Wild

Chapter 5

Claire rose at 9 am this morning. It felt like she slept forever, mummified in some of her best dreams. She couldn't remember the last time she slept that good. She checked her phone for new message notifications, but only from her service provider, letting her know that her data plan has just expired. Chase was all she could think about. It made sense that he wouldn't have send a text yet, it wouldn't suit him. 

"Guess who had a date Tuesday night."

"Queen Anne?". Claire was surprised that Meg was awake already. It's still before noon.

"How I missed your sarcasm. No you D-bag, me!"

"Oh yeah? Who did you date?"

"Chase took me out for a few drinks at Joe's."

It took Meg almost 2 minutes to reply. "Hello?", Claire whispered into her headset.

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah. We went out just after class. Was actually very fun! I can't see why you made such a big deal about him being trouble and all that. He was sweet."

"Oh bullshit! The Chase Williamson being sweet is as much shit as Grandma Paula's Christmas fruitcake! He didn't beat up a guy or got arrested or something like that?"

"No! Meg, I just think that you don't know him, that's all. He just doesn't seem like the guy you think he is."

"Oh no Claire, I've seen how it gets when his temper rockets sky-high or when Billy enters the room. It get crazy Claire. You have to be careful alright? It's a love like war."

"Meg, I'm telling you! You got the wrong guy. Chase is different. Sure, he's a little rough around the edges and can probably chew through a bone if he's heated up, but there was just something about him, something halcyon-like."

"Ok look, I have no idea what the fuck "Halcyon" means, but just promise me you'll be careful alright?"

"You know me, Meg. I'm always careful.", Claire chuckled at her own joke. "I could use your advise though."

"What's up?"

"See, I would like to see him again, but as you might expect, there has been no sign of him yet. It's already been two days. Any pointers?"

"Why don't you just go talk to him again?"

"Sarcasm again?"

"No, seriously. Chase ignores all dating rules so best option is really just to go straight up to his door and talk to him."

"That could be suicide."

"Yeah, but it's all we got. Besides, I thought you wanted to be more daring?"

"I did, but-"

"Then stop being such a huge pussy and go talk to the guy. Doesn't your dad have that big fundraiser event or something this weekend? Invite him to that."

"Isn't that a bit too daring?"

It sounded like Claire was cracking up by the sound of her voice breaking.

"Just do it. You never know what might happen. I'll do some snooping and text you his address. Nobody really knows where he lives, come to think of it. Catch you later, ok?"

"Sure thing."

The phone went silent after that. So silent, that Claire could die from lack of noise. She was having a panic attack by just the though of inviting Chase to the event, and as a date, nonetheless.

"You can do this, Claire. It's not going to be that hard."