Claire and Claud

Chapter Two

Claire's POV

Natalie had suggested that we head inside and talk like civilized people.

I had stayed by Nick's side the entire walk inside the house and I even sat next to him in their dining room.

The Squad House was an actual double storey house with a kitchen, television room and everything and it was surprisingly clean. Most of the squad members went on to the entertainment room to continue their own little party while Nick, Natalie, Claud, Carlisle, Bianca, Kieran and I got seated in the dining room. Natalie and Bianca set snacks and beverages on the table while Carlisle attended to my hand.

"So Claire, can you tell us what happened? I don't trust Nick and Claud to give me the whole true story." said Carlisle, the tone of his voice held security. Like I could trust him.

I could easily be fooled by his gentleness.

I opened my mouth to speak, but I didn't. Realisation hit me. I'll stutter and they'll make a joke out of me. I'll be the joke of the squad.

"Claire? Nothing will happen, I promise."

Carlisle wasn't stupid, he noticed my hesitation and he knew speaking to me softly would get me to open up.

"Claire, please say something. Nick!"

Nick pat my shoulder, a way of telling me that I was going to be fine.

I sighed before beginning...

"...so I punched him and instead of hurting him, I hurt myself. He hurt me."

"How did he hurt you when you punched him?" asked Natalie, she didn't believe me.

"One, he didn't have to use a baby voice on me. Two, he didn't have to call me a stuttering mess and fake a BLOODY STUTTER! I didn't choose to have speech flaws! It's not my fault and it's not right of anyone to tease me about it."

I didn't realise that I was crying until I felt a single tear drop hit my wrist.

I pulled my hand away from Carlisle's gentle hold and got up. I had to get away from them so I ran into a room and closed the door, luckily there was a key and I locked the door.

I fell to my knees and crawled to the corner and let it all out. I screamed. I shouted. I swore. I cried. I let myself break down.

I guess I'll have to reconsider getting into the squad.

I heard knocking from the other side of the door. I froze. I pulled my jacket's sleeve and wiped my tears.

"Claire? Claire, please open up!"

Claud?

"Look, I'm sorry. My intention was to hurt you, but I didn't expect that it would go this far. I'm sorry, Claire."

He knocked again.

"I would really liked it if you opened the door."

I rolled my eyes then wiped my tears away and walked to the door, unlocked it and opened.

He stood there with relief written on his face. I didn't smile nor frown. I don't know how I feel about him right now. I know he's a dick, but I don't know if it affects how I feel about him.

"Hey." he said with a smile. I could tell that it was genuine.

"I'm sorry for falling for you."

Did I just say that? Oh my fudge!

He gave me a confused look, a smile still plastered on his face.

I cleared my throat before speaking again. "I'm sorry for bumping into you then yelling at you then punching."