Chapter 21
(Phoebe's POV)
It's been a week since Claire moved in with us. It has been complete bliss. This week Nathan and I will start work again. We are alternating days this week. Tomorrow Nathan works and then the day after I work. Claire insisted we both go to work, but we don't want to leave her alone in the house just yet.
I am making breakfast today. I made waffles and bacon. I have the table all set. Claire should be up any minute now. Nathan is picking at the bacon. "Get a plate," I say and he smirks coming over and kissing my head.
"Yes ma'am," he says and fills his plate up. Just as I make myself a plate Claire comes down.
"Hi guys," she says. She is still in a big T-shirt and sweats.
"Hi sweetheart, are you hungry?" I ask her.
"Yes, thank you so much Phoebe," she says and I smile. I get her a plate and we all sit.
"Does anyone have plans for the day?" Nathan asks. I shake my head no and look at Claire.
"I was actually going to ask if I could go to the mall with my friends?" She asks. She looks as nervous as ever to ask. This is the first time she has asked to leave the house without us.
"Sure, as long as Sawyer goes," Nathan says and I can see the protective Christian Grey side come out in him.
"Sure, why do you guys have security?" She asks.
"I've had it since I was a baby. My dad has a very high profile job that comes with a lot of wealth. He has gotten a lot of weird threats over the years. It's just for your safety and ours," I say and she nods.
"Yeah I guess that's okay. He won't mind will he?" She asks and I shake my head smiling. I'm sure he'll love it.
"Your girlfriends can come by here before. Sawyer can take all of you," I say.
"Really?" She asks smiling.
"Of course," I say.
"You guys are the best," she says and I laugh.
"Hardly. Is there anything else I can get you?" I ask her and she shakes her head eating her waffle.
After breakfast Nathan goes to workout and Claire heads upstairs to get ready for the mall. I clean up breakfast and then go change. I get into some daily clothes and do my hair.
I head back out and tell Sawyer the plan. He is thrilled to get out of the house. My phone starts to ring when I head back into the kitchen. I see it is Ted. "Hey Pheebs," he says as I answer.
"Hey what's up?" I ask.
"Well Liv and I are going to pike place for lunch, so we thought we would see if you and Nathan wanted to join," he says. Pike place is a little market down the street from us. Nathan and I walk down there sometimes.
"Sure, what time were you guys thinking?" I ask.
"Is 1 okay?" He asks.
"That sounds great," I say. Claire is leaving at 12:30 for the mall.
"See you then, Bubs," he says. I smile and we say goodbyes. After I put my phone down. I turn on the news on the tv and fill up the water pot to water my plants.
I come back inside and hang out for a while on the couch until Nathan comes down from working out. He comes behind me on the couch and leans down kissing me.
"You look good," I smirk looking at him. He winks at me.
"Teddy called and invited us to lunch at 1. I said yes is that okay?" I ask him.
"Of course, is Liv going too?" He asks.
"Yes, were going to Pike Place," I say and he nods.
"I'm going to take a shower," he says and I nod smiling.
"I'll be here, Claire is leaving at 1230," I say.
"Sounds good, Bee," he says and heads off to take a shower. Claire comes down and sits next to me on the couch.
"Hi sweets," I say.
"Hi," she smiles. She is in a romper and converse shoes.
"You look nice," I say and she thanks me.
"Do you have anything specific you're getting at the mall?" I ask.
"Umm not really, my friends just said they haven't seen me in awhile and want to go," she says and I nod.
"Well that's fun," I say.
"It is, I love shopping," she says.
"My cousin Ava would have a stroke if she heard you say that," I say. "She loves all things shopping," I say.
"What about you?" She asks.
"Well I have to be in the mood to shop. I can't go whenever," I say and she nods.
"I understand that," she says.
"Have you thought anymore about what you want for your birthday?" I ask her. Nathan and I asked what she wanted for her birthday and she refused to let us get her a gift. After some coercing she said she'll think about it.
"Ummm no I kind of forget," she says and I smile.
"We want to get you something, Claire. Why don't you look around today and make a list of ideas and we'll pick one," I suggest. This way she feels less awkward picking one thing.
"Okay, yeah that works," she smiles.
"I was thinking while Nathan is at work tomorrow you and I could practice driving and get lunch," I suggest.
"You would want to do that?" She asks.
"Of course I would," I smile.
"That sounds amazing, you are the best, Phoebe," she says.
"Nowhere near it," I smile and she argues with that.
"When am I going to meet your family," she asks.
"Well this Sunday we are having them over for a birthday dinner for you and Nathan. If you want to meet them before that maybe I could invite my mom to lunch or something one day this week," I suggest. I want to not bombard her with males because of her past with them.
"She could come tomorrow," Claire suggests. "You haven't seen your parents since you've been here and you talk about them a lot. You should invite them," she says and I smile.
"Claire, we do not worry. I see them all the time. I will invite them tomorrow only if you want," I say.
"I insist," she says and I smile.
After a few more minutes chatting Claire tells me her friends are here. I instruct her to have her have them go up the elevator.
Claire walks over as 3 girls come out of the elevator. I want to be cool around them. They all hug and catch up. Is this how my mom felt? I internally laugh at myself.
"This place is so cool, Claire," a red head says. I smile and walk over.
"Phoebe, this is Jenna, Rachel, and Kaitlyn," Claire says.
"Hi guys, I'm Phoebe," I say smiling. I get 3 shy nice to meet you greetings and smiles coming out of the girls. I notice they are all looking behind me with their mouths slightly open. When I turn around I expect to see a dinosaur or a meteor flying through the window. But all I see is my husband and finally it clicks. They think he is attractive. Which he is.
"Hi babe," Nathan says and kisses my head. I can see the girls blush at his display of affection.
"Nathan, this is Jenna, Rachel, and Kaitlyn," Claire gives him the same introduction. Nathan shakes all of their hands. Each one blusher harder than the next.
Sawyer comes out. "Okay girls have fun," I smile.
"Bye Phoebe, Bye Nathan," Claire says, hugging us each before leaving. I smile as Sawyer gives me a nod as to say don't worry.
"Our first day childless," Nathan says and I nod. I am a little nervous. I know Sawyer has her, but I worry. I am starting to understand what I used to think was my parents irrational anxiety.
"Okay," I smile. Nathan comes around and wraps his arms around my waist. I lean up kissing him.
Today marks another week without my period. I am not getting my hopes up. Nathan and I have had sex one night this week which is very few for us. Both of us just want to be available Incase Claire needs us.
"We have 15 minutes to spare before we leave for the market," Nathan says into my ear. He wraps his arms around my waist. I look at the clock and he's right.
"Yeah," I smirk. Nathan's hands slide up my shirt.
"Well what are we going to do about that," I smirk and Nathan picks me up. I gasp as he throws me over his shoulder into the bedroom. He puts me down on the bed.
"We need to be quick," he says and slides his hand down my panties.
"and by the feel of it you are already ready for me," he says and throws off my pants and his. He separates my legs with his knees so they are spread wide.
The first pump into me I gasp and wrap my arms around his neck. He takes my hands and pins them on the bed using one hand. His other hand finds my center and breasts as he thrusts into me.
"Come on baby, we need to make this fast," he grunts and thrusts over and over. I am building as he talks about how sexy I am in my ear.
"Come for me," he says and I explode around him and he follows shortly after. He pushes off me and lays next to me out of breath.
"Fuck, you're so good," Nathan says and kisses my head. He comes out with a towel and cleans both of us up. After we both get redressed.
"Now that we have that out of our system are you ready," I say. He laughs and I retouch my hair in the mirror.
"Let's go baby," he says and I smile.
We walk to Pike Place hand in hand. I text Sawyer for an update as we walk. When we get there Ted and Liv are standing there. When Liv turns around I am shocked. She has a little bump under her tight dress. She is almost into her second trimester.
"Hi baby momma," I say and hug her tightly. I rub her belly.
"I swear I just popped this morning," she laughs. She is glowing and looks effortlessly beautiful. I hug Ted as he kisses my head.
We get seated at a table by a window. "How have you guys been?" Teddy asks. "How is Claire?"
"She is really great, the transition was easy. Today was her first day out with friends. You guys know to come next Sunday to the birthday dinner for Nathan and Claire?" I ask and they nod. My parents are hosting it.
"That is great to hear," Teddy says. We all order our drinks. Nathan and Ted get beers and I stick to water.
"How have you guys been?" Nathan asks.
"Good, we had an ultrasound yesterday," Liv says and pulls out the pictures. I smile looking at them. They give us a copy to keep.
"So do you think it's a boy or a girl?" I ask them.
"Well I did one of those online tests and all signs pointed to boy," Teddy rolls his eyes and I laugh.
"Ted says it's a girl," she says and I smile. We order our food. I get a chicken sandwich and fries. Very out of character for me but I'm hungry today.
"Has your morning sickness gotten any better?" I ask.
"It's on and off. Some mornings I wake up like superwoman others I'm by the toilet until noon," she says and I nod.
"It'll all be worth it in the end though," I say.
"Right," she says.
"Did you hear William got into USC for lacrosse?" ted asks. Our little cousin is a junior in high school and is already being recruited.
"Oh my gosh, Mia must be thrilled," I say and he nods.
"That's crazy," Ted says. Our food gets placed in front of us and I dig in.
"He is insanely talented. We should all go to one of his games," I suggest.
"We should," Ted agrees.
"Nathan you played lacrosse didn't you," Ted asks him.
"Yeah I played in Florida and junior year of high school. Then I just played basketball," he says and Ted nods.
"Doesn't Mia have another child?" Liv asks.
"Yes, Isabelle she is in her sophomore year of college," Ted says and I nod. I smile at Isabelle's name. I miss her sweetness.
"Can I have a fry?" Teddy asks. I nod handing him some. We chat for a little longer.
"I'll take the check," Ted says.
"No," Nathan and I both say.
"Too late, you guys made us dinner last time this is our treat," Teddy says. Nathan says next time we pay and he agrees.
We walk forward to the front of the restaurant and hug both of them goodbye. I totally forgot I got a little baby gift for Olivia when I was out shopping. It is a grey doc a tot. It is a life saver at the hospital. Babies love them. I know they are doing the nursery in Soft greys and adding pink or blue in when they know the gender.
"Shit guys, I totally forgot. I got you guys a baby gift," I say.
"You didn't have to Pheebs," Liv says hugging me.
"Well why don't we come back to your place. I parked near there anyway," Ted suggests.
"Perfect," I smile.
We all walk back to Escala. When we get there we punch in our code and ride up the elevator. When we get into the penthouse I tell them to make themselves at home and run back into my closet. I grab the wrapped gift and come out.
"It's not much," I say and smile. They unwrap it and see it.
"Phoebe, I was looking at these online. You didn't have to," she says smiling.
"Thanks Bubs," Ted hugs me. They both feel the soft fabric and smile.
"We can't wait for Baby G to get here," I say and they smile. I rub Liv's belly one last time and hug them both goodbye.
After they leave Nathan and I sit on the couch. I check my phone and decide to call Sawyer. He doesn't answer and I frown looking at Nathan. "That's weird Sawyer didn't answer," just as I say that Sawyer walks out of the security room.
"Oh my gosh, you scared me," I laugh.
"did you need something?" Sawyer asks kissing my head.
"No, I thought you guys were gone," I say.
"No, we came back about 20 minutes ago. I did want to talk to you though," Sawyer says and I start to feel nervous.
"Is everything okay?" Nathan asks.
"Yes, the girls were great. They went to the mall and met up with some of their other friends. But when we got back in the car Claire seemed upset. As I was dropping all her friends off she got quieter and quieter. She ran to her room when we got here. I just wanted to let you guys know," Sawyer says.
"Thank you for telling us," Nathan says. I start to worry. What happened at the mall? Did Claire see someone?
"We better go talk to her," I say as Luke goes back to the security den.
"Yeah," Nathan says.
We both head upstairs. I knock on Claire's door. Nathan stands next to me. We get no response. "Claire sweetheart," I say.
"Oh sorry, I was napping," she says and her voice doesn't sound normal. She sounds upset.
"Can we come in?" I ask.
"Sure one second," she says and I hear shuffling around. I look back to Nathan and he has concern etched all over his face.
When she opens the door it is obvious she has been crying. My heart breaks for her. She is putting on a smile and I can see it's fake. "Is everything okay?" She asks, opening the door.
"Yes, we just wanted to make sure you were okay," I say and she nods fake smiling. I look into her room.
Her room is always spotless. I tell her she can leave it how she wants, I don't want her to feel like it has to be this clean. She says she feels better when her room is clean. I wish I had that mentality. Nathan probably wishes I did too.
"Do you want to talk?" I ask her and she nods to me. I see tears slipping down her face. She looks to Nathan and then down at the floor. She doesn't want him here when we talk.
"Nathan, why don't you give us a minute," I say. I nod at him and he understands walking out closing the door. As soon as the door shuts Claire starts crying.
"Sweetheart, what's going on?" I ask her. We sit on her bed and I get her a box of tissues.
"I'm sorry," she says and I shake my head.
"Do not apologize for crying," I say.
"What's going on?" I ask her gently.
"It's stupid," she says.
"If it's making you upset then it is absolutely not stupid," I say and she gives me a small smile.
"We went to the mall and everything was fine. We met up with our guy friends there," she says and wipes her eyes. Sawyer told me they met up with friends.
"Okay," I say and encourage her to go on.
"The guy I have been… well I don't know. We've been talking I guess," as a child psychologist I have quickly learned the dating slang from my teen patients.
"Okay, what happened at the mall," I say.
"He was just being so rude and cold to me. Usually he is the funniest guy there and is so nice. When I finally asked what was wrong he told me he heard what happened. He was mad I never told him," she says and starts crying harder. I take her in my arms hugging her. This poor girl. That boy has no reason to be mad. It is her story to tell.
"Claire, he has no right to be mad at you. What happened to you is your story. He does not get to decide when you tell it," I say and she nods.
"I should have told him," she says.
"Claire, what happened to you should have never happened to anyone. Let alone someone your age. You need to deal with that trauma in your own healthy way. This boy does not get to decide that. It is your own journey," I say and she nods.
"You're right," she says and wipes her eyes. "I should probably talk to him she says and senses my confusion.
"When he told me he was mad I stormed off," she says and I nod.
"You can talk to him when you feel ready," I say and put a piece of brunette hair behind her ear. The more I examine her features the prettier she becomes. She has smooth olive skin. Her eyes are a crystal blue. I try not to remember the bruised fragile girl that came into the hospital.
"Do you think he'll forgive me," she asks. I don't want to give her false hope this kid could be an ass.
"If he doesn't then it is his loss and problem," I say and she nods.
"I'm sorry for locking myself up here," she says and I smile.
"Do not apologize, Claire," I say.
"You and Nathan have made me feel so at home. Thank you," she says and I smile grabbing her hand.
"You are always welcome here," I say.
"I feel bad I made Nathan leave," she says. I shake my head.
"I made him leave, he understands," I say reassuring her.
"Can we go talk to him, I don't want him to be mad," she says fidgeting with her hands in her lap. It dawns on me that she hasn't had a lot of men in her life who don't get mad and scream at and abuse her. Well she hasn't had any.
"Sweetheart, Nathan is not mad. I am sure he is worried," I say.
"Worried?" She asks. My heart breaks.
"We care about you deeply, Claire. When we heard you were upset we were both worried," I say. She nods and tears brim her eyes.
"Why don't we go talk to Nathan," I say wanting to show her that Nathan is not going to hurt her or yell at her.
"Yeah okay," she says and puts on a sweatshirt. I know that's her wanting to hide. We walk downstairs and Nathan is sitting in the kitchen on a stool.
"Hi," I smiled at him.
"Hi girls," he says and I get Claire a water. She takes a sip and fidgets with her hands again.
"How are you?" Nathan asks her.
"I'm sorry," Claire says.
"For what, Claire Bear?" Nathan uses her nickname he made her.
"I didn't mean to ask you to leave, I just," she says and she starts to cry before I can get to her Nathan walks towards her and she flinches in fear. I see Nathan's face drop.
"I'm not going to hurt you, honey," he says. She breaks down crying and apologizing.
"Come here," he says and takes her in his arms hugging her. She is rigid for a second until she realizes he isn't going to hurt her. She wraps her arms around him as he rubs her back. It is the sweetest sight.
"I am not mad at you. I am not upset with you. I just want you to be happy," he says in her ear kissing her head.
"I'm sorry," she repeats. Nathan rocks her back and forth.
"You don't need to apologize, Bear. No one here is going to hurt you. We love you so much and are so happy you are here," he says.
"I love you guys too," she says. I go in and join them for a group hug.
This is hard. But there is no one I'd rather do it with than my Nathan. Nathan wraps us both in his arms and I melt. This is my family.