Clawen - Season 3

Chapter 8 - I Want to Be Sure

After their intense experience, Owen and Claire's bond was unshakable. So was the bond between the former and Sydney. Owen was like family now. But of course no one ever said that out loud.

As September passed and gave way to October, Owen was to dine with the mother-daughter duo on a pleasant Friday evening. After their work had got over, Claire and Sydney had reached and parked their car when her phone rang. "At your left."

They were utterly surprised to see Owen parking his car on their left. Sydney of course, was a full excitement package. 

She ran into Owen's arms. "Hey Owen!"

"Hi Sydney!" He lifted her up, and they smiled at each other. As he put her down, he gave Claire a peek kiss on the cheek, holding her waist. 

As they got to their table, Sydney wanted a grilled cheese sandwich; turns out she had unknowningly echoed everyone's thoughts. However, lemonade was also on.

As Sydney started feeling tired, although she didn't admit that, Claire took her in her arms, and gently rocked her a bit. Owen was the only one free enough to acknowledge the waiters. As they were finishing, one waiter asked, "Sir, would your daughter like some more lemonade?"

Claire was surprised alright, and so was Owen. However, they hid it well, as he replied, "Yeah that would be great, thank you."

As they finished, and Sydney had fun, they smiled and giggled, but that comment stayed in their minds. 

As the sky turned black, Sydney was asleep, and Owen and Claire were in the lobby. 

"It was bound to happen eventually," Owen said, grabbing her attention. "I mean, if you see a man and a woman together with a child, that's going to be an assumption, right?"

"I know, it's just.., I don't know."

"What?"

"Where we might be heading."

"What are you talking about?"

"I.. I want to be sure Owen."

"Sure of what Claire?" There was anger in his voice.

She didn't answer. Owen repeated his question, "Sure of what, Claire?"

"Claire, just tell me what the hell you want to be sure of-"

"Of you!" 

It just bursted out of her mouth. "I want to be sure of you.."

His mind was raging, over how she could possibly doubt him for even a second (after all they've been through). But he realised that this was about something more - his place in her and Sydney's life. And family.

He walked towards Claire, whose eyes were closed, and tears were forming. Her head was down, but when Owen was in front of her, she looked up.

"Claire, you know that I love you more than anyone. I love you and I love Sydney and.."

Her hands were on her shoulders, and hers on his. She waited for him to continue, and then he said, "I'd love to be Sydney's father someday."

And Claire burst into tears, even as Owen gently pulled her in for a warm embrace.