Claire was with Denis around six in the evening.While seated across one another in the restaurant, Claire finally spoke after a long uneasy silence. "Do you realize you've been staring at me for minutes now?" she asked, trying to get rid of the small discomfort of his eyes devouring her."I know," Denis replied with a smile. "I guess I'm trying to encode this new you. You have really changed, Claire; you are so beautiful."Here it comes. Claire sighed."Was I ugly back then? Because I think that's what you're insinuating." She took a sip of water from the table.Denis chuckled. "No, you've always been beautiful, trust me. But you look more mature now, and you're glowing in some ways I can't explain." He tried to continue flattering her, but the maître d' interrupted with the menu. Denis looked at Claire and asked, "What would you like to eat?""Anything," Claire replied, her tummy responding with a faint grumble.If Ryan was here, he would definitely have something to say about it. S
Being alone with Denis, inside the car, Claire could only think of the rides she'd had with Ryan.This felt different—awkward even— and she had to think twice before responding to whatev er Denis was rumbling about."Okay, I'm hereby dropping you home, safe and sound," he announced sassily once they arrived at Claire's."Are you sure you can't come in? The evil step mom will be very happy to see you," Claire said sarcastically."No, thanks, I'll pass," he replied defensively. Claire managed to laugh heartily. "Thanks for tonight; I had a terrific welcome back dinner." His tone softened, his eyes beaming."Um, pleasure," Claire answered. "I . . .guess I'll see you around. Have a good night?" She had nothing else to say, and the atmosphere was getting tense from the way Denis was staring at her.It was a longing stare."Sure. Be good." He smiled tightly, a wave of sadness crossing his face.When she walked inside the gate it was nearly eight. A sigh escaped her lungs as she stopped by t
The gym room! It suddenly crossed Claire's mind that she hadn't checked the gym room. Claire's eyes rested straight on Ryan when she entered the gym room. He was drenched in sweat, earphones on his ears, while running frustrated on the treadmill. It was crystal clear to Claire that he'd been doing this for a very good while. Her heart was pounding fast as she looked at him—at his wide back. The room was huge and spacious. It was serenely painted in white and light grey. A few workout machines were installed, including the treadmill near the wide window where Ryan was currently stationed. On the wooden floor lay two yoga mattresses, dumbbells, and medicine balls. Sighing, Claire slowly shut the door behind her and paced towards Ryan, who was extremely absentminded to even discern her presence in the room. She reached the treadmill and took a few steps to announce her presence. And he finally took notice of her. "Ryan," Claire called slowly, carefully, standing before his eyes. A
"Aren't you joining us?" Gena, Claire's only friend, asked her sassily.Staring around the shiny blue-lightened club, people who were mostly their classmates dancing and having fun, Claire smiled softly."No, I love observing from a distance," she answered. "Besides, I'm leaving very soon." She slowly sipped the champagne in her glass while eyeing her gorgeous Japanese friend she'd known throughout the college years.Claire and Gena were more than just besties; they were sole sisters who had each other's back for thick and thin. Neither could imagine life without the other."Why now?" Gena cried, pursing her lips into a pout. "Are you in the mood to fight with your witch stepmom or something?"Claire scowled. "Not really. She's the least of my concerns right now. By the way, I'm spending the weekend at the beach house. Would you like to come?" she asked, eyeing Gena hopefully.As if she was going to say no, Claire chuckled inwardly."I'd love to!" Ge
"I'm sorry, my child." The old man pulled her for a hug, and she completely melted in his warmth. "It will be fine, you'll see." He patted her back softly, allowing her sobs to pass."I'm only here so that I can finally let go of all the anger, and start afresh," Claire said as they pulled apart, sniffling. "I want to be free. I'll let go of all the hatred so that I can live my life without resentment.""I understand, and that's very wise." He smiled proudly. "So, does this mean you're ready to take what he's left you?"Claire blinked, but immediately recalled the meaning."I think so. It's what he wanted for me, right? I'll accept it now." She forced a smile despite finding it weird."Very well, that means you're a grown up now," her grandfather remarked, making them both laugh."I'll have to visit him. I'd like to do it right away," said Claire. "I believe a lot will change from today. I can feel it." She smiled optimistic
Apparently there was a modern sleek restaurant Claire didn't know existed. The ambience was calm and friendly. Bruno's car pulled over, and the two went to one of the empty tables."Didn't expect to see you so soon." A young waitress passed by, her blonde hair in pigtails. She smiled blushingly, making Claire stare at her stunned."Well, I'm as unpredictable as the weather," Bruno replied, shrugging heedlessly as Miss pigtails walked by with a tray of food.He snapped a finger and another waiter made his way towards their table. "You seem very popular here," Claire made a casual remark upon the gesture. Bruno smiled and said, "That's because I live here.""Oh, and what do you do around here? Photography?" Claire was bemused, her eyes squinted inquisitively."Um, I'm the restaurant owner," he replied.Oh. Evidently Claire hadn't seen this coming. Well, he wasn't a weirdo after all, she thought to herself at the remainder of their
Bruno couldn't hold his laughter as he stood up. "I can give you a ride if you don't mind," he suggested."No, you've done enough. I don't want to trouble you anymore. But thanks for the nice lunch, really," Claire assured, her smile grateful. "I've completely lost track of time from the talk and all, and maybe I should blame you." Her pink lips pouted cutely."Me?" Bruno uttered, wide-eyed."Yeah, you." Claire grinned, fixing her wavy, golden hair with her fingers. "Bye." And then she kissed him on the cheek."But—" Bruno started, but she was already striding off, waving at him in child-like manners. "But it seems like it's going to rain soon," he muttered apprehensively.The weather changed abruptly. The sky was too dark as if a very heavy rain was going to crash. Claire didn't care, however, because she had an umbrella inside her backpack.Ten minutes passed but there was no sign of any taxi on the main road. She decided to wa
The evening was stormy. Mr. Stevens and his grandson, Ryan, were on their way home as the rain kept pouring intensely with thunder striking eerily in the sky."We should've gone to your house, son," said Mr. Stevens warily, his eyes gleaming from the blue light in the sky. "This rain won't stop now; are you really able to drive this way?""Don't worry, I know this road better than you think," Ryan said confidently, and he meant it. His muscular arms gripped the steering tightly, tentatively avoiding all the weak spots as he kept driving the large SUV.Ryan was an epitome of handsomeness; tall, athletic built, with amazing facial features that deserved more than one glance. He was also a matured guy, with a very stronger personality than his actual age."Okay, if you say so." Mr. Stevens pulled a bottle of Scotch."I thought the doctor forbade that," Ryan remarked, scowling, and it was always a fool's errand.Mr. Stevens was crazy