Last chapter thanks for reading!
Ch. 11 Look Ahead Not Back
(CLARE)
I wake up smiling, yesterday with Fitz was amazing! We snuggled naked in his bed, made out and it did lead to me stroking his cock with him. He climaxed and it was kind of everywhere, but that then led to a shower together, more cuddling in bed and he ate me out. We had some lunch, watched a movie, and made dinner together. We even ate dinner with his dad before I went home.
I'm pretty sure I came in the house walking on a cloud. A cloud I slept on all night as I thought of Fitz and dreamed of him. A cloud I was still floating on this morning, as I get ready for work. Mom and Glen are out running errands and Jake is asleep still. Smiling and floating even as I come outside. When I see a small stuffed bear, box and a rose on my car my smile grows.
Then my smile drops so fast I nearly tumble to the ground. Fitz would never have left things on my car, he would have knocked or called to tell me he was here. He wouldn't drop things off and not stay to see me. Which means only one person could have left them. I freeze in my tracks, my eyes darting around. I almost run back inside and wake Jake, but then he'd need to know why I was scared and needed him to walk me to my car.
I take a steely breath, clenching my fists and getting my keys ready. All but running to my car, grabbing the box, the rose and the bear are tied to, before jumping in and locking the doors. When I get in the car I only feel a tiny bit safer. I still worry that Chris is here and watching somewhere, but at the moment I'm shaking too much to start my car.
I take a deep breath trying to force myself to calm down. It's only when I realize that he could still be here watching me that I manage to start the car. I drive to the mall, parking in the far lot near the back employee door. After a couple moments to compose myself, I grab the box and rip it open. A note on top simply says: Wear this today and under the note and some tissue a lacy white teddy.
My cheeks go red, and I grit my teeth. Grabbing it all, I hop out of the car and storm towards the employee entrance. I punch in my code and toss the box, bear, note and teddy into the trash can just inside the back hallway. Walking quickly to our door and not really breathing until I'm safe in the employee lounge. Sinking onto the sofa, I take a few minutes to breathe and stop shaking.
Finally, I pull it together and stuff my purse in my locker, slipping my cell phone into my jeans. I grab my name tag, apron and clock in, making sure I plaster a smile on my lips before going out to the front. Chiara is with a customer, so I get my apron on and busy myself cleaning until she's done. She greets me and we talk a few minutes before more customers come in.
The store stays relatively busy during the morning as people come in for baked goods and espresso. When there's a lull Chiara takes her lunch, she's only been gone a few minutes when Chris walks in. He's not in uniform for the theater so he's not working today, I have to wonder if he was lurking outside the store waiting for Chiara to leave?
"How can I help you?" I ask politely, clenching my fists and using all of my willpower to keep the smile on my lips.
"Are you wearing it?" Chris asks.
I clench my teeth and release a breath through my nose as I'm sure he means his gift this morning.
"Are you wearing it for me?" He repeats.
"Either order or leave," I respond.
"I can just picture the white lace on the supple skin of your breasts," Chris says. At this point all of my resolve to be professional leaves me.
"I am not your girlfriend; I have a boyfriend I am in love with, and it is totally inappropriate for you to leave me gifts. Either order or I'm calling security," I bark at him.
His eyes narrow and he steps forward leaning his hands on the counter. "That boy doesn't deserve you; he doesn't love you like I do. I will make you see that you belong with me no matter what I have to do," Chris hisses in a low menacing voice.
I blink at him, opening my mouth to shoot back a snarky remark, but I'm too scared. I make a tiny noise at the back of my throat instead. Standing there frozen until a voice from the front of the store gets bout our attention.
"You alright Clare?" Drew questions. His voice managing to be growly and tough, yet concerned and protective all at once.
"See you around Clare," Chris grins winking at me and then turning around. He nods at Drew and saunters out of the store. Drew watches him go before coming over to me.
"What was that about?" Drew questions.
"Nothing, he wanted too many free samples, that's all," I shrug trying to shake off the encounter.
"Really? Because he looked pretty angry to me. When I came in, he looked like he was going to hurt you."
"He was just angry that I wouldn't give more samples. Did you just come to check on me or you need more of the Pizzelle for Bianca?" I ask hoping to change the subject.
"The cookies, but also to see when your lunch is," Drew remarks.
"She'll take lunch in a couple hours, but she does have a break now," Chiara informs Drew as she returns.
"Yeah, I'll be in the employee lounge," I remark while Drew goes to the shelf to get cookies.
I walk to the lounge but leave my apron on and sink down to the sofa. I get out my phone and text Fitz, asking how his Sunday is and saying that I miss him. After a few minutes I hear the door to lounge opening and look up to see Drew standing there.
"Chiara let me back," Drew informs me as he sits on the sofa, "I've seen that guy come in here a lot Clare. I know he works at the theater; I don't believe he was angry over samples."
"That's all it was Drew; he comes in a lot, and he always wants samples. He's just cheap," I shrug but won't look Drew in the eye. From the corner of my eye, I see him grimace, but he doesn't keep prodding.
"You off at closing?" he asks and I nod. "I'll walk out with you; I should get back to the kiosk. I'll grab you in two hours for lunch," Drew says standing up.
"Did Adam or Fitz ask you to keep an eye on me at work or something?" I question as I stand up as well.
"No, but we work in the same mall, and you are my friend too," Drew says bumping my shoulder with his.
"Thanks Drew," I grin as we both walk back to the front. We get out there just as Bianca is walking in.
"Thought I might find you here, I got invited to a rave next Saturday, we're all going," Bianca tells Drew putting her arm around him. "Oooh my cookies," she smiles snatching them from Drew's hand before he can respond.
"Who is we all? Mom will never let me go to a rave," Drew remarks.
"So don't tell her, we'll say we're hanging out as a group. Adam and Jenna are totally coming too, Fitz already said he'd go if you wanted to Clare. You're coming," Bianca says before I can argue.
"A rave…that just sounds like a lot of rambunctious teens taking drugs and alcohol and jumping around to very loud music," I counter.
"There will be some, but we'll all be there and none of us will get too crazy. Owen and Fitz can't with meets and games coming up," Bianca remarks.
"Yeah, and Mom would kill us," Drew adds.
"It will be fun Clare and there's a bunch of DJ's that will be there. We'll be dancing and having a good time and you'll be perfectly safe," Bianca says showing us the flyer.
Drew and I look at it, the location is somewhat sketchy but it's $10 a person and lists four different DJ's playing that night. I suppose it's really more of a concert with a lot of room to dance. I don't think I'll like the music much, but I'm sure I'll have fun.
"I'll tell Mom we're all hanging out together. If Fitz picks me up, she won't question it…I don't think," I remark.
"Yeah, Mom will buy that, we'll have to be home by curfew," Drew comments.
"Well duh," Bianca responds. Drew rolls his eyes and pinches Bianca's side.
"Come on, I need to get back to the kiosk, we'll grab Clare in a couple of hours for lunch," Drew says pulling her out of the store.
I watch them go with a smile and return to work. Drew and Bianca both return when it's time for my lunch. We eat together and then Bianca leaves. It remains pretty slow and Chiara leaves after my last break since she opened. It remains pretty quiet and thankfully I don't see Chris again for the rest of the evening. I do spend a lot of time texting with Fitz, however. Drew comes in just before we close the gate, and he walks me to my car.
Mom kept a plate for me, and I warm my food and tell her that I'm hanging out with friends next Saturday and Fitz is picking me up. She just says to have fun and be home by curfew. After eating I shower and then spend the rest of my night on the phone with Fitz. Monday morning Mom and Glen are both gone by the time Jake, and I are up. I'm not that hungry and decide to skip breakfast and get to school.
I almost turn around and call for Jake when I see more gifts on my car. Freezing for a moment I walk over quickly and grab the flowers, stuffed animal and note on the hood of my car. I toss them into the passenger seat and take off for school. Thankfully, I arrive before Owen or Fitz, parking in my spot and grabbing my backpack, along with Chris' latest gifts. I'm walking toward the trashcan behind the entry stairs to toss them when I get ambushed.
"AWWWWWWWWWWWW!" Alli and Jenna simultaneously squeal.
"Fitz gave you so many gifts so early in the morning, that is so cute," Alli grins.
"What a wonderful way of saying good morning," Jenna squeals.
"What's going on?" Bianca questions as she joins us.
"Fitz left Clare some early morning presents," Alli remarks.
"Those flowers are gorgeous," Anya says from behind me almost making me jump.
"Fitz isn't even here," Bianca speaks up.
"Then who left the gifts?" Alli asks.
"It doesn't matter because they are getting tossed," I reply walking quickly to the trashcan and tossing them in.
"Wait, are those from stalker guy?" Jenna asks as we all gather behind the stairs.
"Yes, but he's not a stalker, just some guy with a crush," I reply. We're all near the trashcan just behind the stairs with our backs to the parking lot.
"Leaving you flowers and a stuffed animal this early, that's a stalker," Bianca comments.
"Can we tell Fitz and the guys now?" Anya inquires.
"No, we're not telling them anything because there's nothing to tell and I don't have a stalker," I insist throwing up my arms in frustration. I turn around only to be faced with Fitz, Owen, Drew, Adam, K.C. and Dave. I see them all looking at me, with various shocked or angry expressions my mouth drops open and then closes as I bite my lip.
"You have a stalker?" Fitz questions.
"No, no he's not a stalker he's just a guy with a crush. He works in the mall a…"
"Wait," Drew says cutting me off, "is this the guy that works in the theater and goes into the store all the time?"
"What guy?" Fitz asks as I bite my lip. When I don't answer right away Drew speaks up again.
"There's a guy that works at the movie theater in the mall. He's probably three or four years older than us and he goes into her store all the time when Clare is working. I went in yesterday and he was leaning on the counter, looked like he might hurt her. As soon as he knew I was there he left. Clare said he was just an angry customer," Drew says.
"He's also the one that gave her the sexy panties for her birthday, those didn't come from me. Clare made us swear not to tell you," Alli says.
"He gave her more gifts this morning," Jenna comments pointing at the trashcan.
Owen looks at the trash can and pulls out the flowers, the cat stuffed animal that's holding a heart that says "mine" and the note I didn't look at. Owen looks at the stuffed animal and narrows his eyes at me, he looks like he might rip the head off the stuffed animal. Then he reads the note and goes red, I can hear him growling, so Dave takes the note.
"I think you need to talk to my dad Clare," Dave comments.
"Yeah, like now," Adam nods. He read the note over Dave's shoulder.
"It's a stupid crush, and I might be late for first period," I remark trying to walk away. Drew and K.C. immediately step in front of me to block my path. Not that it matters because Fitz slips an arm around my waist and holds me firmly. Not too tight that it hurts but tight enough that I can't move.
"I don't care if we're late first period, we're going to talk to Dave's dad. Owen would not be that pissed over a crush," Fitz insists. "Let me see the note," Fitz requests and Dave hands it to him. You are mine Clare. That boy is nothing. It's all the note says but it's more than enough for Fitz to go rigid and red upon reading it. "Have you gotten more notes like this?" Fitz questions.
All I can do is bite my lip and nod. Fitz gets even more tense and red; he doesn't even jump when the bell rings. I do though, nearly jump out of my skin and he rubs my back.
"Go talk to Officer Turner, we'll explain why you're going to be late," Owen remarks.
"Hey Dad," Dave calls as we all approach the front doors.
"Shouldn't you all be getting to class?" Officer Turner asks.
"We are, but Fitz and Clare need to talk with you," Dave says.
"Here, evidence," Owen says, handing him the stuffed animal and flowers.
Officer Turner raises his eyebrow at us, and I bite my lip releasing a heavy sigh. I know this is going to be bad, that we're going to have to tell my family and mom is going to freak out. That Fitz is going to hear everything because he's not leaving my side. I just hope he's not too mad.
(FITZ)
"Clare, why didn't you say something?! He's been to the house, leaving stuff on your car," Jake growls.
I can't blame him, I'm pretty upset myself, this Chris guy has been stalking her for three weeks. Left gifts, come to her house and the school and she never said a word to any of us. He's even physically attacked her, the bruise on her back was because he shoved her into the wall when she left work that night. She's been holding onto it this long and he's had a few opportunities to really hurt her.
After we started telling Officer Turner about the stalker he stopped us. He called his precinct for two inspectors. While they were on their way Clare thought it might be a good idea to get Jake and bring him in, so Principal Simpson called for Jake from our homeroom.
"He's been at the school Clare, you had multiple opportunities to tell someone," I snap a little harsher than I mean to.
"I know…I'm sorry…I…" she says with her lower lip quivering. She was scared, and she thought she could handle it, like she does with most things.
"You were scared, and that's in the past now. We have to move forward, so what do we do now?" I question. Clare just finished telling us everything to the gifts on her car this morning.
The next few hours are a bit of a whirlwind. While the inspectors go to the theater to get Chris' last name, we all return to class. Clare is pretty spaced out for the day, at lunch Officer Turner tells us Chris' last name is Sharpe. Clare and I go to the police station to file formal harassment charges and a restraining order. A female officer also gets pictures of the bruise on her back. By the time we returned to school all our friends had heard, everyone was concerned but also angry at Clare for not saying anything.
After school I skip track practice and we go to the mall to speak with Clare's boss. We tell her everything, she's only concerned for Clare's safety. Clare doesn't want to quit her job and Chris has not attacked her in the store. We do make mall security aware and decide, at least for now, that it's best if Clare doesn't drive herself. Drew gives her a copy of his full work schedule; on the days he's working he'll drive her and bring her home or to my house. When he's not working Jake will drive her, I'll come after practice and hang out until she's off. On Sundays any of us can bring her or pick her up, but no more of her walking to the employee lot alone.
The hardest thing was telling her mom, Glen wasn't exactly happy, but he was at least calm and pragmatic about it all. Helen freaked out, she went rapidly between holding Clare and telling her to never leave the house alone and always have her phone, to wanting Chris' head on a platter. She wanted cameras on the house and for Clare to carry a taser. I thought that might be a little much, but getting her pepper spray would probably be a good idea. I stayed at Clare's until it was time to get home, and we talked on the phone until we both fell asleep.
Tuesday was pretty normal, except that all our friends were on alert, everyone watching for something suspicious. Clare stayed after school and watched practice. Not alone, Jenna, Alli and Adam all sat with her. She then came to my house for homework and dinner, and I got her home for curfew.
Wednesday Clare had work, so did Drew, but it was still hard for me to stay at practice and let her go with Drew. Especially knowing that Chris works at the mall too. As soon as I was out of practice, I texted her and Drew, they both said Chris hadn't been around. I went straight to the mall and stayed until she was off when I took her home. Thursday was much like Tuesday.
Friday, however we had a track meet after school and Clare didn't work. She stayed for the meet, cheered us on and came to celebrate with us after. She even spent the night at my house. Dad was okay with it, Jake helped cover and she told her mom she was at Alli's and Jenna's. We slept in the same bed, made out and did some petting but that was it. Mostly we cuddled and I held her close, it was an amazing feeling just to have her in my arms all night long. Waking up to her in my arms though was an even more amazing feeling.
"Hi," I whisper when I feel her beginning to stir Saturday morning. I smile down at her and brush some hair from her face.
"Hi," she whispers back. She smiles at me, blushes and touches her lips to mine softly. "I need to use the washroom," she remarks.
I kiss her forehead and reluctantly release her from my arms as she slides out of bed. I watch her get dressed, she smiles and blushes knowing I'm watching her. While she's in the washroom I pull on some pajama pants and go down to the kitchen. Clare finds me there and we start some coffee and breakfast.
Since Clare told her mom she was sleeping at Alli's and that we were all hanging out tonight she doesn't need to go home. We spend a lazy Saturday watching movies and cuddling in my bed. We have dinner together and then get ready to go to the rave, meeting the others there. Jake was invited too; we know he'll be here but don't see him when we arrive.
"Come on, let's go dance," Bianca says taking Clare's hand and pulling her out to the dance floor. Jenna, Alli and Anya follow.
"I thought we were supposed to dance with our girls," Dave remarks.
"We are, this is foreplay, Bianca is making sure that we watch them and get horny before we go over," Owen says, and I nod. We know how Bianca's mind works.
There's a DJ on stage and we spend a while dancing. There aren't really tables but there's chairs and we get some water and sit down. The girls go to the washroom together, Adam and I also need the washroom. When we come out, I hear Clare's voice, she's distressed.
"Get away from me," she shrieks.
"That's Clare," Adam remarks from behind me. We start running in the direction we think her voice was coming from.
"Get off of me," Clare shrieks again.
I start running, pushing people away as I run, barely able to see her in a dark corner with a guy hovering over her. He has her sort of trapped and is pawing at her. She is fighting back, but he's standing hunched so she can't quite kick him.
"You're mine Clare, that boy doesn't deserve you," the guy says, and I immediately know it's Chris!
"Get away from her you asshole," I growl. I grab his shoulder tugging him away and punching him hard. He goes down just as Adam runs over. "It's Chris, I'll take care of him get Clare out of here and call Dave's dad," I tell Adam.
"Come on Clare," Adam says taking her hand.
We've gathered a crowd now, including Eli, Jake and Mo. As soon as they know this is Chris, they help me get him secured and out of the building. He spends the whole time griping that he did nothing wrong and he's one of the DJ's tonight like I give a shit. When I'm outside I see Clare and she comes straight to me wrapping herself in my arms.
"It's okay Clare, you're safe, and I'm never letting you go again," I assure her.
EPILOGUE~
(CLARE)
"I'm proud of you," I tell Fitz straightening his tie. He's graduating high school today; he'll be attending Ryerson in the fall though.
The night of the rave, over two years ago, Chris was arrested. For assault and breaking the restraining order. When he was being questioned, they found ketamine on him, and they added that charge. He wasn't able to make bail for all the charges and they got a search warrant for his car. Inside they found more drugs, notes for me and handcuffs. That was enough to get a warrant for his cell phone and his apartment.
They found hundreds of pictures of me on his phone and in his apartment. He had my work schedule, home address and license plate in his phone. He also had what the cops called a shrine to me in his apartment, along with more controlled substances. There were notes to me and diaries of things he wanted to do to me. It was more than enough for stalking charges to be held and he plead guilty.
Chris got eighteen months and counseling; I was worried when he was released but still had a restraining order. He moved upon his release, not only was there still a restraining order but the story had gotten a fair bit of press and Chris had no friends left and couldn't get hired. He moved for a fresh start, which was just fine by me because I never wanted to see him again. With Chris gone and the whole thing behind me I was able to feel safe again and start looking toward the future.
Fitz had already decided to go to Ryerson and stay here with me. I was looking forward to a summer with Fitz and having him around for my senior year. I was already thinking about applying to Ryerson myself.
Owen and Anya broke up after she left for Brandon University in Manitoba. None of us had heard from her in over a year, but I hoped she was doing well and enjoying school. Owen was recruited to the University of Calgary with a hockey scholarship. I'd miss him being so far away but was excited for him. After breaking up with Anya he had dated a few girls, none for very long so I hope he finds someone at school.
Bianca was on her way to Wilfrid Laurier she was majoring in law with a minor in public policy. She was so excited when she got in, and so was the entire Torres family. She and Drew are still dating. They've broken up a few times and dated others but they always come back together. Drew is going with her to Waterloo, he'll be attending Conestoga College for business marketing.
Eli was staying in town and going to Toronto Film School. His first choice was NYU, but he didn't get in. He was down about it, but he started to see the bright side of staying in town. He'd be near his parents and got a job at The Dot. He'd be near me and Adam, and we'd see him regularly. When he went to a tour, he met a girl he really likes. They've been casually dating for a couple of weeks, but having seen them I'm sure they will be exclusive sometime this summer.
Jake is also staying in town, he'll be working with his dad part time and going to Centennial to get his grade point average up. Jake and Eli are looking at getting an apartment together, but the prices are pretty expensive. They've started looking at student apartments.
I want to stay in town with Fitz and have started looking at Ryerson and U of T. Fitz and I are considering getting an apartment together as well. I still have my job at the mall, once Chris was gone there has been nothing to make me feel unsafe and Chiara has been great. I will work thirty hours a week over the summer and be working four days a week once school starts again. Fitz took Drew's job at the cell phone kiosk, and we have a lot of the same hours. It will be great to work with him so close by.
Jenna and Adam were still together, and both were looking into the schools with the best music programs. Mostly in Canada but they were considering a few schools in the US and even Europe. For the summer and senior year Jenna had a job in a clothing store and Adam was working at the movie theater in the mall.
Alli and Dave broke up last year, but they were still friends. Typical Alli she's dated several other guys, none of them very serious and each only a couple of weeks. She was looking at fashion schools and science schools, she wasn't quite sure what she wanted to do yet.
K.C. had a job at a restaurant near the school and was looking at schools with biology programs. He didn't want to go too far though because he wanted to stay near his mom. Connor was looking at schools back home, anything with science and engineering. Dave was looking at schools with good broadcasting programs, but he wanted to go far away, considering B.C., the US and England.
"I better sit down, I'll see you after the ceremony," I tell Fitz.
I kiss him softly and go out to the seats. I wave to his parents and their spouses. Last summer his mom married William. Not long after that his father met a nice woman named Michelle. They began dating, his dad was extremely happy, and Michelle was crazy about his dad, and Fitz. She is great with him and always nice to me when I'm over. They've only been married a few weeks and recently returned from their honeymoon, but they are very happy.
I sit down with Adam and my friends that aren't graduating. Watching the ceremony and swelling with pride when I see Fitz, Jake, Eli, Owen, Drew and Bianca getting their diplomas. When the ceremony ends I find Fitz among the graduates, Adam follows me. I practically jump on Fitz throwing my arms around him and kissing him passionately.
"I'm so proud of you, you're going to do amazing things," I whisper with my lips inches away from Fitz's lips.
"So are you Angel Eyes," Fitz grins. He never has cut it out with the name. "We're going to do amazing things together," he says and then crushes his lips to mine.
Okay, that does it for this one. I haven't entirely decided what will replace this yet. Next up will likely be more chapters of "This is Life & I'm Wondering if We Should Play it a Different Way."