Mine // Sam Wilkinson

Part // LIV

Claire's POV

I must've fallen asleep to the sound of the rain. Sammy was sitting at my hip, speaking softly. "Claire, baby. Wake up."

"What time is it?" I rubbed my eye, trying to open both of them.

"Doesn't matter."

This wasn't Sammy.

"Sam, what do you want that couldn't possibly wait until later?"

"We need to talk about us."

I perked up immediately, feeling the anxiety start to rise.

"Claire, do you remember so many months ago when I distanced myself from you but I told you I was busy with music... and you didn't understand how Nate could talk to Emma but I was too busy?"

I nodded.

"I need to tell you why I distanced myself. I'm gonna be honest. I've been trying not to tell you. Fuck, I've made it so long without telling you. This is what Scott and I were talking about last night when you came in the kitchen."

"Sam, just tell me..." I was barely speaking above a whisper.

"Claire, I cheated on you. I went to a party. Fuck... I really thought she was you. I'll be honest, I was drinking. Not as much as usual, but I went to get my mind away from you being so far away from me. I couldn't handle the fact that you weren't at that party with me and that's why I started drinking. This girl... God, I regret it. She had blond hair and blue eyes like yours; only missing the beautiful sparkle that's in yours. I know being drunk is no excuse, but I swear it meant nothing. This has haunted me every single day since. I swear, Claire." I could tell he was holding back tears.

I was speechless. I kept my gaze ahead of me, never connecting our eyes.

"Claire, baby... please say something."

"I can't."

"Baby..."

"You mean Claire."

"What?"

"My name is Claire."

I got off the bed, head still spinning. I paused before opening the door.

I headed down to the kitchen to find Scott on the couch, half asleep. I couldn't wake Emma and Nate up at this hour. I knew I needed my big brother most.

"Scott? Please wake up..."

"Claire? What's up?"

That was it. That was the moment I let go; the moment I couldn't fight back the tears any longer. I threw my head into Scott's chest just like I always did when I would get hurt as a child.

"Is this about Sam..."

I nodded, attempting to catch my breath between sobs.

"Are you guys together after this or?"

That was the last question I could answer at this point.