Chasing Happiness (Rewritten Under My Other Story "It's Just Pretend")

Chapter 12 (Claire's pov)

AN: Yayah! Claire's pov. Thank y'all for taking the time to read this book. I know the first like seven or eight chapters were rough. Sorry! :) This chapter is extra long and Chandler's bike is above!

I cautiously stepped up to the familiar, jet-black motorcycle and sighed.

"Why a motorcycle Bilyk?" A smirk was evident on his face and his grey eyes with the small golden flecks lit up. Any trace of the somber boy I saw last night was gone.

"Why not a motorcycle Tiger?"

"Because it's a death machine!"

"Well someone's uptight aren't we?" I indignantly lifted my nose in the air. How dare he!

"I am not uptight! I simply do not see the point in risking your life riding something that could potentially end your life."

"Come on Tiger. We have ten minutes to get to school." I slipped on my helmet and climbed behind him. Like every other time he gave me a ride, I tightly shut my eyes and prayed that we would soon arrive at school. I'm pretty sure Bilyk had the imprint of my fingernails on the shoulders of his trademark, leather jacket. As soon as his bike came to a halt, I scrambled off and tucked a strand of fiery red hair back into my usual messy bun. Hey, even though Anne isn't putting her hair up in a ponytail everyday anymore, doesn't mean that I'll change. After her near-death experience, she's become more comfortable with herself. I'm relatively outgoing, but insecure. If I was really honest with myself, I envy her a little. She's beautiful and has a stable relationship with an amazing guy. She has a beautiful voice and family members that love each other. Unlike me.

"Tiger?"' Bilyk's voice brought me out of my thoughts.

"Hmm?"

"You okay?" Curiosity was written all over his face. He tilted his head and frowned.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine." I plastered on a smile.

"Well I'm gonna get going now. Bye Bilyk." I awkwardly shuffled away. Glancing back, I saw him shrug and walk away, his backpack slung over his shoulder. Thank goodness for my acting skills.

*break*

Bilyk dropped me off at home and I walked inside as silently as I could. I could hear my parents shouting at each other. I choked back tears and bolted up the stairs. You'd think after three months of Mom and Dad fighting every day, I'd be used to it. I shut my bedroom door and collapsed onto my bed, cocooning myself in the dark, green sheets. I curled myself into a small ball; I held back the tears. A crash sounded from downstairs. Just stop! I was screaming to them in my mind, the dam broke and the salty water fell freely from my eyes. Strangled sobs escaped from my throat and my whole body shook violently. My head snapped up at the sound of a tapping at my window. Shit! I didn't close my curtains. Bilyk was sitting on the tree branch and he was looking at me, worried. I wiped away my tears with the back of my hand. Walking to the window, I opened it. I cleared my throat and gathered up my courage, willing myself to look angry.

"What on earth are you doing Bilyk?!"

"No you don't. Don't change the subject Tiger. Why are you crying?" Another muffled crash was heard and my parents yelling became louder. I grimaced as look of realization crossed his face.

"Oh. I'm so sorry Claire." His voice was filled with so much sympathy and he was so genuine. He suddenly leaned into my room and pulled me out the window into the crisp, evening air.

"Come on Tiger." His face was determined.

"Wh-what? Where are we going?" He turned to me and his eyes bore into mine.