Where the Butterflies Hide

*}|{*Chapter Eight*}|{*

Of all the things that they should've been doing in that moment such as moving Claire and Gracie's things out of the house, Levi was stunned as he tried to argue with a resilient Claire who insisted on staying.

"No Levi, I can't impose on your family!" She argued.

They had moved from where Claire's father was still sprawled out on the kitchen floor, to the hallway by the front door. After Levi had proposed Claire stay with him she paused a moment, almost considering, before shaking her head firmly. Thus, the current conversation began.

"Claire, my mother would welcome you with open arms for as long as you need. You wouldn't need to tell her what happened." Levi said, leaning against the front door so Claire couldn't shove him out like she wanted to at that instant.

She huffed in annoyance at his persistence. Why did she even let him come in here in the first place? Oh right, his annoying persistence!

"Levi, I- I've been dealing with this.....situation..... for quite a while now." She flinched when she saw anger blaze in Levi's eyes. It wasn't directed at her, but it scared her nonetheless.

Noticing her reaction, his features softened. "Claire, that isn't okay. You deserve so much more from life than what you've been dealt. Let me help you. Please."

Claire hesitated a moment longer. Could she really be free from David forever? The town was huge, at least five different schools in the area, and it's not like David knew where she or Gracie were enrolled. Could she? Should she?

"Okay." She finally said.

"No, listen to me Claire, you need to come with me and--wait--did you say okay?" Levi leaned in close to Claire like he didn't hear her correctly the first time.

"But only for a little while. I'm going to save as much as possible to afford a small place for Gracie and I."

Levi snorted "Maybe I should just make you pay rent."

"Okay. When's the first month due?"

"Claire, I was kidding."

"Oh."

Levi let out a chuckle, and before they k , new it, they were both howling with laughter.

A grunt from the kitchen reminded them that they were not alone.

"Let me just pack me and Gracie's things." Claire lifted her mouth slightly at Levi's fumble before turning to the stairs.

As she descended, two small suitcases in hand, she saw Levi in the same position. He moved aside from the door, holding it open to let her pass. "After you. C'mon, let's get outta here before He wakes up."

Claire didn't need to ask who He was, nor did she need to be told twice. As she headed outside, Levi relieved her of her bags and tossed them in the back seat.

Claire took a breath, hoping the leap of faith she took with Levi was the right one.

*}|{*

Jeremy returned to the school later that afternoon, getting dejected. He knew that it would be hard to reason with David, but he hoped that age would have softened his heart, or hardened his common sense. Sadly, it seems as though the liquor had a firm grip on both at the moment.

He wished for many years that he could've gone back, done something differently. But he couldn't be disappointed at what his actions did for him.

He hadn't had a real love since then. He had looked, of course, trying to fill the emptiness he felt inside, but no-one ever stood out to him the way she did. She always seemed to be able to read his emotions perfectly, and she has the biggest heart.

And now, nothing seemed to be able to replace the gap she had taken with her.

*}|{*

"Claire, c'mon don't be shy. My mother will love you."

Levi had been trying to coax Claire into the house for ten minutes now. Her little sister hadn't left her side since she froze and Levi admired her patience.

"Sissy, let's go. There's no monsters here." Gracie said, and Levi smiled down at the adorable kid.

"She's right. And you'll feel better once you get off your feet." He tried again gently.

He could see the battle waging in her clear blue eyes. Fear gave way to hesitation, which slowly morphed into a steely determination. With that emotion still in her face, she moved one foot then the other until she was past the threshold of Levi 's house.

All at once she expected weapons and fire to be aimed in her direction. But none of that happened. Instead, Claire took in the long hallway, beautiful crystal chandelier and patterned rug under her feet.

To her left, there was a large sitting area with wooden furniture and a old brick fireplace. And to her right was a bright and sunny dining room with yellow accents.

"Levi? Is that you?"

A beautiful woman stepped into the hallway, wiping her hands on the apron tied around her waist. She paused when she saw Claire and Gracie.

"Oh, who are your friends?"

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Hey guys!!

Sorry it's short. I've had terrible writers block not to mention all my classes and finals to study for!! Promise I'll push through on this though!!

That's all for now lovelies!! Stay tuned :)

~JessieJoi