and how much it's killing you right now to be so angry with her when you just lost your Father. You do want to call her, you're just being stubborn right now because you're hurting."

I sighed. "You're right and I hate that," I admitted, finally giving in. "I am just being stubborn and I'm really not that mad anymore…it just hurts."

He nodded, then cocked his head to the side a bit and gave me a small smile. "I think that you know why they didn't tell you…it's because they were trying to protect you and save you from all of this pain as long as possible," he hedged.

"Yeah," I relented quietly.

He reached out to tuck some stray strands of hair behind my ear, and let his fingertips graze my jaw as he dropped his hand back down to his lap. "You know that they were going to tell you Claire, they just ran out of time before they got the chance. I can't see your parents purposely keeping you in the dark about all of this just to hurt you. Granted they should have told you as soon as they found out, but can you really blame them for wanting to protect you from it as long as possible? I'm sure it's not easy telling your only child that you're going to die. They were probably just trying to figure out how to tell you," he assured me.

I nodded. "I know that, I do…I think I'm starting to understand it a little bit."

"That's good. Your mother loves you Claire...that's why she's been blowing up your phone all day; she hates that you're hurting so badly. I think that it would be a good idea if you'd call her back and let her know that you love her too, and maybe even that you forgive her…?" he trailed off suggestively, to which I squinted my eyes a bit. I didn't know if I was ready to forgive her. Before I could voice any protest though, Shane spoke up again, quick to reassure me and make his point. "I know that it would make you both feel better, sweetheart. You can't stay mad at her forever…and I know you really don't want to be mad at your father," he said knowingly.

I bit my lip and my eyes began to water, knowing that he was completely right…I did not want to be mad at my Daddy. I sniffled and swallowed against the lump forming in my throat, then looked back into Shane's beautiful eyes, beseeching him to see my side of things. "I just wish they had told me and that it wasn't me who found him like that…laying there on the floor, dead and covered in food. God, I don't think I'll ever be able to eat lasagna again," I said, wiping away the tear that had fallen down my cheek.

He nodded in understanding, lightly caressing my bare arm in a comforting gesture. "I know, baby…"

I sighed. "Sorry, I've been so emotional lately…I' don't know what's wrong with me," I apologized quietly, irritated that I was crying. Again.

Damn it.

"Well, maybe it has something to do with the fact that you just lost your father. That would make anyone emotional, baby. There is no need to apologize," he said sympathetically, never stopping his finger's gentle trail along my arm. His gaze left mine then, moving down fractionally to focus on my cheek, right before he brought his other hand up to wipe away another tear that had fallen. "No more tears…" he pleaded softly.

I nodded, giving another little sniffle. "Yeah…" I trailed off, then leaned forward to give him a quick kiss. "Thanks honey…I think I'll call my mom now," I said, reaching for my phone.

He smiled. "That's my girl. Alright well…I'll be right back." he told me, getting up off of the bed.

I paused, holding the phone in my hand. "Where are you going? I asked, wondering why he had moved away from me. "You don't have to leave," I told him. I didn't want him to go. I needed him nearby in case I freaked out again. My emotions were all over the place right now. I was mad at my mom, but then I wasn't, and apparently, I'll cry at the drop of a hat.

He nodded. "I know," he assured me. "I just thought that I'd give you some privacy. Plus, I have something for you and I want to go grab it real quick," he informed me with a smile.

Oh.

I cocked my head to the side a bit in curiosity. "What did you do?" I asked, giving him a sweet smile of my own.

He chuckled and subtly shook his head. "Mm-mm, you'll see."

"Just tell me," I pleaded.

"Nope," he countered, letting his lips pop on the P. I'll be right back," he promised, leaning forehead to kiss my forehead. When he straightened back up, he pointed his finger at me in mock seriousness. "Now call your mom, Claire," he instructed in a no-nonsense tone, then turned on his heel and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind himself.

"Bossy…" I muttered under my breath as I looked down at the screen on my cell phone and saw that I had thirteen missed calls, all from my Mom.

I rolled my eyes.

Shit...Did she really have to call that many times?

I took a deep breath, scrolled down to her name and pressed TALK. As I waited for my mom to answer, I began to get a little worried because it had rang five times and she still hadn't answered.

Maybe she was ignoring my phone calls now, or…oh God, maybe something had happened to her?!?

The thought alone frightened me.

Please answer the phone, Mom.

*RING*

Be okay. Please be okay. Oh God, if she's not okay-

*RING*

Pick up, damn it!

I was beginning to panic, and if she didn't answer on the next ring, then I was going to grab my purse and fucking run all the way over there. I didn't care if it was already dark out.

"Hello," my mom's voice sounded over the line after the seventh ring.

Oh sweet baby Jesus.

I sighed in relief. "Hi, Mom," I said, finally able to breathe.

Ugh, freak out much? What the hell is my problem? See, I knew my emotions were out of whack today. Fixin' to have a damn brain aneurism because the woman didn't answer her phone on the first ring. Jesus Christ, what-

"Oh Claire…thank God," my mom exclaimed, interrupting my reverie with the worry in her voice.

Yes. My sentiments, exactly.

"I was beginning to think you were never going to talk to me again," my Mom said. She sounded like she had been crying.

I started to feel guilt creep in at her statement. "I'm sorry mom. I just needed some time. You know, you guys really should have told me, you really should have. This hurts so much worse," I told her, not holding anything back.

"I know we should have sweetheart, and we were going to. I promise you that," she said vehemently. "We were going to tell you that night, right after dinner. We never expected him to go so soon, least of all that night, and we certainly didn't expect you to find him the way you did. Oh baby, that must have been so traumatic for you…" she trailed off, her voice slightly strained with the weight of our topic.

I gritted my teeth, not wanting to cry again.

Where the hell was Shane when I need him?

"I know that you didn't Mom, and it was a very traumatic experience," I confirmed in the strongest voice I could muster up at the moment. "I don't think I'll ever be able to erase the memory from my mind. I'll always remember him lying there, cold and blue on the kitchen floor, covered in our dinner," I told her, fighting against the burning tears welling up in my eyes.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart," my mom's voice consoled me.

I breathed a shaky sigh. "I know Mom," I assured her. "And I want you to know that I'm not mad anymore, and that I love you very much."

"Oh Claire, I love you too," she said, sounding relieved.

"I think we should put it behind us and focus on what's important."

"Which is?"

I ran my fingertips under my left eye, wiping away the new tears that had gathered there. "Planning a beautiful funeral for Daddy," I reminded her.

"Yes, of course Claire."

I sniffled a bit and subtly shrugged, wondering what I could do to help out. "How about Shane and I come over tomorrow morning and help you with the arrangements?" I offered.

"That would be great," she agreed.

I smiled and nodded, even though I knew she couldn't see me. "Have you made any calls yet?" I inquired.

"Yes, I called some of our friends and family, the funeral home…things like that."

I sighed a bit in relief because I didn't want to have to make those calls. "Okay, well it seems like you've gotten off to a good start…." I trailed off before telling her about my decision. "Umm…I thought about singing a song. For, you know…the f-funeral. I…I, uhh I know that I'm a bit rusty, but…" I sighed, "I just thought it would be a special way for me to say goodbye to him…to my daddy," I hesitated, stumbling slightly over my words because I was afraid she would tell me no.

"I think that's a great Idea, sweetheart!" she exclaimed, and I could actual hear the smile in her voice. I smiled in response. "And I know that your father would have thought so, too. You have such a beautiful voice baby, but you never use it anymore. He would be honored that you're choosing to sing for him, I just know it," she assured me.

My smile grew wider thinking about how happy Daddy would have been, knowing that I was going to sing him good-bye. I really wish I could have told him. I'd give anything to see my daddy smile at me again. I felt my eyes begin to well up with tears again at those thoughts, and I rolled my eyes, pushing my longing feelings for my dad aside so that I could finish this damn phone call without bawling into the phone like a great big baby. "Okay, thank you Mom," I replied simply, my voice showing nothing of my inner turmoil.

"Do you know what you would like to sing?" she asked, sounding intrigued and very curious.

I quirked a small smile and bit my lip. "I have a few ideas floating around in my head, but nothing concrete just yet…" I trailed off, contemplating my choices.

"Well I'm sure that whatever you choose, it will be beautiful," she complimented, and I felt myself relaxing a bit as I basked in the special type of comfort and reassurance that only a mom can provide.

With the relaxation, came exhaustion, and I found myself yawning within seconds. "Listen Mom, I'm getting kind of tired," I mumbled sleepily. "I think I'll go to bed now, but I'll see you in the morning okay?"

"Okay, honey…sweet dreams."

"Thanks Mom, goodnight."

"Goodnight."

I waited for the click on the other end of the line before I flipped my phone closed, then looked up and startled at the sight of Shane just standing there. He had come back into the room and was waiting patiently by the door with both hands behind his back.

"You scared me," I told him, exhaling a shaky breath. "Why didn't you say something?"

He shrugged apologetically. "You were talking to your mother, and I didn't want to interrupt," he said, not making any kind of movement towards me. "It sounds like things are better between the two of you…" he trailed off quietly.

I nodded, confirming his suspicions. "Yeah, they are."

He gave me a small smile. "That's good."

I raised a thin eyebrow at him then, remembering his reason for the leaving the room in the first place. "Didn't you say you had something for me?" I asked curiously.

"Did I?" he asked, feigning ignorance.

I quirked a small smile. "It's behind your back, isn't it?" I guessed.

His lips stayed curved into a small smile as he leaned his head to the side a bit and stared at me with amusement lighting up his eyes. "Hmm…maybe, but if you want it, then you have to close your eyes."

I smiled and nodded, playing along. "Okay," I relented, closing my eyes and feeling my excitement grow.

I heard Shane's subtle footfalls then. He walked across the room and I felt the bed dip when he sat down next to me.

"You can open your eyes now," his voice whispered softly to me.

I opened my eyes and they immediately went in search for this 'something'. Soon, they caught sight of my IPod and an envelope placed beside it on the bed in between our bodies, and I focused on the words written in black ink across the white paper. The words 'To my darling daughter Claire', were written on in my father's handwriting. I recognized it as the letter that my mother had tried to give me the day before.

"I don't get it?" I muttered, confused.

He sighed. "Well, I went ahead and took the letter and CD from your mom the other day, before we left. I figured you might want them later," he told me.

I sat there and stared at the items, not knowing what to say or how to react to the beautiful man that sat before me.

He furrowed his brow as he continued to stare at me. "Was I wrong?" he asked, concern laced in his tone.

I quickly shook my head once, wanting to reassure him. "No…" I breathed the word out as a sigh, relieved that he had thought to retrieve these items for me. "No, Shane, you were absolutely right. I was going to ask for them back tomorrow," I told him, smiling. "Thank you," I gushed, and leaned forward to hug him.

He chuckled softly and I felt him press a kiss to my hair. "Good," he murmured against the skin there and it sent an involuntary shiver down my spine.

I cleared my throat. "Where's the CD?" I asked as I broke the hug and picked the items up off the bed.

"Well, I downloaded the CD onto your IPod, but it's over on your desk whenever you want it," he said, pointing towards the desk.

I smiled, grateful to have him in my life. "You are amazing, you know that? So thoughtful…"

He smirked. "Yeah, I know…" he trailed off, a bit smug.

I rolled my eyes. "Shane," I smiled and playfully punched his shoulder.

He slyly grabbed my balled up fist after it made contact with his skin, and placed a warm kiss to my knuckles. "Did I hear you say that you're going to sing at your father's funeral?" he asked, changing the subject.

I blushed. "Yes."

He gave me a soft smile, still holding onto my hand. My fingers instantly relaxed out of their curl as he started rubbing small circles into my palm with his thumb. "Aw…since when do you sing?" his voice lilted curiously.

I shrugged. "Since I was a little girl, I just don't do it anymore," I informed him.

His brow furrowed. "Why the hell not? I bet you have a beautiful voice-"

"Let's just say that I chose the path that I thought would be better for my future, and leave it at that, okay?" I said a little sharply, effectively cutting him off.

He nodded slowly, letting the subject drop. "Okay…" he relented. "Um…so are you going to read your letter?" he asked.

I sighed. I hadn't meant to snap at him.

Stupid crazy emotions.

I brought the hand up that was currently holding my own and placed a kiss to his knuckles in a silent apology. "Actually, I think I'll read it later, but do you want to listen to this with me?" I asked, holding up the IPod with my free hand.

With one last circle to my palm, he broke our hold and smiled at me, nodding. "Yeah, sure."

"Okay, go turn out the lights and we'll get under the covers," I suggested.

"Alright."

Shane got off the bed and went over to turn off the light switch on the wall while I climbed under the covers and waited for him.

"You ready?" Shane asked.

"Yep."

He turned off the overhead lights, just as I switched on the bedside lamp, then he came back to the bed and crawled under the covers with me. I stuck one of my IPod's ear buds in my ear and handed the other one to Shane. After I reached back to the lamp and flicked the light off, I rolled over into Shane's inviting arms and rested my head on his comforting chest.

"Just press play and let it be a surprise…it'll be better that way," he whispered into my unoccupied ear.

I nodded, liking the sound of that. "Okay…" I whispered into the darkness.

A second later, the sweet sounds of Billy Joel's 'Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)' began playing in my ear. Shane kept his arms tight around me in a cuddling embrace, and I felt him kiss the top of my head.

As we lay there in each other's arms and listened to the music, memories of my father holding me as a little girl and singing this same exact song crept into my mind, and it was like I was sharing a special time that was just between me and my father, with the man that I love.

It couldn't have been more perfect.

*****************

The day of my father's funeral was an especially hard day for me; I had woken up feeling like crap and I was an emotional wreck for the better part of the morning. I hadn't seen my father's body since the day that I had found him in the kitchen, and the realization that I was going to see him today, in a coffin, no less, was really starting to get to me. I was also having my doubts about singing. I hadn't sung for anyone in years. What the hell made me think that I could do it today?

Ugh, of all the days to wake up feeling like crap. I'm gonna hurl right there, center-stage, in the middle of the damn song. But hey, maybe it's cool to suddenly projectile vomit mid-lyric…? Hmm, I wonder if anyone would notice. Yeah. I'm pretty sure they would.

My mom, Shane, Michael, Eve and I, all arrived at the church together. We were about forty-five minutes early, and the rest of our friends and family arrived accordingly. We sat up front with all the rest of our guests behind us, and to either side. Though we were having the funeral at the church, it was actually being held outside. We had heard that the weather was going to beautiful and we wanted to take advantage of it.

My mother had begun to cry as soon as she saw the coffin. I, on the other hand, just sat there and held onto Shane's hand, trying to calm my nerves. He had been by my side all morning long, only stepping away when I asked him to do something for me, or to help my Mom with something. He had also been whispering calming reassuring words into my ear because he knew how nervous I was, and that I wasn't feeling well. We both just figured that I was nauseous from my nerves being shot due to having to deal with my father's death, and the fact that I was worried about singing in a few minutes and didn't know if I could keep myself together long enough to actually do it.

After the minister had spoke and people had gone up to say kind words about my father, it was finally my turn to sing, and I was feeling pretty confident that I could do it. I would make my father proud as he listened and gazed down at me from up in heaven.

I took a calming breath, steeled my resolve to be the best damn singer I could be, then stood from my seat and walked up to the microphone. "Today, instead of giving a speech about my wonderful father, I have decided to sing a song in honor of him," I informed everyone, clearing my throat. "My father used to sing to me every night when I was a little girl, and now this is my chance to sing for him…This is for you, Daddy," I said to my father as I looked up toward the heavens.

The music began and I waited for my cue to begin singing Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven'.

"Would you know my name…
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same…
If I saw you in heaven?

I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven.

Would you hold my hand…
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand…
If I saw you in heaven?

I'll find my way
Through night and day,
'Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven.

Time can bring you down,
Time can bend your knees.
Time can break your heart,
Have you begging please, begging please.

Beyond the door,
There's peace I'm sure,
And I know there'll be no more
Tears in heaven.

Would you know my name…
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same…
If I saw you in heaven?

I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven."

Somehow, I managed to make it to the end of the song without crying, but on the last note I couldn't hold it back anymore and got choked up, letting the warm tears fall from my eyes and roll down my cheeks.

When the music stopped and the applause began, I wiped my tears away and looked out into the large congregation of people, only to discover that I wasn't the only one crying.

I looked over to Shane who smiled at me and silently mouthed, 'I love you…Beautiful.'

I mimicked the gesture and mouthed 'I love you,' back to him, then looked up to the sky and said the same to my father. More tears came and I wiped those away too.

When everyone began to quiet down again, I took an extra second to get myself together, then began nodding my thanks. "I…I…um," I said, but hesitated and cleared my throat because a powerful wave of nausea hit me just then. "I… uh, thank you," I tried to continue, but was cut short when the sudden need to vomit became overwhelming.

I gasped and covered my mouth, "Excuse me."

I ran around the corner to the nearest bush, where I hoped no one could see, and gave into this sickening feeling, allowing my stomach to purge itself of it's barely-there contents.

After I finished throwing up, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and leaned back against the tree behind me. My legs were starting to shake, so I relaxed them and let my limp body slide down to a sitting position on the ground. I was breathing heavily and I scrunched up my nose as I swallowed back another wave of nausea and began feeling a slight sheen of sweat start to form on the back of my neck and forehead.

Ugh…this sucks.

I heard fast footfalls coming my way then, and Shane's loud voice calling out to me followed soon after.

"Claire!" he shouted, trying to find me.

"I'm over here!" I called out, then saw him as he rounded the corner.

He rushed over to where I was sitting and dropped down to his knees beside me. "Baby, are you okay?" he asked, concerned.

I nodded weakly. "Yeah, I'll be okay," I assured him.

He gazed at me skeptically, probably noticing the beading sweat on my forehead. "You sure?"

I sighed and rolled my eyes a bit. "Yes, Shane I'm sure. I'm just nauseous," I said, waving it off. "It's probably from all the stress and stuff, and I think that I might be getting a little bug or something."

He put his hand to my forehead, then let it slide down to gently cup my cheek. "Hmm, you don't feel like you have a fever baby, but maybe we should just go back to your Mom's. You can lie down and wait for everyone there while your stomach settles," he suggested, keeping his critical eyes locked with mine.

I nodded as he let his hand fall back to his lap, then looked down to where my fingertips were absently stroking the soft blades of grass by my side. "Yeah, I think that's a good Idea," I muttered distractedly.

"It is," he confirmed.

I looked back up into his eyes and furrowed my brow as I thought of something. "Has everyone already gone over to the burial site?"

His eyes widened a bit, but he subtly nodded his head in confirmation. "Uh, yeah. Your mom wanted to stop things and wait for you, but I told her that I would come and find you, and that we would just catch up to them later."

"Oh."

"I hope that's okay…?" he hedged uncertainly.

I nodded, wanting to reassure him. He looked as if he was regretting his decision to tell them to go on without me, although I'm not sure why. "Yeah, that's fine…where's Michael and Eve?"

"They are waiting for us at the limo," he informed me. "Your Mom went ahead with everyone else. Eve was really worried about you. She was ready to kick my ass when I told her that she was going to have to wait at the Limo with Michael. Michael had to restrain her. That girl is crazy. I was afraid for my life."

I chuckled, loving the picture he had just painted in my head. "Wow, you afraid of Eve? What I would have given to see that."

He nodded, smirking at me. "She's scary," he confirmed.

I shook my head slightly in disbelief and smiled. "All of that because I got a little sick."

"All of this because you ran off and scared the crap out of us," he corrected.

I sighed, glad that my nausea was staying at bay for the time being. "Okay, well I guess we better go, so that Eve can see for herself that I'm okay. Can you help me up?"

"Yes."

He stood first then helped me to my feet. "I'll get you some Saltines and Ginger Ale when we get back to your mom's house," he said, then gently kissed my forehead.

I smiled up at him. "I love the way you take care of me."

"I love you," he said, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

"I love you too."

He tucked me into his side then, and we walked at an unhurried pace around the corner to the limo, where we met up with Michael and a frazzled-looking Eve.

*****************

We got to my Mom's house at around four o'clock and I went straight to the couch to lie down. Eve and Michael stayed in the living room with me and watched television, while Shane went to the kitchen to get my Ginger Ale and Saltines as promised. He must have been gone for awhile because by the time he came back I had fallen asleep.

When I finally woke up, about an hour later, everyone had made it back from the burial site, and the house was crowded. Apparently, Shane and Michael had gone outside with my uncle Jack to check out his newly restored, 1966 Shelby Mustang, and my cousin Randi, short for Miranda, had come to keep Eve company while I drooled on the couch. Yeah, I was not a pretty picture that day.

Eve and Randi were talking animatedly to each other; they had really hit it off. I was barely able to get a word in edge wise or get the 411 about what had happened while I was asleep, and they barely noticed when I made a beeline for the bathroom. After I was finished puking for the second time today, I swished a little water around in my mouth.

Definitely going to have to brush when I get home was my thought as I heard a knock on the door.

"I'm in here!" I called through the door.

"Claire, sweetheart, are you okay?"

"Yes Mom, I'm fine."I said, and walked over to open the door. "See…? It's just a little bug, okay?"

She eyed me critically, concern etched all over her features. "If you say so…" she trailed off reluctantly, letting it drop. "Do you feel up to coming out to the garage with me?"

I shrugged. "Sure, but what's in the garage?" I asked.

She smiled then. "It's a surprise… now come on," she said excitedly, grabbing my hand.

Huh?

"O-okay," I muttered, confused.

I followed her down the hall, and when she stopped with one hand on the door leading to the garage, she turned to me. "Your dad and I were going to give this to you for your birthday, but with everything that's happened, I've decided to just go ahead and give it to you now," she informed me.

I just nodded in response and when she opened the door and turned on the light, I walked in and saw that three cars were in the garage. I recognized one as being Mom's and one as being my father's, but the third I didn't recognize at all.

Mom turned to face me with a smile. "Now, I know that when we first brought up getting you a car, we put a stipulation on it, and we realized that that may have been a little unfair to you, so we decided to just give it to you on your eighteenth birthday. No strings attached," she explained. She held out her right hand then, and I saw that in it, were the keys to the car.

I hesitated, not knowing how to react. It would be great to have a car and not have to borrow Eve's all the time, but there had to be a catch. "What's the catch?" I asked skeptically.

She shook her head, quick to reassure me. "There's no catch…I promise. It's all yours. No strings attached," she repeated. When I just stood there staring at her, she chuckled and asked, "Well, what are you waiting for? Aren't you excited? Here…go check it out," she said, putting the keys in my upturned palm.

I closed my hand around the keys and walked over to my new car, a Volkswagen Jetta. I stuck the key in the lock and it turned. I felt a smile start to creep onto my face.

Oh hell yeah…I got a car…I got a car...I got a car…Hey, hey, hey, hey!

I was practically grinning like an idiot now as I opened the door and got behind the wheel. I just sat there for a second, taking in the look and feel of my new car.

My new car.

Oh hell yeah.

"Do you like it sweetheart?" Mom asked, walking over to the driver's side where I was sitting.

I absently nodded, my eyes wide at how shiny everything was. "Yes Mom, I love it. Thank you…" I trailed off, a bit speechless.

She smiled. "Good. I'm glad you like it, baby."

I just nodded again, fingering the smooth steering wheel. "Mm-hmm…what year is it?"

"Oh, it is a 2004, I believe… It's got a CD player in it; I know how much you kids love your music. Start it up."

I furrowed my brow and looked at my mom then, subtly shaking my head. "We're in the garage Mom, with the door down. That's not exactly a good Idea."

She rolled her eyes at me. "Of course I was going to let the garage door up, Claire," she said, walking over to the wall and hit the button to make the garage door open.

I watched in the rearview mirror of my new car and grew impatient as the garage door traveled north at a freakin snail's pace, and when it was finally all the way up, I put the key in the ignition and started it up.

It ran beautifully.

Oh hell yeah.

I pressed my foot to the gas pedal and listened as the engine purred back to me.

I can't believe I just started my very own car! I can't wait to show Shane. And Eve. And Michael. This fucking rocks! No more bumming rides from Eve, and definitely no more walking home from work, or worrying about a rogue vampire jumping out and biting my ass. Yay!

The music came on and startled me out of my thoughts. I recognized the song as Tim McGraw's 'My Little girl'. The song was special, because it was just between me and my dad. It was also one of the songs that he had put on the CD that he made me.

I felt tears come to my eyes but I held them back as turned off the car, took out the keys, and got out. I walked over to my Mom and wrapped my arm around her in a hug. "I love you Mom…Thank you so much," I said, while also silently thanking my father as well.

I broke the hug, then turned and walked back inside the house. I had to get out of that garage, it was just becoming too hard.

When I got back into the living room, Eve was gone, but Randi was still there, sitting on the couch and watching some lame reality TV show.

I walked over and plopped down next to her. "Where's Eve?"

"She went to go find Michael and Shane…well, Michael mostly," she said, then looked up at me. "God…you look like shit ran over twice."

I rolled my eyes. "Thank you…I feel like it too," I said sarcastically. "How nice of you to notice."

She shrugged. "Sorry, but it's true…last person I saw that looked the way you do, was my Mom, when she was pregnant with the twins, and she had that same 'God I wanna die' look that you're sporting right now. Maybe you're pregnant?" she joked, chuckling as she turned her attention back to her show.

"That's funny," I said, laughing along nervously, but then my eyes suddenly widened as I registered what she had said.

Oh my God.

That was a scary thought and one that had never even crossed my mind until now.

I know she was just joking, but pregnant? No…not possible. Well, yes, possible, but I couldn't be, right? That's just silly. I'm not pregnant and I am definitely not ready for that kind of thing.

She chose that moment to turn back to me and speak again. "I mean could you imagine being pregnant?" she asked with a subtle shake of her head. "The mood swings, the morning sickness, the stretch marks and getting so –,"

I stopped listening after morning sickness, because my moods had been swinging all over the damn place, and I'm pretty sure what I was feeling could definitely be considered morning sickness, what with the nausea and vomiting.

Great, this is just what I needed. While I do want to start a family with Shane one day, today is definitely not that day.

"…I guess there's one plus to being pregnant, and it's that your breasts get huge. God, what I wouldn't give to have bigger boobs…" she kept rambling on, gesturing to her chest, and I had to stop to do a double-take to my own boobs.

Yep. Definitely bigger. Shit.

I suddenly remembered the comment Shane had made the other night about how my breasts were getting huge. Apparently, they were big before, but now they were a 'hand full' and he liked it like that because it gave him something to hold onto while we were having sex.

Oh God… I have to get out of here. Get a pregnancy test and find out for sure.

"…oh, and I heard that pregnant chicks are horny all the-"

"Could you excuse me?" I interrupted, not waiting for her a reply before I got up. "Thanks," I muttered quickly, then turned around and ran right smack into Eve.

Her hands shot out and she grabbed onto the arm of the couch to prevent herself from falling. "Whoa there, slow down…where you goin?" she chuckled, looking at me in amusement.

I shook my head and kept walking. "Can't talk, gotta go."

"Okay, but where are you going?" Eve asked again.

I shrugged, trying to think fast. "I have to go run an errand for my Mom. I forgot," I offered lamely and looked to Randi, silently pleading with her not say anything in case she had caught on to the real reason why I was leaving.

"How are you going to get there? I've got the keys," Eve called after me.

I turned around and waved my new car keys in the air so that Eve could see them.

Her eyes widened at the silver keys dangling from my finger. "What the hell?! Where'd you get those babies?"

I smiled, thinking of my badass shiny new car. "My parent's got me a car," I said simply.

"Awesome," she remarked, nodding appreciatively.

"Yeah, but I don't have time to talk about it now, I'll explain later, I promise," I said, then turned and continued walking towards the garage.

"Wait! What should I tell Shane?"

"Just tell him that I'll meet you guys at home later," I called over my shoulder while walking out the door to the garage.

*****************

I drove up to the curb in front of the drug store, parallel parked, then got out and went inside. I found the aisle where the pregnancy tests were fairly easily; it was trying to pick one out that was a pain in my ass. There were just so many! All I knew was that I wanted one that was accurate and easy to read.

Seriously. Is that too much to ask?

After pacing up and down the aisle three times, I finally decided on the Clear Blue Easy Digital. I hastily grabbed a box, then practically ran back up front of the store and paid for it.

I was about to leave, when Amelie fluidly walked in through the automatic doors with her entourage. I stopped dead in my tracks and hid the bag behind my back.

"Hello Claire," Amelie said, the words rolling off of her tongue.

I nodded, trying to feign politeness over my sudden nerves. "Hi, Amelie. Nice to see you…okay well, bye," I said, then slyly side-stepped her, bringing the paper bag around to my front as I passed.

"What do you have there?" she inquired with raised eyebrows.

Crap! Here we go…

I cleared my throat, trying to get rid of the nervous lump that had formed there. "I was just picking up a prescription. Yeah…I haven't been feeling very well lately," I lied. Well it wasn't a complete lie…

"Why do you lie, young Claire? You know better than that," she admonished me.

I subtly shook my head. "I…I'm not," I tried to lie again.

She smirked at my feeble attempts with dishonesty. I really did need to learn how to lie better.

"I know what you have in that bag is not a simple cough syrup or something to relieve a headache. It's a test. Am I right? One that will tell you if you are pregnant or not…?" she trailed off knowingly.

Holy shit.

I furrowed my brow. "H-how did you know?"I asked hesitantly.

"I saw you walk in. That is why I came in here. Do you honestly think that there is anything I would ever need from a drug store?"

I shook my head. "I didn't think-"

"That's right, you didn't think," she stated sharply, interrupting me.

I sighed in defeat, but kept eye contact. "Why did you follow me in here?"

"I came to tell you something," she said simply.

"What?"

"I can't allow you to have that baby," she told me, her eyes going completely white except for the little black pupil that stared back at me.

What?

I was speechless for a moment, but eventually found my voice again. "Why?"

"I think you know why Claire, and I simply cannot let that happen," she offered.

My eyes widened a bit. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I don't even know if I'm pregnant yet," I insisted.

Her eyes hardened as her gaze slowly traveled down to my belly. "I can't let that baby be the end of our kind, and since it's inside you, you'll have to go too."

I glared at her. "You are crazy! I am out of here."

I turned to leave then, but ran right smack into her vampire bodyguards, who just happened to be blocking my exit.

Fuck my life.

"Turn her around and hold her still," Amelie instructed.

They grabbed me and turned me around to face Amelie, who stood there with a crazed look on her face, her fangs down and glistening with venom.

"Holy shit!" I exclaimed, struggling to get away. "Let me go!" I cried out.

"I really wish I didn't have to this. You were Myrnin's favorite apprentice, but you have left me no choice, child."

I gasped and shook my head. "Please don't! Somebody help me, please!!" I pleaded desperately.

Everyone in the store just stood there and watched. No one made a move to help me as Amelie lunged for me and ripped my throat out with her teeth….

"Ahhh!" I screamed, and shot straight up from where I had apparently fallen asleep on my bed.

Shit! What the fuck?!

I sat there for a minute, trying to get my heartbeat to slow down.

Damn! With dreams like that, who the hell needs horror movies?

As my breathing evened out, reality began to set back in.

I had really gone to the drug store and gotten a pregnancy test, granted Amelie hadn't actually shown up and ripped my throat out, and it was now sitting on the back of the toilet tank in the bathroom, waiting to deliver the magic answer: PREGNANT or NOT PREGNANT.

I also remembered that my roommates and my boyfriend would be home any second.

I jumped out of bed, and ran out the door, into the bathroom. I picked up the pregnancy test without looking at the results, and brought it back to my bedroom. I walked over to the foot of the bed and sat down.

Okay this is it. Whatever the answer is, I can handle it…I think.

I squeezed my eyes shut, took a deep breath, then opened my eyes and looked down at the test.

I exhaled as I read that one small word on the little screen that would change my life forever.

PREGNANT.

Shit! Now what…?I'm going to have baby, that's what.

I squeezed my eyes shut and opened them again, hoping that the answer would be different, but there was no such luck.

I didn't really know how I felt about this. On one hand, this is mine and Shane's baby and I've always dreamed of having a family with him. On the other hand, I just don't know if I'm ready, or if Shane is ready, for that matter. We've talked about marriage before, and he wasn't ready for that, so why would he all of a sudden be ready for a baby?

I got up and walked over to my desk, then looked at the open date book. After I had gotten home, taken the pregnancy test, brushed my teeth and came back in here to wait for the answer, I had got out my date book to check and see when my last period was, and counted the days it had been since I was supposed to start again, but hadn't. I discovered that I was five weeks late.

So now, as I sit here with the positive pregnancy test in my hand, and the date book showing that I was indeed five weeks late, reality finally sank in, and the tears began to flow.

And I'm crying. Again. Awesome.

A few minutes later, I heard Shane call my name from down the stairs.

"Claire, we're home! You up there?"

Shit.

I sniffled and quickly set the date book aside to wipe my hand over my wet cheeks. "Yeah, I'm in my room!" I called out to him.

I sighed and waited for him to enter, keeping my back to the door.

I heard the door creak open as he walked in, but didn't turn to face him. "Why did you leave so suddenly, babe?" he asked, sounding a bit confused. "Your mom said that she didn't ask you to run an errand for her. By the way, nice car," he remarked to the side.

I bit my lip. "I'm late Shane," I told the wall, still not facing him and ignoring his question.

There was a silent, pregnant pause before he spoke again. No pun intended.

"How late?" he asked quietly. "You have been really stressed out lately, so-," he started, but I interrupted him, rolling my eyes.

Yeah, like I don't know that I've been stressed out lately.

"Five weeks," I quietly muttered, finally turning around to face him.

He stared into my eyes and nodded after a few seconds. "Oh. Well…that still doesn't mean anything, you know. Have you even taken a test yet?" he asked, grasping at straws.

I sighed. "Actually…yes, I have…here," I said, offering him the positive pregnancy test with an outstretched hand.

He hesitantly reached forward and gently took it from my grasp. As he turned his gaze downward, I stood there and stared at him, scared to death, and anticipated his reaction.

A/N:

Crazy huh?

Did I fool you guys with the nightmare scene?

So what did you think about this chapter?

Give me some feedback guys, let me know what you think.

Not alot of reviews on the last chapter. I need to to know what you think, so i know if i should go on.

So once again. If you read it, please review it!

Thanks!