Why, Hello Happiness.

Oh Hello Happiness, I'm Not Available At The Moment. [12]

As soon as Clara and I had gotten done with our interesting and relieving conversation, I heard footsteps come running behind the counter and into Jack's office. Clara and I both turned our heads to the door, staring at an incredibly tired Drake. Drake looked as if he were about to pass out. He couldn't seem to stop panting like a dog! I tilted my head, worried a little bit on how he could've gotten that tired. Running, maybe? If so, what for? Whatever it was, he seemed to be recovering a little bit. He leaned on the doorway of Jack's office, staring at me and Clara, laughing at himself. I smiled wide knowing he was okay, while Clara walked over to him and patted his back.

"Damn Drake! What's gotten you so tired?" Clara laughed.

Drake spoke, still panting. "L-Long story.....not worth telling...."

Clara and I both laughed, sharing a look of gratitude towards each other.

"So, are you alright?" I asked, walking over to him, kneeling on my knees.

His gorgeous long eyelashes looked into my eyes. "Y-Yeah, of course."

I smiled. "Good."

Drake smiled back. "Well, you seem better. What did you two talk about?"

I glanced at Clara.

"Oh, nun of yer business, darlin'. Girl stuff, you don't wanna know." Clara winked.

"Okay then." Drake stated, while glancing at my cut. "Are you okay? Is it feeling better?"

I laughed at his worry. "Yes, of course I'm okay. Your magical band-aids did the trick." I joked.

Clara smiled and ran her hands through Drake's smooth hair. "She's a pretty tough girl. I know she can handle it."

Drake laughed. "I knew that. So, Clara, are you staying here in town?"

"Well, uh, actually I was thinkin' about goin' back to visit our ole town, Bella Rosa."

Drake's eyes widened in fear. "What?!"

I watched Clara's expression turn from calm to worried in a split second. "Is there a problem?"

Suddenly, Drake turned to me as if he didn't want me to exist at the moment.

I took the hint. "Alright, I'll go. I'm kinda getting tired of smelling Jack's stench anyway." I said, clutching at my aching cut, while walking to the door to exit. It was time for the cousins to reunite without me being in the way. Besides, it's not exactly my information to know. Just like HE doesn't need to know about me running away.

I decided to change my train of thought. I wonder how Amanda is doing.

Drake's POV

Once Lydia closed the door, I felt my shoulders tensen up with stress. I was really relieved Lydia knew I didn't want her to listen, though I felt bad about it. It's not like it's a horrible secret to hide. But, I need to talk some sense into Clara. I mean, Clara was actually thinking about going back to Bella Rosa. What the heck? When has she ever went back to visit there?

"What's goin' on Drake? Why don't you want me to go back?" Clara asked, sharply.

"Why do you think I'm here, Clara? You really think I'm here for no reason?" I replied, frusturated she'd never given it one thought.

Suddenly, Clara's eyes widened with absoulute shock. I shook my head, knowing she'd just given it time to process in her head. Clara's not stupid, never has been. I knew for a fact she knew what I was talking about.