Chapter 21: Chapter 20. See You Later, Dimwit!

CLAIRE

A week has passed since Blake and I shared that moment. The day after, he took me to Molly’s Diner, and I realized I couldn’t risk him getting hurt. I couldn’t let him in. I couldn’t risk his life.

So, I’ve been steering clear of him as much as I can. I can always feel his gaze on me in class, but I make sure to dodge it.

I can sense the hurt look he gives me, but I push it to the back of my mind. It’s better for him to live hating me than die because of knowing me, right?

Now, it’s only a week until Christmas. It’s December eighteenth and everyone seems to be in a happier and more joyful mood. Even Ashley hasn’t been bothering me as much.

She and her friends are always talking about what presents they’re going to give each other and the parties they’re planning for New Year’s Eve. I’m feeling a bit happier myself.

My parents have been acting much nicer around me. My mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas, but I just replied with a “Whatever you get me.” I want it to be a surprise.

I mean, what’s the fun in knowing what you’re going to get for Christmas or your birthday? That’s why it’s a surprise!

My mom just gave me a warm smile and nodded. Dad has been drinking a little less. He’s trying though.

He still gives me a hug and a kiss on the forehead before I go to bed, and I still make his dinner and give him his pills for when he wakes up with a massive hangover.

It’s now Friday, and I’ve gotten a little more used to the slight pain in my stomach whenever I move. The stitch is healing nicely too.

As soon as the bell for lunch rang, I darted out of my seat, aware of the stare Blake had been burning into the back of my head. He’s been trying to get me to talk to him all week, but I wouldn’t budge.

He doesn’t deserve to be pulled into my life. He doesn’t deserve to be put at risk because of my choices.

When I made it outside, I headed straight for the woods. I wanted a peaceful place where I could just relax and think for a bit.

Even though my stomach growled in protest, I ignored it and kept walking at a brisk pace.

The leaves crunched under my feet as I shivered from the cold air against my lightweight jacket. I was wearing black sweats, a purple, lightweight jacket, and black ankle-length boots.

It had snowed a little yesterday, but not enough to cover the ground completely. The grass was icy and hard under my feet.

I reached the woods quickly and pulled my hood over my head. The chilly weather tingled my cheeks and nose as I walked further in.

I took out my iPhone and scrolled through the messages Nancy had sent me. She’s been way more protective than usual after everything that happened last week!

Playing one of my favorite songs, I continued my walk to the big rock I always sit on.

I looked up at the white, yes white, sky above me. The sun was hidden by all the clouds and the wind swept across my face, swirling my hair around as I hugged myself, trying to generate more body heat.

As I reached my rock, a long sigh escaped from my lips. I climbed on top of it and laid down. Finally, I let my thoughts wander.

I was slightly confused and hurt that James would want me to turn myself in to the Deadly Snakes. I mean, how did he even get involved with the Deadly Snakes? Why would he do such a thing?

And Blake. Should I really let him risk getting hurt, just for being my friend? Are we even friends?

“Ugh,” I groaned, facepalming myself.

Suddenly, I heard a voice.

“So, this is where she hides,” I heard from behind me.

A scream escaped my lips as I turned around. My heart rate sped up as I stared into the amused grey eyes of Blake.

My lips parted slightly in shock, but no words came out.

“Wh-what are you doing here?” I stuttered. Stuttered? I never stutter!

Blake shrugged and sat on the rock next to me. His closeness made me a bit more nervous and my heart beat faster. ~Why was I feeling this?~

“I wanted to talk to you. You didn’t think you could hide from me forever, did you, Claire?” he asked, his words laced with humor.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion for a moment. “Did- did you follow me?” Shock laced my tone.

A small smile graced his lips. “I may have skipped a class when I saw you heading into the woods through the back,” he shrugged.

My eyes narrowed at that. “So, you decided to stalk me?” It was more of a statement than a question.

He smirked. “I wouldn’t call it... stalking, exactly. Ever heard of ‘curiosity killed the cat’?”

I rolled my eyes. “Exactly. It ~killed~ the cat!”

A chuckle escaped his lips. “Always so charming,” he muttered.

I hit his arm, harder than necessary. He winced from it, but didn’t further acknowledge it.

“What do you want?” I asked.

This time, he straightened up and turned serious. His eyes bore into mine intensely.

I shifted a bit uncomfortably under his gaze.

“Why are you hiding from me?” he finally asked. His voice was soft, and I thought I even heard some hurt in it.

I gulped. I hadn’t really thought of an explanation to give him, because I thought he wasn’t going to talk to me anymore. I mean, I didn’t expect him to try again!

I shrugged and averted my gaze from his narrowed eyes.

Suddenly, I was missing the old, cocky, sarcastic, funny Blake. I did not like the cold, serious, mean Blake at all. But, most of all, I didn’t like that he made me feel uncomfortable and my heart race.

No one, besides James, has ever managed to do that. So, why is Blake any different?

“This,” Blake started out, shrugging as he mimicked me, “isn’t the answer I’m looking for, Claire,” he said.

I huffed out a breath. Can’t he take a hint?

I turned to look at Blake. My eyes took in his black leather jacket, black Converse, crazy bedhead hair, blue jeans, and intense grey eyes.

My eyes, unwillingly, traveled down to his pink, plump lips. They looked inviting, and I wondered, for just a moment, what it would feel like to have his soft, warm lips press against mine.

I squeezed my eyes shut, shaking my head. No way! I won’t let another man have that kind of control over me!

With that resolution, I opened my eyes again. They were hardened now, glaring into Blake’s with a cold intensity.

He seemed to recoil a bit at my icy stare. ~Good!~

~

“That’s the best answer I can give you, Blake. Why don’t you just go find Ashley and leave me be?” I said, bracing myself to leave the chilly outdoors and head into the warm school building.

But before I could make much progress, I felt a warm hand grip my wrist. A rush of tingles and electricity coursed through my body, the good kind.

My eyes widened in surprise! I’d never experienced that with James. I’d never felt that electric jolt when he kissed or touched me! I’d never felt so jittery and uneasy around him.

So, what made Blake different?

Blake must have felt it too because he quickly released my hand. Now, only the cold, vacant air surrounded me, and I found myself missing his warmth, his touch.

“Claire,” Blake called out.

I let out a sigh and turned my head. “What?” I asked, my expression resigned. I knew he’d keep pushing if I tried to ignore him again.

“I’m taking you somewhere after school,” he declared.

I rolled my eyes. “Sure, I’ll come with you. Thanks for asking,” I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm. A small grin tugged at the corners of Blake’s mouth.

Just then, the bell rang. Blake looked at me.

I smirked back at him. “Catch you later, dimwit,” I said, winking at him before leaving the woods and heading back to school.