To Duet With You

'... to see you smiling at me'

Claire is not good at drinking, she learned that years ago and that's why she has avoided alcohol (and consequently, parties) like plague ever since she came to college. She doesn't miss the noise, or the crowds, and putting up with jerks and double faced friends, but still... It is lonely, at times like this.

The only phone calls she has received (and ignored) have been her parents, now that they both realize she lied and didn't go to visit either of them. Of course, this is the result of her own actions, she has been successful in pushing everyone away, even Tessa.

She used to be the life of the party back in high school. As she walks back to her dorm, passing across a building where the loud music reaches her ears, the tune makes its way to her body, and she starts humming without realizing it.

Now, she is just pathetic, that much is clear.

"Claire!"

The voice calling for her from behind has become familiar.

Evan is carrying a bag similar to hers, filled with junk food and soda.

"I thought I saw you leaving the shop. but I wasn't sure..." He sounds breathless, and it occurs to her that he might have ran to catch her.

"Hi." She manages to smile. "Yeah, so this is thanksgiving for me."

He puts his open palms in front of him. "It's not that different on my front."

She does not make an effort to continue the conversation, but slows down her pace so they are walking side by side.

"But I did buy more ice cream than I can possibly eat on my own for today."

"Sounds tempting, but I am not done marathoning old Disney movies." Looking at him, though, Claire gets the sense that he is just as lonely as she is. Which is strange, considering he is Evan Brown, even without his father's money backing him up he must be popular on campus. "Do you want to join?"

Inviting guys over isn't like her. Well, not like the new her, anyway. Besides, given her history, trusting a Brown man could backfire badly. And yet, she feels safe right now.

Or maybe, the devil whispers on her shoulder, this is the wicked side of hers that enjoys the idea of taking something from Hannah, taking something from Rick.

"To watch some fairy tale love story?" He raises an eyebrow.

"Yes."

Now that he mentions it, it does sound childish, but who cares? Everyone should love fairy tales, and those who don't are just too immature to appreciate this art after growing up.

"Sure. Did you already go through The Little Mermaid? Because that's my favorite one."

***

There is this thing about the little mermaid that makes Claire regret choosing this movie, and she glances at Evan with suspicion from time to time.

Did he suggest this one on purpose?

It all felt very romantic, when she was a little girl, the way the protagonist and her prince found their happily ever after against all odds, and how she pursued her dream even if others around her, even her father, thought her crazy.

"Three days to get true love is an impossible task. She doesn't realize it is a scam only because she is so young and desperate. The tale this movie was based on had a much more realistic ending."

Young, naive girl who thinks herself in love and gives up her voice, and her life, for some love that turns out to be a fantasy. It feels awfully familiar.