Bear Child (Book 1)

Chapter 15

Hello everyone! Just wanted to point out that the girl over to the right is Kate! You know Darcy's Barbie Doll Gang? Yep, that's one of the girls in her clique. Anyways.. ON WITH THE CHAPTER!

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               15. The News

          I awoke that morning not to the alarm of my new clock, but to the delicious smell of waffles coming from the kitchen. It wasn’t time to get up yet, it was barely 6:03 in the morning. I managed to sneak up stairs back to my room last night without waking up Ben. When I came back, he was still knocked out on the sofa, snoring like a chainsaw.

          I picked my head up from the pillows and brushed away the hair that shrouded my face like a veil. I got up out of bed and went down stairs. I found Ben by the stove, putting some waffles on a plate. He turned to look at me with a smile on his face. “Morning, Clair. You’re up early. How ‘bout some breakfast?” he asked. “Uh . . . sure.”

          I dragged my feet to the table and slumped into the nearest chair. Ben put a plate of three waffles in front of me and put a jug of maple syrup next to me I grabbed the fork he had put on my plate, poured syrup onto the waffles, and started cutting them up with the fork. “So . . .” I started uncomfortably, “This is different . . .”

          Ben laughed once. “Different how? Good different or bad different?” he asked. “Really different. Like, who-are-you-and-what-have-you-done-with-my-dad different.” Ben had to laugh at that one. “Don’t worry, Clair, I’m still the same old man I was last night.” He assured.

          “That’s what scares me . . .” I muttered low enough for him not to hear. “Well, sorry for being a little suspicious.” I said louder, so he could hear what I was saying. “It’s just that this is the first time you’ve made breakfast. And at six in the morning, if I might add.” He laughed nervously. “Funny you should say that. You know, the word ‘suspicious’ could be a little much, don’t you think?” I stared at him as I put a piece of waffle in my mouth. I felt the warm, fluffy waffle bit emit a delicious vanilla flavor that plagued my mouth.

          “Okay, now I’m really suspicious.” I said with a full mouth, “This actually tastes good.”

          “Well I’m glad you like it, hon. Do you want some milk with that?” Ben asked, holding up the milk carton. “Alright, what’s the catch?” I said as I folded my arms across my chest. “Catch? There’s no catch.” He said, attempting to act natural.

          “Dad, you’re a really bad liar.” I told him with a bored voice. “I know, I know.” He sighed. “I’m just gonna cut right to the chase.” He said defeated, and he sat down in a chair. “Tell me, Clair, how do you feel about . . . dogs.” He asked hesitantly. I shrugged. “I love ‘em. I’ve always wanted a dog, but the manager of the apartment we stayed in was allergic, so we couldn’t have one. Mom didn’t like the breeds I did, anyways.”

          “Alright, good, good. So you like dogs. And, how do you feel about German Shepherds?”

          “They’re my favorite kind of dog. Why?” I told him suspiciously. Then I gasped and my eyes peeled wide open. “Are we going to get a dog? Is that it?” I sing-songed. I was bouncing in my chair like a little girl.

          “Well, sort of.” He admitted. “You see, Dave’s brother is a policeman. On the last case he was on, he took his K-9 partner with him. The dog injured his front leg, but it was pretty severe, and he’s an old dog. Even if he heals, he won’t be able to get back into action. He was gonna be put in a shelter, but Harvey took him instead.