An hour after my brief call with Amy, and now three hours since the mess at the lake, I find myself outside a typical suburban house. With a perfectly manicured lawn and a curated flower bed, it was easily the standout property on the street.

Amy had texted over the address to Claire’s after explaining she had gone home after that. She forced me to tell her what was up first though.

“I was being a jerk, Amy. I was angry, upset and wanted to take it out on someone. Mark was the perfect target. I used Claire in my little games and ended up ruining everything.” I paused, taking a deep breath. “I need to at least try to apologize, to make it up to her.”

After hearing that, she gave me her home address, told me to come home soon and wished me luck. I was relieved she didn’t have a got on the phone but I knew as soon as I walked home that I would be in for it.

I was standing at the end of the driveway, hesitant to go knock on the door. I wasn’t really used to this, apologies or going to a girl’s place. An effect of me being somewhat of a social outcast.

I was surprised when the door opened and Claire stepped out. I hadn’t called her, I did have her number which Amy provided with her address.

“Hey…” I said lamely. I was quite caught off guard here.

Claire was wearing cute pink and white pajamas with little blue puppies printed. She looked good, great even.

Her face wasn’t showing any expression, but through her eyes, I could see sadness. She was clearly upset with me. Her body language wasn’t exactly receptive either, though I couldn’t blame her for that, with her arms crossed and held tight to her chest, and I’m ashamed to admit but it accentuated her top half in an attractive manner.

“Hey” she replied, her voice wasn’t exactly hollow, but that’s the closest word I can think to describe it.

Stolen novel; please report.

An awkward silence began to stretch between us, and as it continued I found it exceedingly hard to convey what I wanted to say.

It was a surprise to us both when suddenly spoke at the same time. Claire still wouldn’t meet my eye, I had let down her expectations about myself and used her for my own selfish purposes before ruining what was supposed to a fun day.

“You go first, I’ll wait,” I say softly, prompting her to speak her mind. I braced myself for some serious verbal attacks. After all, I deserved it.

“I’m sorry Clay. I heard...Your parents...I’m so so sorry.” Her voice was sincere and had emotion, and for the first time, she met my gaze. Her voice was wobbly as she spoke, but determined nonetheless. Her body language relaxed. I released then she cared.

Once more I nearly broke into fresh waves of tears as the emotion ran through me once again. I was a softer soul than I had once thought.

“Thank you.” I manage to choke out as I swallow back the tears. I didn’t want to be pitied or sympathized with. I wanted to apologize. “Look, Claire, I’m not sure if Amy told you why I’m here, but it’s because I want to apologize to you. I was a jerk, a moron. I was using you for my own selfish reasons, I wanted to aggravate Mark and the others. Now I’m not making excuses, but I was very upset and angry at the time. I know that gives me no right to mess with your feelings or use you as a tool. I’m sorry, and I hope you can forgive me. But I understand if that is not possible.”

I poured out all my thoughts in a rambling apology. Inwardly, I winced. I didn’t really deserve to be forgiven, I knew it and she probably knew it. We both stood there in silence for an undetermined amount of time, and this time it was I who couldn’t meet her eye. Although today was our first real interaction, Claire was a sweet girl and I rather liked her.

“Okay. I’ll hopefully see you around. I am really sorry Claire. You seem like a lovely person.” I finally utter, and turn around to leave.

I’m almost at the sidewalk when Claire suddenly speaks.

“Clay wait! Thursday, after school, you can take me to go get coffee. Sound’s good?” She said.

I had turned back instantly when she called and a grin brightened my face.

“Sounds great!” I respond, happily. “I’ll see you then. Have a good night Claire.”

“Goodnight Clay,” Claire replies and I thought I saw a smile tugging at her mouth ass she turned around and went back inside.