Claire's POV
I walk down the stairs with my school bag. My parents are home, but I told them I was going to the library to study. Before you say anything, it wasn't a total and complete lie. I'm actually going to Jim's to study and to keep him company since his mom is working a late shift tonight. I walk out the door without saying goodbye to my parents. I decided to just walk. I could probably use the exercise and its a beautiful and clear night outside.
I arrive at Jim's house and knock on the door. To my surprise, it's Dr. Lake that opens the door.
"Hello, Claire. Jim told me you were coming over to help him study," She greeted pleasantly.
"Oh, Hi, Dr. Lake. And yep. He told me he's struggling in Spanish, so I came to help," I say. I'm surprised to see her since Jim said she was working a late shift, but I don't mind Dr. Lake. She's super nice and helpful. Dr. Lake steps aside so I can come in and I smile as I walk through the doorway.
"I think Jim got a head start on studying. He's up in his room," She smiled, then walked into the kitchen as I made my way upstairs.
I knock on Jim's door, but no sound emits from inside the room. Worried that something has happened to him, I go ahead and walk in, worry drenching me with sweat. I sigh in relief when I hear a soft snore come from Jim, who's resting his head on his desk, sound asleep. I smile as I grab an extra blanket from his bed and wrap it around his shoulders. I'm about to leave the room when I suddenly turn and walk back over to him. I hesitate, then kiss his cheek and walk back out. I walk back downstairs, and Dr. Lake sees me walk towards the door. She walks towards me.
"Oh, no. What happened? Did you two get in a fight? No, it was too quiet. What did Jim do?" She questioned, trying to figure out why I was leaving so soon.
I laughed. "He didn't do anything wrong, Dr. Lake. He must have fallen asleep while studying before I got here. I can just come back another night," I explained, and afterwards, she looked relieved.
"Oh. Are you sure? You can wait to see if he wakes up soon," Dr. Lake offered.
"Um, alright. Thanks," I say politely.
"No problem. How would you like a cup of coffee while you wait?" Dr. Lake asked.
"No thank you, I don't drink coffee," I respond.
"Okay then, what about some tea?"
"Sounds lovely, thank you."
Dr. Lake smiles as she walks into the kitchen, and she comes back,out with a cup of tea and a cup of coffee. We sit at the dining room table together.
"Jim's keeping something from me. I know it. He's been acting strange for a while. I don't think its your fault, but do you know why he's acting like this?" Dr. Lake suddenly said.
I paused. I did know why, but I couldn't say. I made a mental note to force Jim to tell her everything later.
I shook my head. It felt awful to lie to her, but I had no choice. If she were told about Jim being the trollhunter, I'm sure Dr. Lake would want it to be from her son.
Suddenly we heard soft stomps coming from the stairwell. Jim walked into the dining room groggily, the blanket I had draped over him still over his shoulders like a cape.
He rubbed his eyes as he started to ask, "Has Clai-" but he was cut short when he saw me. He stood up straighter, and shook the blanket off of his shoulders.
"Oh, hey Claire," he said, trying to recover, as if he were embarrassed.
"Hey. I saw that you had fallen asleep, so your mom asked if I wanted to wait, so I did. But if you're still tired, we dont have to study. I can come back tomorrow," I offered.
Jim shook his head. "No, It's okay. I just needed a power nap."
I nodded as Dr. Lake said, "Alright, have fun you two."
A slight blush spread across Jim's face as I got up and followed him to his room. He had picked up the blanket from the floor and laid it over the back of his desk chair when we entered his room. He then sighed as he sat in the chair.
"What's wrong?" I asked as I kneeled by the chair.
"Sorry you had to see me like that. I don't know about you, but I was really embarrassed," He said, looking into my eyes.
I started to laugh and fixed his midnight colored hair, which was a bit of a mess. "Don't apologize! I thought it was cute."
"Y-you did?" He questioned.
"Yup, but before we start studying, I wanted to talk to you about something," I said, turning serious.
"Um okay," Jim said, moving to sit on the edge of his bed, and I sat next to him.
"Dr. Lake asked me why you had been acting so strange recently. Don't worry, I didn't tell her, but you probably should. You can't lie to her forever," I say, and I watch as he tears up a little.
A tear slides down his cheek as he responds, "I know, you're right. I'm just worried that as soon as I tell her, she won't be safe anymore. Its just one more person I'll be putting in danger."
I frown in sympathy and hug him. I hear his silent tears turn to sobs as he hugs me back. I rub his back comfortingly and say, "It's alright. You don't always have to be so strong, Jim."
