Cowards die many times before their death, the valiant never taste of death but once.
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School was the worst thing that had ever happened to Claire. That's what Claire had decided at least as she sat in double English. Never once had she wanted to punch James Dancy more than in that very moment. He had been bugging her all day with his talk of true love and romance. By the time English class arrived Claire was already sick of James.
"See look at Claire and James for an example. James is Romeo. He falls for Rosaline and then Juliet. His character is built around love from the start of the play to the very end. Claire is Juliet. She wants Romeo's promise of marriage, she has a plan to run away with Romeo, and she questions her love when the one she loves kills her cousin. Juliet is far more willing to challenge love but she will still fight for it."
"You see James you are a hopeless romantic. You need to center your heart. Claire, on the other hand, is cynical. Claire, you need to let yourself give into the love of a story." Claire rolled her eyes at this command while James just smirked at the girl. "You two need to understand each other's opinion. So I want everyone to pair up with someone with a differing opinion. James Claire you two are together."
Claire packed up her things and moved to sit next to James who was clearly overjoyed at this change in the seating plan. Claire didn't wear makeup. That's all James noticed as she leaned in close and he got a good look at each individual freckle that sprinkled across her face. Claire began to open up her book full of neatly written notes making James scoff.
"Do you have a problem?" Asked Claire as she stared up at the boy.
"No, it just I don't get why you write all this down. Like I get notes for science when you have to memorize certain things but in English, it's about original thoughts. You won't get that by writing notes."
"In case you haven't noticed I have very original thoughts unlike you who seems to have the same ideas about happily ever after as a four-year-old. My thoughts are original. I understand the complexities of love but you are utterly hopeless." Snapped Claire as she finally lost her patience with James.
"Don't worry Angel I won't let your every so cruel words hurt me. Besides, sometimes simple things are better. I know that love doesn't need a deep understanding. When you love someone you will do anything for them."
"James you are an idiot. You can love someone who is bad for you who you should most definitely not do anything for. Some things are unforgivable and even if you love them you should kick them right out of your life. For example, my cousin was horrible. She lied about having cancer and she abused her animals and even though I loved her I knew that I couldn't have her in my life after she repeatedly hurt me."
So then James and Claire spent a good chunk of the lesson going back and forth trying to be somewhat understanding of the other's views while still bickering back and forth.
"Hello, I need to take Claire Whiting out of class. There has been a family emergency." Said a man at the door that Claire instantly recognized as her Father's driver. He had been with her Father since before Claire was born and the man had regularly saved her Father's life, her Mother's life, and her life.
So when Porter told her to do something Claire did it without question. Claire quickly packed up her things while Miss Hilson stood there baffled.
"That's fine just sign out at the office on your way out." Called Miss Hilson but Claire and Porter were already walking out of the door.
"Porter, what happened?"
"Your Father is in the car and he will tell you. I must advise you though Miss Claire that you shouldn't be sitting next to Brain Dancy's son in class. Your Father would not like it."
"I couldn't help it, Porter. The teacher sat us next to each other for one activity. I didn't have a choice and I will be sitting with Annie again tomorrow. Just don't tell Father, Porter, you know how he gets with that family."
"I won't Miss Claire just please stay far away from that boy."
"Of course Porter." Said Claire as Porter opened the door to a luxury town car that Claire happily climbed into her.
Sitting in the back seat was Claire's father who immediately scopped her up into his arms. His eyes were slightly red like he had been crying earlier. Affection was rare from Micheal Whiting so Claire immediately began to sweat.
"What happened Father?" Asked Claire as she buckled up her seat belt. Mr. Whiting placed Claire's favorite food down on her lap along with two large boxes neatly wrapped with eccentric bows placed on the boxes. "What is this?"
"I just want you to remember how much I love and appreciate you as a daughter. You are very very precious to me and I never want you to ever forget that. Family is everything." Said Mr. Whiting as he looked intensely into Claire's eyes.
Claire unwrapped the presents to find a black dress and new black shoes from two of Claire's favorite high-end stores. She ate the sushi and chocolates her father got her as they took a pointlessly long route home.
"Father please just tell me what happened." Begged Claire giving her Father a desperate look. She needed to know what had happened.
"Justin passed away this morning. He was shot dead during his typical work. I am so so sorry Claire." Claire was frozen. Her cousin was dead. What was she meant to do with that information? Claire's vision began to get blurry and water ran down her cheeks as she sat there. Claire gasped for breath as if her body had almost forgotten how to function.
YOU ARE READING
Studying The Star Crossed Lovers
Romantik"They loved each other. They were willing to risk it all after a day. They knew they found the one. Romeo and Juliet were soulmates." "Sorry, James but it was all stone cold sexual desire." James and Claire's parents despised each other and yet over...
