Mine // Sam Wilkinson

Part // XXVIII

Claire's POV

- FLASHBACK -

"Hey, beautiful," Tyler was standing in front of me, his smile wide.

"Hi, Tyler. What are you doing here?" I caught my words, hoping he wouldn't take them wrong, "it's such short notice. I would've tried to look nicer for you."

Nice save, Claire...

"I want to talk to you, baby."

"I'm just about to head to work, but maybe we can catch up after my shift over dinner?"

"As much as I miss your cooking, we need to talk right now," his voice was more stern.

"okay, come on in. I need to text my boss real quick to tell her I'll be a bit late." Hopefully he doesn't know I don't have a job yet...

I faked a smile and headed to the counter, opening the conversation between Emma and I.

Claire: Tyler is in my house. Said he wants to talk? Won't leave until we do.

Emma: What about?

"Okay, my boss said it's okay," I sat down on the couch, keeping my distance, "so what's up?"

"I miss you, Claire."

"I-I miss you too, Tyler."

He directed his attention straight ahead, avoiding my direction.

His voice was still stern, "We need to talk."

"About what?"

"Your ring."

"What ring?"

"Your engagement ring. You ran away before we could design it. But this time, you aren't leaving until it's done." his smile was something you'd see from a reaper in a haunted house in October.

"Tyler..."

"What? Is there something you would like to tell me, baby?"

"No, it's just that -"

he cut me off, trying not to yell, "Is there another man, baby? Maybe Sam Wilkinson?"

He knew.

I stayed quiet, I couldn't look at his face, knowing there was anger in his voice.

"Baby, will you get me a drink of water, please?"

"Of course, Tyler."

I got up, trying to comprehend what was said.

Before I knew it, I was on the ground, strong pain piercing through my whole body. My vision was becoming blurry, body going numb.

Tyler was making sure I learned my lesson that he was my one and only guy. He would make sure I understood, even if that meant death.

Next thing I knew, I was laying on something wet. I could feel the pain coursing throughout my entire body, certain places hurting more than others. I heard someone yelling my name, but I couldn't see or comprehend who it was. My vision was still blurry, my breathing too calm; words couldn't get around the lump in my throat.

"Claire, you're gonna be okay. I promise. I love you. Ambulance is on the way, I promise. Don't you die on me, ole Chum."

She used to call me chum all the time when we were younger.

I knew then who it was; I knew I had to fight for Emma.