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Lost Girl Ch. 02

By: virgofemme



*Thanks for all of the feedback, guys! I hope you'll enjoy the latest installment, and a HUGE thanks for your continued interest.*

The chattering of voices surrounded Claudia as she entered the packed corridor. Peals of laughter echoed against the pale yellow walls, and lockers slammed shut as students prepared for their first class of the day. Packed with warm bodies, the school's hallway was brimming with the kind of restless energy that came along with beginning a new semester. 

With her schedule still in hand, Claudia wandered the halls slowly, eyeing the numbers on the classroom doors as she passed each one of them by. Eventually she reached a point where the hallway deviated, and after deciding to turn right, she made her way past a large bulletin board and towards a row of classrooms that were situated on the left side of the corridor. 

It's gotta be towards the end of the hall, she thought. But as she noticed that the numbers were getting smaller, rather than larger, she turned around and made her way towards the other corridor. Just as she was passing a row of brightly painted lockers, the first bell rang, and as students rushed past her to reach their classrooms in time, she walked quicker and with more purpose than before.

Feeling as if she were a fish going against a powerful current, she bumped shoulders and nudged past droves of people. So lost in the sea of bodies that surrounded her, Claudia was unable to make out the numbers on the classroom doors. This was when she realized that she was just being pushed along, and needing a moment to gather her thoughts, she forced her way out of the crowd and towards a trophy display case. 

With as much casualness as she could muster, Claudia leaned against the glass enclosure, watching as a group of color coordinated girls filed into a classroom that was located a few feet away from her. She also observed a pair of boys who were far too baby-faced and timid looking to be anything except freshmen, as well as a few athletically built guys who were wearing sweatshirts that were emblazoned with the words, 'Browning Indians.'

Football players, was the thought that passed through her head as she eyed them, and with unconcealed interest, she admired their broad shoulders.

It wasn't until final bell that the bodies surrounding her finally began to thin out, and with the soles of her boots squeaking against the freshly buffed floors of the corridor, she briskly made her way down the hall. 

On reaching a classroom marked 205, she noticed that the door was already shut, so she clasped her palm around the handle and slowly pressed down on it. From the very first step that she took into the room, all eyes turned to stare at her. Only one face out of the twenty-five that were present, however, offered her a friendly smile.

"Hi, I'm Ms. Mojika," said a woman with a jaw length bob and deep-set eyes. "And you are?"

"Claudia Strauss."

"Welcome to English Literature, Claudia. Take a seat and we'll get you started with some handouts."

With everyone in the class intently watching her, Claudia walked quickly through the row of desks, eyes darting from left to right as she sought out an empty chair. Each student that she passed turned their head to watch her, and if not for the ticking of the wall clock that was positioned above the chalkboard, the stillness would have been deafening. Finally she located a seat in the very last row, but as she came to a stop right next to it, a boy in an oversized sweatshirt and buzz cut spoke up. 

"Sorry. Seat's taken." 

Noting that there was a pink backpack in the seat to indicate that the desk had already been claimed, Claudia made her way to another open seat, which happened to be in the very first row. As she sat down, the teacher placed a few handouts on her desk, then clasped her hands together and began to speak. 

"Show of hands. How many of you are familiar with Sherman Alexie?"

Except for Claudia, all of the students in the class raised their hand. 

"Claudia, you're the only one." A soft smile graced Ms. Mojika's full lips. "We'll have to change that."

Claudia's mouth tugged upward in response to her teacher's statement, but she said nothing in response. 

"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, is the book we'll be reading," Ms. Mojika said as she held up the piece of literature. "It's a fantastic novel, and you'll not only be required to write an essay on it, but also give an oral presentation outlining the parts of the book that you feel most strongly about."

Collective groans were heard throughout the classroom, but before the soft chattering could get out of hand, Ms. Mojika continued to talk. 

"If public speaking Isn't your thing, I strongly suggest you practice at home in front of family or friends, because you will be required to give a total of six oral presentations this semester."

"Six?" A girl with shoulder length hair and glittery eyeshadow conveyed her disappointment through the tone of her voice. "Why so many, Ms. Mojika?"

"Because it increases your self-confidence. It also teaches you to listen more effectively and builds your skill at verbal communication." She placed the Sherman Alexie book down on her desk, then leaned against it while casually crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Since this is the first day of class, I want you each to stand up and tell the class a little about yourself. And include something unique, so we can get to know you better." A brief pause preceded her next words. "Would anyone like to volunteer to go first, or will I have to choose a victim?"

A few coughs, along with the tick, tick, tick, of the classroom wall clock could be heard, but not one of the twenty-four students spoke up.

"Alright," said Ms. Mojika. "Looks like I'll have to do the choosing." She retrieved the attendance sheet from the surface of her desk, and after taking a few moments to study it, finally called out a name. 

"Tristan Whitefeather." 

Stunned to hear the familiar name, Claudia turned to look behind her, and on noticing the leanly built form that sat hunched over a desk in the corner of the very last row, she suddenly realized why she had failed to notice that he was in attendance upon her arrival in the classroom. 

Tristans face, which was obscured by a large black hoodie, was slowly revealed as he pushed it off. He rose to his feet slowly, and after brushing a strand of hair away from his eyes, he lifted his gaze so that it was focused only on the teacher. 

"I'm Tristan," he mumbled in an impressively deep voice. "I like painting, drawing, writing poetry..." He allowed his gaze to drop for a few moments before finally sweeping it across the numerous faces that were staring at him. "Not much else to say, I guess." 

"Tell us something unique about yourself," Ms. Mojika urged. "Something that might surprise people."

"Um, I keep a journal of experiences...weird things that have happened to me since I was a kid."

"What kind of experiences, Tristan?" The dark haired teacher leaned forward just slightly to indicate her interest in hearing more. 

"Just stuff. Unusual things, you know?" As if suddenly realizing that he'd exposed a bit too much of his private life, he abruptly sat down and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Thank you for sharing, Tristan." A soft smile crossed Ms. Mojika's face before she averted her gaze to the students that sat before her, many of whom were either whispering or snickering while eyeing Tristan with a steady gaze. "Who's next?"

Hoping like hell that she wouldn't be called on, Claudia pinned her gaze on the wall clock, as if hoping that by the power of her stare, time would be forced to pass quicker. Unsurprisingly, this did not work. It did, however, manage to make her anxious by realizing just how little time had elapsed since her arrival in the classroom.

"How about you, Claudia?" Ms. Mojika asked. "Stand up and tell us a bit about yourself." 

She did stand, and after positioning her body so that she could look at the students who sat in the rows behind her, she began to speak. 

"I'm Claudia. I was born and raised in Michigan, but my mom moved us out here because her friend got her a job at the community hospital. I love listening to music and reading crime novels..." As her voice drifted off, she struggled to think of something else to say. "I don't really think it's all that unique, but I'm pretty good at sewing and I make a lot of my own clothes."

"Did you make that dress you have on?" Ms. Mojika asked.

"No, this is my mom's. I raided it from her closet."

The snickers that followed her words were like sandpaper against Claudia's ears, and with cheeks that burned, she sat back down and unconsciously tugged at one of her curly strands. 

"Your mother has good taste," the instructor said while offering Claudia one of her soft smiles. "I do look forward to seeing some of your own creations, though."

Claudia gave a small nod in response, and as Ms. Mojika picked up the attendance sheet and called off another name, she did her best to ignore the muted chatter of her fellow classmates. 

* * * *

After exiting the food line with a tray of chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and a can of Dr. Pepper, Claudia scanned the long cafeteria tables for an empty space which could accommodate her. As was customary in every high school across the country, students were segregated into various groups. Situated next to a window at a table that was filled with open textbooks and three-ring binders, were what Claudia guessed were the smart kids. Or nerds, as they were more popularly referred to. 

In the center of the cafeteria were a group of boisterous football players, and towards the back was a cluster of students who were all dressed in baggy jeans and oversized T-shirts which were emblazoned with decorative graffiti and logos of hip hop artists. 

She also noticed a group of kids who seemed to be a cross between skaters and emos, as well as an assemblage of freshman who were huddled over their schedules. The rest of the cafeteria consisted of those who did not fit into any particular group, and as she continued to scout out an available seat, she came to realize that a number of eyes were intently watching as she wove her way through the labyrinth of tables. 

She would have continued along if not for the feel of her Dr. Pepper rolling off of her plastic tray, and although she did her best to stop it, it frustratingly managed to evade her grasp. As soon as it hit the ground, the can of soda exploded, spraying brown, foamy liquid in all directions. 

From somewhere in the cafeteria, loud applause ensued, and as a few like-minded others began to join in, Claudia's cheeks went hot with embarrassment. Hoots and whistles drifted from the table where the jocks were sitting, along with a few chuckles that left her wishing she could disappear. 

Just as annoyed as she was embarrassed, Claudia bent down to sop up the liquid that was trickling from the busted soda can. She was soon joined by a janitor that was carrying a mop, and after being waved away so that he could take care of it, she lifted her tray from the floor and headed for a partially empty table. 

With as much dignity as she could muster, Claudia took a seat. She began nibbling at her rubbery chicken fingers, but as she grabbed a fork and stuck it into her macaroni and cheese, a voice further down the table suddenly spoke up.

"I wouldn't eat that if I were you."

Turning her head to see who had given her the warning, Claudia saw that the voice belonged to a girl with a skull print scarf and a silver hoop that adorned her left nostril. With the exception of her bangs which were dyed bright red, the rest of her hair was inky black, and worn in a choppy, shoulder length style. 

"Why not?" Claudia asked.

"The last time they served mac and cheese, I got the runs." She silently studied Claudia for a few moments before adding, "I'm just saying, you might want to avoid it." 

"It does look a little suspect." Claudia stuck her fork into the clump of pasta squiggles and cheese, causing it to jiggle in the process. 

Perhaps noting the friendly tone of her voice, the girl lifted her tray and stood up, then took the seat that was located directly across from Claudia. 

"What's your name?"

"Claudia. What's yours?"

"Kimi." Her gaze swooped downward before once again coming to rest on Claudia's face. "I like your dress."

"Thanks." Claudia smiled before adding, "Your hair is really cool. The cut, the color...wish I could do something like that with mine."

"Why? You already have awesome hair."

Claudia shrugged. "I've had curly hair all my life. I'm bored with it."

"But you can wear it curly or straight. That's the great thing about having natural curls."

"Yeah, I guess."

Noting the unique bracelets that encircled Kimi's wrists, Claudia considered asking if they were handmade. But before she could, someone slid into the seat beside her. She barely had time to notice that someone was Lucas, and after placing a can of Dr. Pepper next to her plastic food tray, he gave her one of his charming smiles. 

"Hey, lost girl. I thought you might be thirsty, so I got you a new one."

"Thanks." Both surprised and flattered that he'd gone through the trouble of purchasing her a replacement, she returned his smile with one of her own. 

"No problem." He studied her face for a few moments before offering some more words. "So, how's your day coming along so far?"

"You mean aside from the fact that I just embarrassed myself in front of half the school by destroying a can of soda?" She briefly paused before sarcastically saying, "Great."

He gently chuckled. "It could have been worse."

"How?"

A shrug preceded his words. "I don't know. It's just always good to look on the bright side."

"Can't argue with that," Claudia said, and with eagerness, popped open the tab to her soda and took a long drink. 

"Anyways, I better get back to my table," Lucas said as he rose to his feet. "Catch you later, lost girl." 

As soon as he was gone, Kimi leaned across the table and with eyes pinned intently on Claudia's face, she asked, "You like Lucas?" 

"Not really." 

"Don't lie. You totally do."

A wide smile crossed Claudia's lips. "Maybe just a little."

"Be careful. He's a cherry picker."

"A what?"

"Cherry picker. You don't know what that is?"

Claudia shook her head.

"A guy who goes after virgins."

Claudia's smile vanished. "Oh." 

"You are a virgin, right?" Kimi asked.

"Yeah."

She nodded before saying, "I thought so."

Needing some time to process this information about Lucas, Claudia allowed a moment of silence to pass before posing a question. "You say he goes after virgins. But how does he know who's a virgin and who's not?"

"I don't know, I guess he can sniff them out or something." 

A light snort escaped Claudia's nostrils.

"Seriously, though," Kimi said. "If you're gonna give it up, don't let it be with Lucas." 

"He has a girlfriend, anyways. So it's not like anything could ever happen between us."

"He doesn't have a girlfriend."

"I thought he did."

"Nope."

"Earlier this morning, I saw him hanging out with this girl. And she acted like they were together, so I just figured that they were in a relationship."

"Oh, you mean Misty?" She released a light scoff. "She's not his girlfriend. More like his fuck buddy, if anything at all."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"How do you know?"

"It's pretty obvious just by watching them interact."

"Not trying to be nosy or anything, but have you slept with him?"

"Hell no. He's a dog."

"He seems pretty nice to me."

"Sure, he's nice. But it doesn't change the fact that he's a total mimbo."

Unable to resist, Claudia turned her head to scan the rows of tables that were situated behind her. It took a few moments before she finally spotted the area where Lucas was sitting, and as her gaze came to rest on him, she noticed him chatting with a tall girl who had mile-long legs that were clad in a pair of skin tight jeans.

"I don't know why he's talking to her," Kimi said while following Claudia's line of sight. "She is *definitely* not a virgin."

Although she was trying her best not to stare, Claudia found it nearly impossible to tear her eyes away from Lucas as he flirted with the girl. She found herself curious as to what they were talking about, and couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as she watched the girl reach out to place her palm on his shoulder. 

"By the way, why does he call you lost girl?"

Claudia's thoughts were broken at the sound of Kimi's voice, and as she recalled how her namesake came to be, a smile curled her lips. "Well, It's kind of a funny story."

"Go ahead." Kimi leaned in closer, but before she could indulge herself in the anecdote that Claudia was prepared to tell, a boy with a rail thin frame and shoulder length hair that was held back in a ponytail slid into the seat beside her. 

Rather than speak, he began to use his hands and fingers to sign out the words that he was unable to voice. Kimi immediately responded by finger spelling a few words of her own, and along with animated facial expressions, fluidly expressed her thoughts to the ponytailed boy that was sitting beside her. 

Without a second thought, Claudia joined in, maneuvering her hands and fingers with an admirable eloquence that immediately caught the attention of both Kimi and her male friend. Clearly in awe, they both watched as she continued to sign, until Kimi finally began to respond with hand gestures of her own. 

[You know how to sign?]

[Learned when I was two years old,] Claudia conveyed with a gesture of her hands.

[Wow, that's awesome.] With palms facing away from her and a thumb on her chest, Kimi enthusiastically waved her other four fingers. [Your parents taught you?]

[My dad. He was born deaf.]

[So was my brother, Tyler.] She gestured towards the boy that was sitting beside her before continuing to sign. [He's a pipsqueak freshman, but I still love him.]

[Shut up, Kimi.] Tyler playfully elbowed her, then rested his gaze on Claudia while signing his next string of words. [I am a freshman, but I'm not a pipsqueak. Caught a twenty pound salmon the other week in Glacier Park.]

[Stop lying, Tyler.] A large grin crossed Kimi's face. [That salmon was fifteen pounds, not twenty.]

[Close enough.] 

She rolled her eyes, lightly smirking as she turned her gaze back on Claudia. [He loves to exaggerate.]

A smile crossed Claudia's face and she started to sign a response, but before she could finish, the bell rang. They all stood from the table and emptied the uneaten food from their plastic trays, then exited the cafeteria before resuming their silent conversation.

[What's your next class?] Kimi signed.

[Biology. You?]

[Calculus.]

[And after that?]

[History.]

A disappointed look crossed Claudia's face. [Guess we don't have any classes together.]

[Bummer.] With both hands positioned in front of her face, she maneuvered her fingers so that it appeared as if tears were falling down her cheeks.

A soft chuckle left Claudia's lips at the exaggerated sad face that Kimi made, and in return she signed back, [It's cool. We can always hang out after school.]

[Definitely.]

With Tyler still in tow, the two girls continued walking until they reached Kimi's Biology class, and after exchanging numbers so they could text each other afterschool, they said their goodbyes and headed off in opposite directions. 

As soon as she reached her locker, Claudia spun the dial on her combination lock, then gave it a tug to dislodge the shackle mechanism. Yet instead of clicking open, it remained securely fastened, forcing her to manipulate the dial once more. 


Lost Girl Ch. 02



It took three vain attempts before she finally grew frustrated, and as the late bell echoed loudly through the long, brightly lit hallway, Claudia's fingers worked faster against the face plate of her combination lock.

She barely had time to register the presence of someone behind her before a large hand dislodged the lock from her palm, and with a swiftness that was enviable, the individual twisted the dial a few times before pulling the latch open with an audible click. Curious as to who it was that had come to her aid, Claudia turned around to face them, and on discovering that it was Tristan, she lifted her brows in amazement.

"Hi."

"Hello," Tristan replied.

"Thanks for helping me out," she said. "Never can seem to get those darn things open."

"No problem."

An incredibly long, awkward moment passed as they stood there simply staring at one another, and it could have gone on forever if not for the fact that Claudia finally spoke up in a voice that was laden with curiosity. 

"What's up?"

"That girl you were hanging out with in the cafeteria..." The look on Tristan's face was expectant as he waited for her to respond.

"Kimi?"

He nodded, but didn't follow up with any more words.

"What about her?"

"I've been trying to talk to her for awhile. But there's a lot of other guys who have a crush on her and it's been pretty difficult to get her attention." He paused for a moment, then cleared his throat before finally continuing on. "Anyways, I was wondering if you could teach me how to sign."

"Why? She's not deaf."

"I know she Isn't," he said. "But if I learned a bit of sign language, I was thinking she might finally notice me." 

"You want me to teach you sign language so you can impress her and get her to go out with you?"

"Basically." He briefly averted his eyes before once again meeting her gaze. "Why? Does that sound really bad?"

"No, not at all. I think it sounds really sweet."

A wide grin crossed his face. "So you think it'll work?"

"I don't know. But you can't be for certain unless you give it a go, right?"

His already wide smile grew even more. "I've got free time afterschool today. Think you'll be able to meet up with me so you can give me my first lesson?"

"Maybe." She turned around to open her locker, and after retrieving a few books and a three-ring binder, she slammed it shut and turned back around to face Tristan. "I might be meeting up Kimi, though, so I'm not entirely sure if I'll be free just yet."

"That's cool. Maybe tomorrow, then?" 

"Sure, why not?" 

"Great. What time?"

"Just meet me by my locker after your last class of the day, okay?"

"All right, cool," he said. "I can do that."

"Anyways, I'm late to class. So I better get going now." 

"Okay, later," he said as he watched her walk away. "And thanks."

She waved over her shoulder and with brisk steps, made her way towards her biology class. 

* * * *

As Claudia crossed the threshold of the biology lab, the door swung shut behind her, slicing through the faint din of conversation that filled the room. The scent of iodine and chlorine entered her nostrils, along with the vinegary smell of some chemical that she couldn't quite identify. 

The soles of her boots squeaked loudly as she walked across the shiny linoleum floor, and with numerous pairs of eyes following her movement, she made her way towards the teacher, who was a middle aged man with thin wire frames and short hair that was graying just slightly at the temples. 

Seated on a tall stool, he was gazing down at what she guessed was an attendance sheet. He didn't bother to look up as she came to a stop beside him, but he did ease out a long, faint sigh through his nostrils, as if to indicate dissatisfaction. 

"Name?"

"Claudia Strauss." 

He maneuvered the tip of his pencil along the sheet of paper until he located her on the list, then placed a tick mark next to her printed name.

"Take a seat."

Walking slowly so that she could scout out an empty space, Claudia wove her way through the rows of black-topped lab tables until she reached an open seat. She placed her book bag on the floor, then situated herself on a tall stool before cracking open the textbook that had been assigned for the class. 

As with every other class that she'd attended earlier that day, Claudia felt like an exhibit in a traveling freak show. She could feel the stares of the other students as they unwaveringly eyeballed her, and although she knew they were simply staring out of curiosity, she couldn't help from feeling uncomfortable. 

As she was skimming through her textbook, the teacher continued to take attendance, and after reaching the last name on the list, he passed out copies of the seven-page course syllabus. He was four pages into reading it when the door swung open, and as he rested his gaze on the tall, broad shouldered figure that stepped into the classroom, a disapproving look crossed his face.

"Name?" Mr. Grant asked.

"Lucas Good Blanket." He said it listlessly, and with barely so much as a glance in the teacher's direction.

"I'm guessing It's a waste of time to even ask, but do you have a valid excuse for being half an hour late to my class?" 

"Nope." He causally sauntered towards an open stool, and with a loudness that seemed purely intentional, dragged it away from the lab table so that he could plop down on it. 

With his naturally stern looking face, Claudia could tell that Mr. Grant wasn't the type of teacher that most students would think of starting trouble with. But as she gazed at Lucas, who was wearing a defiant look on his face that seemed to dare Mr. Grant to implement disciplinary action, she came to the realization that he was getting a kick out of the attention he was receiving. 

Clearly displeased at being interrupted, Mr. Grant pushed a sigh of exasperation through his nostrils, and after retrieving a syllabus from the stack of papers that was on his desk, walked slowly towards the table where Lucas was seated. 

"I don't tolerate tardy students, Mr. Good Blanket." A frown creased his forehead as he looked down at the young man from over the rim of his glasses. "Normally I lock the door five minutes after the beginning of class, but since this is the first day of school, I'll allow you to remain in attendance."

He placed the syllabus in front of Lucas, and with a tone that held a warning, he added, "I strongly suggest you attend class in a timely manner from now on, or you'll find yourself repeating this course over summer."

As he turned and walked away, Lucas uttered a loud scoff, but didn't offer a word of rebuttal in response to the words that the teacher had spoken. Still watching him with the same steady gaze, Claudia found herself pleased that Lucas had chosen to sit at a table located two rows in front of her. This not only allowed her to openly stare at him without getting caught, but also gave her the opportunity to see how he interacted with the attractive girl who was seated at his table. 

Wearing a softly feathered hairstyle that framed her round face, the girl offered Lucas a flirtatious smile, and after receiving one in return, assisted Lucas in locating the page of the syllabus that the teacher was currently reading from. 

So engrossed by the sight of the girl actively flirting with Lucas, Claudia tuned out of most of the words that the teacher was saying, and in the process, failed to realize that her name had been called out.

"Is there a problem, Miss Strauss, or is your zoning out a habit that we need to address?" 

Having effectively been brought back to earth, Claudia averted her gaze to Mr. Grant, who was pinning her with a look that made her immediately go hot with embarrassment. 

"I'm sorry. What?" She mumbled the words lamely.

"Page six of the syllabus." His tone was sharp, letting her know that time was of the essence. "Starting from the paragraph tilted 'homework and special assignments', I want you to read aloud what is printed."

Claudia quickly flipped through the pages of the syllabus until she located the section, and with her gaze planted firmly on the sheet of paper, she began to read. Quite some time passed before Mr. Grant finally allowed her to stop, and as another student picked up where she had left off, the sting of embarrassment finally began to wear off. 

It was at this moment that she finally allowed her attention to drift back in the direction of where Lucas was sitting, and on noting that he had turned his head to sneak a look at her, she allowed her eyes to lock with his. 

He gave her a wink that literally made her heart skip a beat, followed by a small smile that was openly flirtatious. Claudia coquettishly lowered her eyes in response, but as she once again lifted her gaze, she saw that he was still earnestly staring at her. Without even realizing it, she leaned against the desk so that her body was angled in his direction, and with soft eyes that clearly displayed her interest, Claudia lightly bit her lip.

He responded by allowing his smile to broaden, but before their moment of flirtation could be taken any further, he turned his head to focus his gaze back on the syllabus in his hands. Although slightly disappointed that they were no longer flirting, Claudia realized that it was just as well, because she didn't want to get busted by Mr. Grant, who clearly had no qualms about embarrassing students. 

Yet no sooner were her eyes squarely focused on the sheet of paper in front of her, did she sneak another peek at Lucas. It wasn't just the wide expanse of his manly shoulders she was eyeing, but those long, narrow braids that brushed his hipbone. They were so neatly fashioned that she couldn't help wondering if he'd braided them himself, and if not, she was envious of the woman who got to run her fingers through his hair. 

Probably Misty. 

As soon as the thought ran through her head, a smidgen of guilt coursed through her, and she averted her eyes so that they were no longer focused on him. Although Kimi had assured her that Lucas and Misty were just casually sleeping together, it still didn't make it right for her to be so flirtatious with him, and she knew she was treading on thin ice by flirting with a guy who was technically taken. 

But damn if she wasn't tempted to continue doing it, and knowing all too well that even the briefest of glances would only fuel her desire, Claudia slyly let her gaze drift in the direction where Lucas was sitting. 

Not slyly enough, apparently, because as her attention landed on him, she saw that he was checking *her* out from the corner of his eye. Simultaneously, they broke into a smile, but the moment they shared was brief because the bell rang, signaling the end of fifth period. 

In the mad rush of students who were eager to exit the classroom, Claudia lost sight of Lucas. But as she crossed the threshold and headed out into the crowded hallway, she couldn't think of much else besides navigating her way through the throng of students that were pouring out into the corridor. Along the way, she decided to stop off at her locker, but as she saw who was standing directly in front of it, a sense of unease swept through her. 

With an intentness that was palpable, Misty watched as Claudia approached the locker. Her eyes narrowed and her mouth became tight as Claudia gradually closed the distance between them, but it wasn't until they were face to face that Misty could fully unleash the intimidating energy that she possessed.

"Lucas is off limits, slut. Leave him alone."

"Excuse me?"

"He's off limits," she sharply repeated. "My friend told me you were flirting with him in biology."

"Look, I don't know what you heard, but - "

"So you *weren't* flirting with him?"

Unable to deny that she was, Claudia fell silent.

"Just as I thought," she said. "You are trying to get with him."

"No, It's not like that."

"He's not actually interested in you," she said. "He's just after an easy piece of ass."

"So I guess that explains why he's with you." 

"Watch yourself, bitch." Her eyes were little more than slits. 

"Look, I'm not going to fight you over him, so you can just chill, okay? Whatever it is you two have together, I'm really not trying to destroy it."

"Thanks for the reassurance, but I wasn't worried," she stated. "Just though I'd let you know that Lucas is already taken."

"Cool. So we're done here." Claudia opened her locker and after slipping her biology book into it, she slammed it shut and turned back around to see that Misty was still rooted in the same spot. "Why are you still here?" 

"Why are *you* still here?"

"I'm trying to get past, but you're blocking my way." 

"No, I mean why are you here in this school?" Misty asked. "You don't fit in and you never will, so what's the point of even sticking around?"

Claudia said nothing in return, but she did offer a stare that matched the fierceness of Misty's. 

"Word of advice," Misty said. "If you're going to flirt with a guy in this school, you better make damn sure that he's single, because girls on the rez won't hesitate to kick your ass if you mess with their boyfriends."

"Right. Well thanks for the warning," she said in a tone that was laced with sarcasm. 

Claudia maneuvered her body so that she could access the path that Misty was partially blocking, and without so much as a glance backward, headed down the hall toward her next class.

* * * *

"So tell me again the very last thing that she said to you," Kimi urged as they headed down the flight of stairs that led away from the entrance of the school. "Repeat it, word for word."

"If you're going to flirt with a guy in this school, you better make damn sure that he's single, because girls on the rez won't hesitate to kick your ass if you mess with their boyfriends." 

"Seriously?" She lightly snorted. "Did she actually think that was supposed to scare you?"

"I guess." The wind blew through Claudia's hair, causing her to reach up and brush it away from her face. 

"How lame. And the fact that she even approached you shows how insecure she is." 

"It was stupid of me to flirt with him." A faraway look came into Claudia's eyes as she recalled her and Lucas's moment in biology class. "I knew he was with someone. What was I thinking?"

"He's not *with* her," Kimi said. "They're just fuck buddies, remember?"

"Yeah. But still..."

"And besides, flirting is harmless. I do it all the time with guys I'm not even interested in dating."

"I can't believe Misty's friend was watching us the whole time." She lightly shook her head and eased out a long sigh before continuing. "There I was making a complete fool out of myself and I didn't even know it."

"Would you chill?" Kimi retrieved a chocolate bar from her backpack, and after breaking it in half, handed the portion to Claudia. "It's seriously not that huge of a deal. I mean It's not like you had sex with him or something."

"I just feel stupid. And now everytime I go to biology class, I'm going to feel all weird and awkward."

"I wonder who her friend is that was watching you and Lucas?"

She lightly shrugged. "I don't know. Could be anybody."

"Well she only hangs out with like four people in the entire school, so it can't be that difficult to figure out." Kimi took a large bite of her chocolate before continuing to speak. "There's this girl named Megan who's like her bff. She has a really high ponytail with a pouff in the front, and wears her eyeliner pointy like catwoman." 

"I don't remember seeing anyone like that in biology, but she could have been sitting behind me, so I'm not entirely sure."

As they reached the curb where a line of cars where idling, Kimi scanned the numerous vehicles to see if she could spot her ride. "Anyways, I wouldn't worry about it. Just keep going to class and act normal. Don't let anyone intimidate you." 

"Uh-huh." With her attention directed elsewhere, Claudia barely heard anything that Kimi was saying, and felt a knot in her stomach at the sight that was playing out before her eyes.

Noticing that she was only halfway paying attention, Kimi followed Claudia's gaze until her eyes came to rest on Lucas, who was ardently making out with Misty outside of the double doors that led into the hallway of the school. 

"Oh my God," Kimi said. "Is he kissing her or trying to swallow her?"

Claudia's tongue, which felt heavy and dry in her mouth, seemed incapable of moving an inch, so she was unable to do anything except stand and sadly stare in silence. She would have continued to do so if not for the gentle poke she felt in her back, and on turning around to see who it was, she was greeted by Kimi's brother

[Hey, what's up,] he signed.

[Hey, Tyler,] she signed back. I see you survived your first day of high school.

[Barely.] He connected his thumb and forefinger into a circle before making an angry face. 

[Who's an asshole?] Having suddenly joined the conversation, Kimi rapidly signed while staring intently at her brother. [And what did they do to you?] 

Tyler gestured towards a group of jocks who were congregating at the other end of the parking lot, then narrowed his eyes before looking back at his sister. 

[What did they do? Tell me.]

[Nothing,] he signed in response. [Don't worry about it.]

From the look on Kimi's face, she was clearly unwilling to do as Tyler said, but before she could offer any rebuttal, a loud honk cut through the air. 

"There's my mom," she said to Claudia. "You ready to go?"

"Yep."

Along with Tyler, the two girls headed for an aging white minivan that was idling at the curb. But before they could reach it, they were intercepted by Lucas and Misty, who were crossing the parking lot to get to their own car.

As their paths nearly collided, Misty gave them both a dirty look, but Lucas contradicted her by offering a friendly greeting.

"Later, lost girl."

As he looked at Claudia, she glanced at him, and with barely a mumble of "bye" in return, she continued following Kimi toward her mother's car. 

As they clambered inside the aging minivan, both girls were greeted by Kimi's mom, who also offered her son a hello in sign language. Once everyone was bucked in, Kimi's mother shifted the car into drive. 

Knowing that she shouldn't, yet unable to resist from doing so, Claudia gazed out of the passenger window, and as the car made its way through the parking lot, she kept her eyes peeled for Misty and Lucas. On noticing that they had reached his pickup truck, she saw that Lucas was opening the driver's side door, and as he turned his head to look at the passing minivan, Claudia willed his eyes to meet hers.

In the span of a few seconds, they somehow managed to share a look, and as his gaze met hers through the glass of the passenger window, Claudia's heart did a somersault. Although brief, the look they shared was long enough to inspire a fluttering in her stomach. 

It wasn't until the minivan exited the parking lot and made its way along the road that Claudia realized she was being pulled in deeper. And although she knew that she was entering dangerous territory, she didn't possess nearly enough willpower to stop what had already been put into motion.



Lost Girl Ch. 03



"Hey, sugarplum," Mona said as Claudia walked through the front door and headed straight for the kitchen. "How was your first day of school?"

"Not too bad. Pretty decent, actually." She opened the fridge and retrieved a bottle of Yoo-hoo before bumping it closed with her hip. 

"So, tell me," Mona said as she entered the kitchen. "What's it like being a senior?"

"Exactly the same as being a junior." She took a long swig of Yoo-hoo, then checked out the bananas on the counter before deciding against them. 

"There must be some differences." 

"I guess It's a bit more stressful because I'm preparing for college, but other than that, it doesn't feel a whole lot different."

"What about boys? Were there any cute ones?"

She lightly shrugged. "I don't know. I guess."

"You guess?"

"Maybe a few."

"Uh-huh. I knew it."

"What?"

"You have a crush."

"I do not."

"Come on, Claud. I can always tell when something is going on with you."

"There's nothing going on with me," she said. "Now can we please change the subject?" She walked out of the kitchen and headed straight for her room, where Mona proceeded to sit down on the edge of her bed. 

"Mom, come on," she said while dropping her messenger bag on the floor. "I have homework to do."

"I just want to hear what your day was like. Is that asking too much?"

Knowing that he mother would continue on with a relentless inquisition, Claudia decided to plop down on the bed, and after drawing her legs beneath her, began recounting her day. 

"It started off pretty rough, but got better towards the end of the day." No sooner had those words left her mouth did she recall her encounter with Misty, and her mouth drew into a straight line at the unpleasant memory. "Anyways, I did manage to make a friend so that was pretty cool." 

"Is she the one you caught a ride home with?"

"Yep. Her name's Kimi and she knows sign language, which is really awesome because ever since dad died, I haven't been signing at all." 

"Sounds like you two were meant to be friends," Mona said. 

A faraway look came into Claudia's eyes, and after allowing herself a brief moment to reminisce, she stated, "Probably sounds kinda dumb, but whenever I do sign language it makes me feel like dad's right there with me."

"That's not dumb at all, It's beautiful, sweetheart." Mona reached out to tuck a curl behind her daughter's ear. "I'm sure your father is happy you made such a special connection, and I'm glad to hear you have someone to hang out with."

"Yeah. Well it sure beats being all alone." She pulled her messenger bag up onto the bed, and after retrieving a three-ring binder, pulled out several textbooks so that she could get a start on her assignments. 

"Well I can see that you have a lot of studying to do, so I'll leave you to it." Mona rose to her feet and on reaching the threshold, grasped the door knob in her hand. "You want it open or closed?" The hopeful look on her face seemed to convey that she hoped Claudia would choose the former, but knowing her daughter as well as well as she did, she most likely already knew the answer.

"Closed." 

"Let me know if you get hungry and I'll bring you a snack."

Claudia gave a nod in response, and as soon as the door to her bedroom was pulled flush, she grabbed her laptop from the desk next to her bed. Once it was up and running, she signed into her email account, and after opening the message that identified the sender as her father, she began to slowly read it. 

~

Hello Princess,

How are things on your end? The weather is sunny out here in Florida, and earlier today I spotted a couple of dolphins while taking a boat ride with Michelle. By the way, she wanted me to tell you hi and that she looks forward to seeing you when you come out in the summer for a visit. 

Are things going okay with your mother? I hope so. Let her know that I'm sending a check out in the mail tomorrow, so she can expect to have money in the bank by no later than early next week. 

How's school? Still maintaining that 3.5gpa? Remember what I said about studying hard and don't let anyone distract you. Especially not boys.

We never got a chance to properly talk since your mother and I separated, but I want you to know that I love you very much. You'll always be my little peanut, and if you ever need to talk, I'm only a Skype video call away. 

Hugs and kisses,

Daddy

~

Dated March 16, 2014, the email was more than six months old, but that hadn't stopped Claudia from rereading it on a weekly basis. Every word of the message was imprinted in her mind, and along with having a backup copy in her archive folder, she had also saved the email to a USB stick. 

Sent only a few days before her father's death, the digital message contained the very last words that he had expressed to her, and she would forever regret her failure to respond back to him before his untimely departure. Now, as she sat there staring at the words on the screen, she found that her eyes continually focused on the very last sentence that he had written.

*And remember, even though I am physically absent, you are always with me wherever I go.*

Especially poignant now that he had passed on, she couldn't help but wonder if her father had subconsciously known that he was going to die. He had always been very in tune with himself, so it wouldn't have surprised her at all if he'd gotten a sense of what was to come. 

Suddenly, and without a moment of forethought on her part, Claudia's fingers began to stroke the keys. Moving quickly and with a perfect agility that had come from a grueling keyboarding class she had taken in her freshman year, Claudia typed out a response to her father. 

As she was doing it, the critical voice in her head told her that she was being stupid. It also told her there was no way in hell that her father would ever see the message because he was dead and gone and would never return. But her fingers didn't slow for a bit. 

It wasn't until she'd clicked the send button that she finally came out of her trance-like state, and as she accessed the sent items folder so that she could read the message she'd just sent, it was as if the words she had written were completely foreign to her:

~

Hi Daddy,

Things haven't been the same since you've gone. In fact, they've been pretty lousy. Mom says she's made peace with your death, but some days I hear her crying late at night when I'm laying in bed. As you've probably noticed, I haven't cried very much at all, but that's only because I haven't truly accepted that you're gone. I know if you were able to contact me, you'd probably tell me that denial will only prevent me from moving on, but I don't care. I'm not ready to let you go just yet, so I think I'll pretend that you're still living in Florida with that woman you left mom for. 

No, this Isn't me taking a dig at you. I just don't understand how you could have picked someone like Michelle over mom. She's barely older than me, and had the nerve to try and act like she was my mother. She's not even half as hot as mom, and did I tell you she gave me a dirty look once? 

Some days I feel like you're hanging around me, and I swear I can smell your cologne sometimes. Is it really you, or am I just imagining things? I hope It's not my imagination, because it would make me feel better if I knew you were still around. 

If you're able to read this email, please send me a sign. Let me know you're out there so I can finally make peace with this. Know that I think of you all the time and that nobody could ever take your place. 

Love always and forever, 

Claudia

~

A few moments passed as she just sat there staring at the screen, and in the silence that pervaded, she could only hear her soft breaths as they left her mouth. She closed her laptop and set it aside so she could lay on her back and stare up at the ceiling. 

Ten minutes later, she was peacefully dozing.

* * * *

"Just admit it," Kimi said. "You want to have sex with him." 

"I don't know. He's really cute and I like him, but..." Claudia took a sip of milk through her straw, and with eyes planted on the lunch table where Lucas was seated, she tried to think up a response that would make her appear nonchalant. "I just haven't really imagined myself with him like that."

"Such a liar." A wide grin crossed Kimi's face as she added, "You totally have."

Claudia said nothing in response, but as Kimi continued to stare her down, she found herself unable to resist breaking out into a smirk. "Okay, so maybe I have imagined it." But that doesn't mean I'm actually going to do it."

"So if he asked you to go to bed with him, you would turn him down?"

"Yeah." She said it firmly, and without a hint of uncertainty. "I mean at least until I was absolutely certain I was ready to give it up."

"Commendable words," Kimi said. "But Lucas doesn't seem like the type of guy who's up for waiting around. Not that I know for certain or anything, but I'm willing to bet he's already formulating a plan to take your virginity."

Not the least bit surprised by these words, Claudia took another look at Lucas, who was chowing down on a hamburger while chatting with one of his friends. 

"How many girls do you think he's been with?" she asked.

Kimi shrugged. "I don't know an exact number, but chicks throw themselves at him all the time, so he's obviously getting a lot of action." 

The words Kimi spoke should have served as a warning to Claudia, but lust had overtaken the logical part of her brain, so all she could think about was the way his broad shoulders filled out the fleece lined corduroy jacket that he had on. 

She didn't know why or how she'd gotten to the point of being so pathetic, but whenever she was in close proximity to him, she found herself unable to resist taking numerous peeks in his direction. It was like some kind of an obsession that was slowly taking over her life, and although she knew he was the type of guy that she shouldn't have been going for, it somehow made her want him all the more. 

"I know what you're thinking," Kimi said to Claudia, who was still eyeing the cafeteria table where Lucas was sitting with his friends. "And I've had plenty of crushes, so I know what It's like. But I really think you should stay away from him."

It was the sound of these words that brought Claudia's attention back to Kimi's face, and as she saw the way her features had set into a serious expression, she knew that her friend was dispensing some serious advice. 

"Nothing's going to happen between us," Claudia said, yet as soon as the words left her mouth, she found herself hoping for the exact opposite.

As if reading her thoughts, Kimi offered her a look of disbelief, and after taking a swig from her can of soda, she spoke some more words. "Just think about what I said, all right?"

Claudia nodded. But even as she took heed of the words that Kimi spoke, she found herself tempted at the very thought of crossing a line that she knew she shouldn't.

* * * * 

As the last bell of the day rang, students flooded into the hallway, converging with friends before making their way to the double doors that would grant them their freedom. Filled with the sound of excited chattering, the corridor buzzed with the excitement that accompanied the end of a long school day. But unlike the majority of students who were preparing to head home, Claudia still had another hour to get through before she would be allowed the same privilege. 

Dressed in a pair of skin tight jeans, leopard print button-up blouse, and a vintage Nirvana T-shirt that she had fashioned into a crop top, Claudia made her way down the hallway with quick, purposeful steps. On reaching the staircase that would take her to the lockers on the second floor, she started to make her way upward, but only reached the landing before she felt a tug on her arm.

"Hey, you," Kimi said as she fell into step next to Claudia. "I sent a text asking if you wanted a ride home but you never answered, so I figured I'd catch up with you before leaving."

"I was going to respond but my biology teacher almost busted me, so I had to put my phone away."

"Mr. Grant, right?"

Claudia nodded.

"He's such a tight ass. I have him second period and he's always yelling at us."

"And have you noticed that he always frowns?" Claudia asked. "It's like he's chronically constipated, or something."

Kimi laughed, but as she noticed who was standing in front of Claudia's locker, her brows arched in interest. "What's he doing there?"

"Oh, you mean Tristan?" As they gradually came closer to reaching him, Claudia offered him a friendly smile. "We're working on a project together." 

"What kind of a project?"

"Just this thing for English Lit." Her response came out in a bit of a jumble, and worried that Kimi would catch onto the fact that she was telling a lie, Claudia quickly followed up with some more words. "It's not a huge deal or anything. Just this stupid research paper."

"Okay." Kimi gave her a funny look, but didn't say anything more.

"Hey, Tristan," Claudia said as they finally reached him. 

"Hello." He gave her a nod of acknowledgment before shifting his gaze to Kimi and offering her a small smile. "Kimi, right?"

"Yeah. How'd you know?"

"We have history together. You sit in the row next to the window, just a few seats in front of me."

"Really?" Her brows knitted together before she said, "That's funny, I don't remember ever seeing you."

Tristan's face fell in disappointment, and with palpable awkwardness, shifted his stance before dropping his gaze from hers.

Noting the crestfallen expression on his face, Claudia immediately found herself empathizing with him. But unfortunately she didn't have any words to lighten the mood, so they were all left to stand there in uncomfortable silence. 

"We should probably get started," she finally said to Tristan. "We've got a lot of ground to cover."

He gave a nod in response and mumbled an "okay" before fidgeting with the strap of his backpack.

"I'll catch you later, Kimi," Claudia said.

"Call me when you get home, okay?"

She nodded, and with Tristan following beside her, they made their way downstairs and towards the library. With each step that they took, Claudia sensed that Tristan was eager to say something, but he remained completely silent the entire way. 

Following a short walk, they reached their destination, and on entering the hush of the spacious library, Claudia led the way to a secluded table that was located in the back corner. Once they were seated in the creaky wooden chairs, she retrieved an American Sign Language dictionary from her messenger bag, but before she could locate the section that she was searching for, Tristan shifted in his seat and cleared his throat. 

"Am I really that boring?" He asked.

"Boring? No. What makes you think you're boring?"

"I sit two seats behind Kimi in history class and she hasn't noticed me once. She hardly even knows I exist."

"It's only the first week of school, Tristan. You have to give it a little more time."

"We shared a class in sophomore year, too. I sat a few rows away from her and she didn't seem to notice me then, either."

"Well, maybe she was preoccupied with other things." The words sounded lame even to her own ears, but she didn't have a clue as to what else she could say.

"I'm just wondering if this is even worth it," he said. 

"Of course It's worth it," Claudia replied. "You want to get her attention, don't you?"

"Yeah."

"Well, aside from me, Kimi, and her brother, there probably aren't a whole lot of other people in this school that know sign language. So if you really want to impress her, this would be the best way to do it." With hands positioned in front of her chest, she prepared to teach him his first sign. "Before you can get a good grasp on putting together sentences, you need to learn the manual alphabet. I'll make the sign first, and then you mimic."

Tristan nodded, lifting his hands in preparation to imitate her hand movements. 

Positioning her hand so that her fist was closed with only a thumb sticking up into the air, Claudia made the sign for 'A', then patiently waited for Tristan to follow suit. He did so without a moment of hesitation, and satisfied with the position of his fingers, Claudia went on to the next alphabet. 

With four fingers sticking up and a thumb crossed over her palm, she made the sign for 'D,' and after watching him correctly mimic her, she went on to finger spell the remainder of the alphabet. By the time they got to 'P,' she noticed that Tristan's fingers were moving with just a little more agility, and pleased that he seemed to be catching on so quickly, she gave him a reassuring smile. 

Once they'd gotten through the entire alphabet, she had him repeat as many letters as he could remember, and with a supportive nod every now and again, encouraged him to continue on. It wasn't until he reached 'P' that he suddenly blanked out, and after a long moment of simply sitting there in complete stillness, he finally maneuvered his fingers into a gesture that was unintelligible. 

"Nope." Claudia shook her head and with eyes that briefly lifted to meet his, she said, "That's not the sign for 'P.' Try again."

Tristan lowered his hand and let out a heavy sigh. He took a long moment to sit there with a faint crease between his brows, shoulders lightly sagging as he seemed to contemplate giving up. But as he lifted his hand so that he could try again, Claudia watched on with eager eyes.

Rather than sign 'P,' Claudia noticed he instead made what was closer to a 'K,' and 

realizing that he would need some assistance, she corrected him by signing the letter with her own fingers. He immediately followed up by imitating her movement, but as she shook her head, his shoulders slumped in disappointment. 

"You're doing it all wrong. Your middle finger is supposed to point down, not up." She reached out to grab his hand, and after maneuvering his fingers so they were in the correct position, she said, "You never go up unless you're trying to flip someone off."

Clearly frustrated, Tristan blew out a stream of air through his nostrils, but promptly made another go at correctly displaying the sign. This time he received a nod and a smile, and with his confidence restored, continued to fingerspell the remaining letters of the alphabet. 

"Good job," she said as he made the correct hand gesture for 'Z'. "You did pretty well for your first lesson."

"How long do you think It'll take before I can start learning sentences?" He asked. 

"Well, you have to master the alphabet first. So it pretty much depends on how long and often you practice." 

She flipped through the pages of an American Sign Language dictionary that she'd brought along, and after using sticky tabs to highlight the pages that she wanted him to study, she slid the textbook across the table to him.

"I want you to study the alphabets tonight. If you can memorize all of the signs by Friday, then we'll move on to introductory phrases."

Tristan nodded and slipped the book into his backpack. "Same time on Friday?"

"Same time." She rose to her feet and looped the strap of her messenger bag over her shoulder, and with Tristan by her side, headed out of the library and into the hallway. 

With only a few students still milling around from various afterschool activities, the corridor was strangely quiet, and smelled faintly of cigarette smoke and sweaty gym clothes. Their footsteps echoed as they passed by rows of lockers, the tip of their shoes brushing against crumpled sheets of paper that had been carelessly discarded on the floor.

With such an air of silence pervading their surroundings, it almost seemed as if they both were afraid to disturb the quiet, but then Tristan's deep voice suddenly sliced through the air 




Lost Girl Ch. 03



"You like Nirvana?" 

It took a few moments before she realized that he was referring to her T-shirt, and after briefly glancing down at it, she said, "Yeah, they're one of my favorite bands."

"I like them, too." A thoughtful expression came over his face as he seemed to contemplate his next words, which came out tinged with sadness. "It really sucks that he committed suicide, but I totally get why he didn't want to stick around any longer."

Claudia's ears perked up at these words, and with morbid interest, she encouraged him to elaborate on his statement. "I know that everyone has their own theory about his death, but why do you think he did it?" 

"Inner turmoil." He punctuated his words with brief silence before adding, "Some people have some pretty heavy demons, and I guess for them their only way out is to take their own lives."

After exiting the double doors that led out of the school, both Claudia and Tristan made their way towards the parking lot, and on reaching the designated pick-up zone area, Claudia began to slow down.

"So I guess I'll see you later," she said.

"Yeah, sure. Thanks for the lesson and I'll see you on Friday."

Tristan headed for his car, which was one of only five vehicles that was still left in the lot, but before he could get very far, he turned back around to face her. 

"You need a ride home?"

"Sure. I was going to wait for my mom to come pick me up, but I could always text her to let her know." 

She retrieved her cell phone from the pocket of her messenger bag, and with a few quick movements of her fingers, sent a text message off to her mother. She then joined Tristan's side and followed him toward a 70's era Lincoln Continental that was parked in the very back of the lot. More than a little surprised that he drove what she considered to be a pimpmobile, Claudia eyed the chocolate brown exterior with a mixture of curiosity and mild amusement. 

A gas guzzler if she had ever seen one, the retro automobile was large in both width and length. Along with a spare tire that was mounted on the trunk, it also had a padded vinyl roof and opera windows, along with faded white wall tires that had clearly seen better days. 

It was a bit of an eyesore in Claudia's opinion, but she did have to admit that there was something a little badass about the bloated monstrosity. Wanting to see if the interior was just as garish as she expected, Claudia eagerly climbed into the vehicle the moment that Tristan popped the locks.

Featuring pillow-top seats that were made from dark-brown crushed velour, the front of the car was roomy enough to comfortably sit three. The woodgrain instrument panel was outfitted with a radio and an 8-track player, as well as a digital clock that was stuck in the 4:20 position. 

The wall to wall carpeting was thick enough for her shoes to leave behind an impression, and as she settled into her seat, she caught the woody scent of an air freshener that was hanging from the rearview mirror. The engine sputtered a few times before reluctantly coming to life, and with a quick turn of the wheel, Tristan backed out of the parking space and drove them out of the lot.

For someone with such a quiet demeanor and reserved personality, the Lincoln Continental was an unusual vehicle for Tristan to be driving, and yet at the same time, it seemed to fit him perfectly. It was almost comical watching him maneuver such a big old car down the road, and with unabashed interest, she studied the way that he handled the steering wheel. 

She didn't know why, but for some reason she had always had a thing for men's hands, and couldn't help noticing that Tristan had palms which were not only wide, but also long fingers that were probably pretty agile at doing a number of things. 

As this thought passed through her head, she immediately found herself wondering how experienced a quiet guy like Tristan was, and couldn't help but wonder if he was still in possession of his V-card. Perhaps noting how quiet she was, Tristan awkwardly cleared his throat and with a brief glance at her face, he posed a question.

"How's your mom?"

"Fine." A faint smile crossed her lips as she realized he was nervous, and finding it cute that he had suddenly grown uncomfortable, she waited for him to speak again.

"You going to the pow wow this weekend?" 

"First time I've heard anything about it. What time is it starting?"

"11 am, but grand entry doesn't begin until half past one."

"Are you going?" She asked. 

"I don't know. My mom wants me to, but I don't really feel like it."

"Why not?"

"I hate large crowds," he said. "Makes me feel weird, like everyone is staring at me."

"I'm sure they wouldn't be," she assured him. "And even if they did, you'd have Kimi there to distract you."

"Kimi's going?" 

"I assume she will," Claudia said. "Isn't it a big event that pretty much everyone on the rez will be attending?" 

"Yeah, I guess." He maneuvered the steering wheel so that the Lincoln turned down a road that was filled with potholes, and with admirable skill, managed to weave his way around the majority of them. 

"You should definitely go," she said. "It'll give you a chance to hang out with Kimi and show her some of the signs you learned."

"I don't know if I'll be ready by Saturday, but I'll think about it."

As they continued along the poorly maintained road, Claudia's eyes drifted to a leather bound sketchbook that was tucked into the door pocket of the passenger's side. Too curious to resist, she picked it up to have a closer look but before she could flip the cover open to have a peek inside, Tristan suddenly questioned her. 

"What are you doing?" He gave her a look that didn't just convey unease, but practically screamed it. 

"I just thought I'd have a peek inside," she said. "But if you'd rather not, I won't look."

His eyes drifted from her face to the book and then back again before he finally eased a soft sigh out through his nostrils, and with clear reluctance in his voice, he said, "Go ahead."

The scent of treated cowhide wafted into Claudia's nostrils as she flipped open the leather cover, and with more than a touch of anticipation, she began to slowly flip through the pages. 

"Wow..." 

Rendered nearly speechless by the bizarre drawings that filled the pages, Claudia was unable to do much more than flip through the journal, which consisted not only of fantasy and science fiction inspired art, but also hyper realistic sketches that combined elements of both mysticism and horror. 

Completely blown away by the collection of illustrations, she flipped through page after page until she came across a particular drawing that was so utterly strange, she just had to question him about it. 

"What is this?"

With eyes focused intently on the detailed sketch, Claudia noticed that it looked like a cross between a cyclops and a mutant alien. It's claws, which extended from two long arms that were attached to a frighteningly broad torso, had been sketched with such detail that they almost seemed three-dimensional. 

Rather than skin, the devilish-looking creature had a body that was covered in oozing sores, and possessed long, sharp teeth with serrated edges. Both unnerved and blown away by the realism of the pencil drawing, Claudia took a long moment to simply admire it in silence before finally turning her gaze on Tristan. 

"That's one of my inner demons." He reached out to grab the sketchbook from her hands, yet instead of relinquishing possession of it, Claudia only held onto it with a firmer grip. 

"One of your inner demons?" She asked.

"Yes." The defensiveness in his tone suggested that he expected her to express disdain, yet all he received in return was complete silence as she continued to study the drawing.

"Interesting," she finally said. "And It's neat how it's almost 3-D like. How did you do that?" 

"It's a simple technique. Something I learned in art class."

"Very impressive," she said before asking, "Which one of your inner demons does this monster represent?" 

"Self-destruction."

Although she'd noticed them before, the oozing sores that covered the demon's body suddenly took a whole new meaning, and as her eyes slowly drifted back to Tristan's face, she found her curiosity nearly overwhelming.

"Please don't look at me like that," he said with eyes still fixed on the road. 

"Like what?"

"Like I'm some kind of a freak."

"I don't think you're a freak."

"Then why are you watching me from out of the corner of your eye?"

"Because I'm curious. But I definitely don't think you're a freak."

Seemingly satisfied with her response, Tristan fell quiet, and with only the sound of gravel hitting the underside of the car, they rode in comfortable silence. With her attention back on the sketchbook, Claudia flipped through a few more pages, silently admiring the detailed drawings. But as she came across a sketch that was far stranger than any of the others she'd seen yet, she felt more than a little unnerved by the sight of it.

"What's this scribbly thing?" She asked. "Is it some kind of a ghost?" 

Consisting of black squiggly lines that vaguely resembled a human shape, the odd drawing didn't just give Claudia the creeps, but actually inspired goosebumps to break out along the back of her neck. Shifting his gaze to the sketchbook, Tristan noticed that she was intently eyeing the drawing, and without a moment of hesitation he pulled the sketchbook from her hands and slipped it into the door pocket that was located on his side of the car.

"It's a shadow person."

"What's a shadow person?"

"You don't want to know."

"Yes I do. Tell me."

"You really don't," he said. 

"I think I can decide for myself if I want to or not." The look that she gave him reinforced her statement. "What are they?"

A few beats of silence passed, then several more before he finally decided to speak. "Supernatural beings that feed off of negative emotions."

"Are they demons or ghosts?"

"Neither."

"Then what are they?" 

"Spirits from a darker dimension. They're pure evil, and usually hang around places that are filled with a lot of negative energy." 

"Have you ever seen one?"

"Yes." 

"What happened?" She briefly paused before asking, "Did it try to attack you or scare you or what?"

"The first time I saw one was when I was a kid. I was laying in bed and I saw this dark figure out of the corner of my eye. At first I thought it was just my eyes playing tricks on me, but when I turned my head to look straight at it, I realized it was an actual figure."

Intensely interested yet simultaneously creeped out, Claudia listened with ears wide open as Tristan continued to recount his experience.

"I remember thinking how weird it looked, because it didn't have any defined shape. It was just this freaky black mass with scribbly outlines that moved. And it didn't have a face, but I could tell from the way it was positioned that it was staring right back at me." He turned off of the gravel road and onto a dirt one that was bumpy enough to jostle them in their seats. "By that point, I was too scared to move so I pulled the covers over my head and closed my eyes really tight. Eventually I worked up the courage to take a peek and see if it was still standing in the same place, but it had vanished."

"And did you ever see it again?" Claudia asked.

"Not in my room, but I have spotted a few others over the years."

"Where at?"

"Different places." His body tensed just slightly, as if the mere thought filled him with unease. 

Sensing that he wasn't comfortable with continuing the conversation, she decided to take in the passing scenery instead, which consisted of little more than plain, simple houses that lined the country road. They traveled another block before Tristan maneuvered the Lincoln into the driveway of the house where Claudia resided, and as he put the car in park, she unbuckled her seatbelt and grabbed her messenger bag from the floor.

"Thanks for the ride."

"No problem." He watched her get out of the car, and as she offered a wave goodbye, he returned it with one of his own.

"Don't forget to practice signing the alphabet, and I'll see you in school tomorrow."

Tristan nodded, and after uttering a "later," he began to slowly back the large vehicle out of the narrow driveway. 

If not for the sudden squeal of breaks, Claudia wouldn't have even noticed that the car had come to a sudden stop, and as she turned her head to look over her shoulder, she noticed that Tristan was maneuvering the car back up the driveway. Thoroughly curious, she waited for him to come to a stop, then patiently waited as he rolled down the window so that he could be heard without the barrier of glass.

"There's a message I'm supposed to relay," he said. "It's something I meant to tell you earlier at school, but I was afraid it would freak you out."

"Okay." Uncertain of what it could be, she steeled herself for his response. 

"That email you sent your dad the other day..."

"Yeah, what about it?" She asked, but on realizing that it was impossible for him to know about the digital message she'd sent to her deceased father, she quickly added, "Wait. How did you know I sent him an email?"

Rather than immediately respond, Tristan only gave her a look that seemed to telepathically answer her question before finally opening his mouth to actually speak. "He wanted me to let you know that he enjoyed reading the email. And he also wants me to tell you that whenever you smell his cologne, he's right beside you." 

Completely stunned, Claudia stood there with her mouth hanging open. Her skin tingled as if an electrical charge had just raced through her body, and although she was still standing fully upright, she feared that her legs would give way at any moment. 

"How...how could you know..." Struggling to catch her breath, she swallowed dryly before attempting to push out a complete sentence. "Tristan, you better not be shitting me."

"I think you know I'm not," he said. 

And without so much as another word, he backed the Lincoln out of the driveway and took off down the street.



Lost Girl Ch. 04



*This chapter too longer to write than I thought it would, but It's a bit longer than the last one, so hopefully It'll make up for the wait. I appreciate everyone for their support that they have given this story, and I would also like to thank the person who pointed out my mistake during the sign language scene in the previous chapter. I do strive for accuracy, so I appreciate you letting me know.

I hope you guys enjoy this installment.*

*****

It was just before one p.m. when Claudia and her mother pulled into the pow wow grounds. Even before they got out of the car, the vibration from the drums could be keenly felt, along with the sounds of people chanting and singing to the steady beat of the musical instrument. Eager to meet up with Kimi, Claudia got out of the car, and after impatiently waiting for her mother to finish touching up her makeup, she led the way to the cluster of tents and tipis where everyone was congregated. 

"So what's the plan?" Outfitted in a kaftan style tunic and black leggings that accentuated her long, slim legs, Mona followed her daughter with quick, purposeful steps. "You wanna stroll around for a bit together, or are you and Kimi meeting up right away?"

"Kimi's been waiting half an hour for me to arrive, so I thought I'd meet up with her and we'd do our own thing."

"You have any money on you?" 

Brushing aside the flannel shirt that was tied around her waist, Claudia reached into her jeans, and after fishing out a couple of crumpled up singles, she realized she was low on cash. 

"Not much. Think you could spot me a twenty?"

Mona reached into her purse, retrieved the bill, and placed it in Claudia's hand. "What about your cell phone? You have that too?"

"It's in my pocket," Claudia said while patting the front of her jeans.

Now walking amongst the other people who were milling around the pow wow grounds, Mona and Claudia wove their way through the crowd of people, who ranged from those that were dressed in plain street wear, to the performers who were clad in their traditional regalia.

"So we'll meet up a bit later?" Now itching to separate from her mother, Claudia began to slowly drift away.

Mona glanced at her watch before replying, "It's five minutes after twelve. Let's meet at the front entrance no later than four, okay?"

"Okay. See you then." 

Before Mona could speak another word, Claudia disappeared into the crowd. She made a beeline straight for the frybread booth, and on reaching the food stall, she pulled her cell phone out of her pocket and texted Kimi.

~ I'm here. Where are you?

Almost instantaneously, her phone vibrated with a response.

~ Helping my aunt out at her jewelry booth. Be back in fifteen minutes. 

Slipping her phone back into her pocket, Claudia watched as an endless stream of attendees passed by. Having always been a fan of people watching, she studied the various faces in the crowd and noticed that although there were mostly Natives in attendance, there were also several dozen white people scattered about.

Due to her close proximity to the food stalls, she got several strong whiffs of fried food, but it wasn't until a young girl strolled past her with a giant ice cream cone, that Claudia was tempted to satisfy her sweet tooth. She barely had time to contemplate satisfying that urge when a hand came to rest against the small of her back, and with a turn on her heel, she focused her eyes on the masculine form that was standing in front of her.

Instead of a face, her eyes came to land on a broad chest. The next thing she noticed were the two narrow braids that reached his hipbone, but before her gaze could drift any lower, she lifted her eyes to see a handsome face looking down at her. As soon as they locked eyes, her heart started working double time, beating so quickly she feared it would pop right out of her chest. The smile on his lips told her that he was pleased to see her, and with her own mouth curving upward, Claudia offered a greeting.  

"Hey."

"Hey, yourself," Lucas said. "Nice to see you made it to the pow wow."

"Well I've never been to one before, so I figured It'd be nice to see what it was like."

"First time, huh?" The smile on his face went slightly crooked, as if finding amusement in her words. "What do you think so far?"

"I just barely got here a minute ago so I haven't had the chance to check out a whole lot, but I am looking forward to the dance competitions." 

"You should check out the youth drum competition as well," he said. "I'll be one of the competitors." 

"Are you playing with a group, or on your own?"

"I play solo on a hand drum."

"Very cool," she said. "I had no idea you were a musician."

"Been playing since I was nine."

"Have you ever won a competition?" She asked.

"Yeah, a couple. Haven't taken first place yet, though, so I'm hoping to make that happen today."

"Well good luck, I'll be rooting for you."

"Thanks." He pulled his cell phone out of his jeans pocket to quickly glance at it before saying, "I better get back to the performer's tent. There's only a couple of hours left before the competition starts, so I better get in some last minute practice." 

"I'll see you later, then."

"Looking forward to it." He gave her a wink before adding, "Catch you later, cutie." 

As he walked away, she followed him with her eyes, only allowing them to drift away once he'd been swallowed by the crowd. Although their time together had been brief, it left her feeling more than a little excited at the thought that they'd just had a somewhat meaningful conversation. 

It certainly hadn't bothered her that he had referred to her as a cutie, and as she recalled the flirtatious wink he had given her, a slight giddiness bubbled within her. She was still standing there reliving the moment when Kimi came into view, and with a smile on her lips, Claudia greeted her friend.

"Hi, Kimi."

"Hey girl, what's up?"

"Nothing, just waiting for you." She affectionately bumped hips with her before falling into step so that they walked beside one another. "I just ran into Lucas."

"Oh yeah? Give me the details."

"Not a whole lot to tell, but he did wink at me and call me a cutie."

"And what did you do?" Kimi asked.

"Nothing. He turned and walked away so I didn't get a chance to flirt back."

"Well if you see him again, make sure that Misty Isn't around. I saw her talking to one of the fancy dancers, so wherever he is, she probably Isn't too far behind."

"Thanks for the heads up." Claudia allowed her gaze to flit from booth to booth before leading Kimi towards a stall where a variety of jewelry was on display in glass cases. 

"Speaking of Lucas, did you know that he's performing in the hand drum competition?"

"Of course. He competes every year."

"Is he any good?" 

"One of the best. He's well known on the reservation for his talent. His dad is a champion hand drum singer, so I guess the gift was passed down to him."

"Interesting." Spotting a pair of dream catcher earrings, she leaned over the glass display case to have a closer look. "I've been thinking about getting another hole in my ear. Think I should do it?"

"Sure, why not," Kimi said while checking out a pair of dangle earrings that were crafted from glass seed beads. "I've been thinking about getting another hole myself."

"We should go together," Claudia said. 

"Definitely," Kimi responded. "But the closest place I know that does piercings is all the way in Cut Bank, so we'd need a ride out there." 

"No problem. I'll get my mom to drive us."

"Awesome, can't wait."

They checked out a couple of other booths before drifting towards a large, grassy area that was sectioned off with low gates, and along with a growing number of other attendees, Kimi and Claudia patiently waited for grand entry to begin. The light buzz of chatter only added to the anticipation that hovered in the air, but as the grand procession officially got underway, a hush fell over the crowd. 

With the steady and powerful beating of a drum to accompany him, an elderly man entered the dancing circle. Held high in his fist was an eagle staff that represented the Blackfeet nation, and with a line of honored veterans following directly behind him, the elder made his way forward. 

Flags that represented both the tribe and the country were carried in the procession, followed by the visiting dignitaries and other honored members before the men dancers entered the circle. Close on their heels and outfitted in elaborate regalia that matched the spirited movements of their traditional dance, were the women. Next to join the growing procession were the teenage boys and teenage girls, who led the way as the younger children followed behind. 

Now filled with dancers that bobbed and stomped to the sound of a huge, beating drum, the arena was brimming with positive energy. Especially captivated by the fluid movements of the jingle dancers, Claudia watched as they swayed back and forth while lifting their feet in perfect time with the drum. 

Wearing dresses that were adorned with rows of metal cones, the jingle dancers emitted a tinkling noise that reminded Claudia of rain on a tin roof. They moved in such a way that she couldn't help but revere them, and found herself effortlessly mesmerized by the zigzag pattern of their steps. 

So enchanted by the melodious dresses, she found it difficult to avert her gaze for even a minute. It wasn't until the fancy shawl dancers came into her field of vision that she noticed how strikingly beautiful their regalia was, and with open admiration, watched as they maneuvered their shawls so that they swayed and swirled about their body.

With so many different dancers all performing various styles, Claudia's attention was flitting from person to person. While some were wearing buckskin suits, other were clad in feather bustles and vibrantly colored headdresses. But as her gaze came to land on one particular individual, her eyes focused intently and didn't stray for even a moment. 

Beautifully outfitted in a knee-length satin dress and an elegant purple shawl with long, flowing fringe was Misty, who wasn't just moving with the tempo of the beating drum, but seemed to be floating. Claudia didn't know whether it was the light and fast footwork that she made, or the motion of the shawl that mimicked a butterfly in flight, but Misty's feet seemed to be hardly touching the ground at all. 

Too into the moment to notice that Claudia was watching her, Misty jumped and spun around while displaying an intricate pattern of steps that even Claudia couldn't help but appreciate. As Claudia's eyes remained focused on Misty, so did Kimi's, and with nearly identical expressions of admiration, the two girls watched on.

"I've gotta admit she's pretty good," Kimi loudly said so that she could be heard over the sound of the pow-wow drum. 

"Yeah, she's definitely got talent," Claudia agreed. 

Her eyes drifted down to the beaded moccassins that enclosed Misty's feet, but before she could fully appreciate the beautiful craftsmanship, Misty danced away, losing herself in the crowd of performers. Only once the parade of dancers had exited the circle did the pow wow MC announce the start of the drum contest, and with eyes that were peeled for Lucas, Claudia waited for the contestants to appear. As they did, her eyes drifted from one person to the other until she noticed Lucas's broad-shouldered frame drift into her line of sight. 

"First to compete is Lucas Good Blanket," the announcer said. "Lucas, please step forward and begin your performance." 

Pleased to see that he was up first, Claudia watched as he positioned himself in front of the microphone. Possessing a deer hide drum that was made from tanned buckskin, he stood tall and proud as he focused his gaze directly in front of him. Then, without a moment of hesitation, he began to strike the hand drum with a stick. Rather than pound the drum, he lightly tapped it along the rim, and in a voice that was both loud and strong, he began to sing a traditional Blackfoot song. 

Utilizing his vocal cords so that his voice came out sounding high-pitched, Lucas sang in perfect unison with the beat. As the rhythm increased, he maneuvered the drumstick so that it firmly tapped the center of the drum skin, and with the upmost enthusiasm, he really let loose the full power of his voice. 

Struck by the amount of emotion he put into the song, Claudia watched with an unwavering stare, studying not only the way that he held the drum in his hand, but also the movement of his mouth. Each beat of the drum was like a heartbeat, steadily rising in both volume and tempo. The sound was so powerful it almost seemed as if it had a life of its own, and each time the drum stick made contact with the stretched buckskin, Claudia was certain that she could feel it straight down in her soul. 

She could tell from the look on Lucas's face that he was fully in the zone, and although he was performing for hundreds of spectators, it was clear to see that he completely owned the grassy stage on which he was performing. 

It wasn't until her skin broke out in tingles that Claudia realized just how taken she was by the passion in his voice, and as the drumbeat gradually began to slow down, she found that her own heart followed suit. As the song came to an end, Lucas spoke a few words in Blackfeet, then bowed his head before walking away from the microphone. The crowd erupted into loud applause, and with an enthusiasm that surprised even herself, Claudia joined in. 

The nine performers that followed Lucas were undoubtedly talented, but not one of them made the hairs stand up along the back of her neck. To her biased ears, Lucas's competitors just weren't on the level that he was, and as the final hand drummer completed their song, she watched the judges tally up the scores on their notecards. 

After some time passed, the judges gestured to the MC, who was handed a sheet of paper with the name of the finalists on it. Numerous people in the crowd chattered excitedly as they waited for the results, but as the MC took his place at the microphone, they quickly fell quiet. 

"First off, we'd like to thank each and every one of our contestants for sharing their talent with us today. Let's show our appreciation, ladies and gentlemen."

Along with hoots and hollers, the crowd broke out into applause before once again quieting down so that the MC could give the results.

"Third place winner and recipient of $100 goes to Keith Little Badger."

"Yeah, Keith!" Somebody loudly called out from deep within the crowd, and as Keith walked forward to accept his check from the MC, several loud whistles and hollers came from the throng of spectators. 

"Second prize winner and recipient of $300 goes to Lucas Good Blanket."

Although disappointed that he hadn't won first place, Claudia was happy that he'd at least won something, and as she watched him receive his check, she joined in with the crowd as they clapped and cheered. After shaking hands with the MC, Lucas positioned himself next to the third place winner and watched on as the first place champion was announced. 

"And now for the first place winner and recipient of the $500 grand prize..." With a pause that was clearly designed to build anticipation, the MC pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose before proclaiming, "Jesse Kipp."

The burst of applause that followed the MC's announcement nearly rendered Claudia deaf, and as she gazed at Kimi who was still by her side, she noticed that she was standing there with a stone faced expression. Not only was she not clapping, but her lips were tightly drawn. She stood there for a few more moments before gesturing for Claudia to follow her, then pushed her way out of the crowd as quickly as she could. 

"Unbelievable. I can't believe he won again," Kimi said once they finally broke free from the throng of people and were able to walk side by side. 

"Who?" Claudia asked.

"Jesse."

Sensing that Kimi would continue, Claudia remained quiet.

"He wasn't even that good. The only reason they gave him first prize is because he's the tribal chairman's son. 

"Sounds like you've got bad history with this guy," Claudia said before asking, "Ex boyfriend?"

Kimi nodded. 

"How long have you guys been broken up?"

"Six months. But we sorta got back together over the summer, so technically It's only been four."

"Do you still like him?"

"No, not really. He's totally cute and everything, but way too boring." 

Noticing that her friend seemed uncertain, Claudia decided to press her for more information. "So are you two done, or just taking a break from each other?" 

"We're definitely done."

Now standing in front of the frybread booth, Kimi and Claudia took a moment to scan the menu before giving their orders to the woman behind the counter. 

"I'd like an Indian Taco, please," Claudia said as she placed a five dollar bill down on the counter.

"You want hot sauce with that?" Asked the woman as she rung up Claudia's order.

"Sure."

"And for you?" The woman asked while looking at Kimi.

"Frybread with honey and powdered sugar."

The cashier took Kimi's money, then called out the order to the cook, who was busily stretching out balls of dough into medium sized disks. With several people manning the booth, Claudia and Kimi didn't have long to wait, and with plates of food in hand, they headed for a grassy knoll where a number of other pow wow attendees were sitting around enjoying their food. The girls took a seat on the grass so that they were sitting crossed-legged and opposite each other. Then with equal enthusiasm, they dug into their fried delicacies. 

Just as delicious as it looked, Claudia's Indian taco seemed to melt in her mouth. Not caring one bit if she looked like a pig, she immediately followed the first bite up with another while cradling the frybread so that the mélange of toppings didn't spill out. While indulging in their respective meals, both Kimi and Claudia picked off of each other's plate, and only once a few scraps of food were left, did they finally fall back into conversation.

"The thing about Jesse is, he's great in bed," Kimi said while looking into a compact mirror so that she could reapply her lipstick. And when I say great, I mean ridiculously good. But that's about all we have in common."

"Would you be open to dating someone new?" 

"I don't know. Maybe." Having finished reapplying her lipstick, she was now retrieving an eyeliner pencil from her skull print purse. "Why?"

"Because I know someone who likes you."

"Oh yeah, who is it?"

"Tristan."

"Seriously?" The arch of her brows was followed by a smile that slowly curved her pink lips. "Isn't he the guy you're doing that English project with?"

"Yep." 

"And how do you know that he likes me? Did he actually come out and say it?"

"Yeah. He told me he's been trying to get your attention for awhile, but that you haven't seemed to notice him."

"Kinda hard to when he never speaks," she said. 

"He talks," Claudia rebutted. "He's just a little shy."

"Not a little, a lot. I shared a class with him junior year, and I swear to you he didn't say a word the entire semester."

"He talked to me. We had a full on conversation while he was driving me home."

"He drove you home?"

"Yeah. My mom was late picking me up, so he offered to give me a lift."

"What'd you guys talk about?" With eyeliner in hand, Kimi began touching up the rim of her lashes where the makeup had worn off. 

"Just random stuff..." As her voice trailed off, she recalled the strange drawings in Tristan's sketchbook, and also remembered the brief conversation they'd had about shadow people. She didn't mention it to Kimi, though, out of worry that instead of finding it cool, she might instead be freaked out. "Anyways, he's a really interesting guy. And I think you should give him a chance."




Lost Girl Ch. 04



"He does seem nice," Kimi said. "A little strange, but that's cool because I like that in a man."

"And he is really cute," Claudia said.

Perhaps noting the enthusiasm in her voice, Kimi lowered her compact mirror so that the smirk on her face was fully visible. "You got a crush on this guy?"

"No, of course not," she said just a little too quickly. "I like Lucas, remember?"

"Last time I checked, it was perfectly okay to dig two guys at once."

"I like him, but only as a friend." Claudia's voice came out so firm that she nearly believed the lie she was telling.

"Okay." Kimi kept her gaze on Claudia for a few more moments before pulling a tissue out of her purse and cleaning off the tip of her eyeliner pencil. "So you guys are friends now?" 

"Yeah. His mom and my mom have been friends since we were born, so I guess you can say we've known each other all our lives." 

"That's cool," Kimi said. "Platonic guy friends can really come in handy."

Curious to find out the reason why, Claudia started to question Kimi on the statement that she'd made. But before she could, Kimi rose to her feet and grabbed Claudia's hand so that she stood up as well.

"The Miss Blackfeet Pageant is starting soon," Kimi said. "We should probably show up a little early so we can get front row seats."

Walking side by side, they climbed up the grassy knoll and headed back towards the cluster of booths where everyone was congregating. 

* * * *

Time wasn't just passing slowly, but literally inching along that October afternoon. With half an hour left of biology class, Claudia was beginning to grow very restless, and actually wondered if the clock on the wall had somehow found a way to wind itself backward. 

It certainly didn't help that she still had six pages of a ridiculously thick worksheet packet to complete, and as she flipped through her textbook, she found herself wondering if her teacher wasn't some kind of a sadist.

By the time half an hour had dwindled to ten minutes, the in-class assignment she'd been busily working on had been completed, so she set down her pen and pushed the worksheet aside. After sneaking a look at Mr. Grant to ensure that he wasn't glancing her way, she slowly unfolded a letter that Kimi had given her during lunch. 

She wedged it between the pages of her textbook so that it camouflaged what she was doing, and with her attention focused on Kimi's big, bubble handwriting, Claudia began to read the note.

As was usual whenever Kimi wrote her a letter, Claudia found herself smiling and inwardly chuckling at the words that her friend used. But as her gaze came to rest on a particular section of the note, she fully zeroed in on the words that graced the page. It wasn't until she felt the warm breath against the back of her neck that she realized she'd been busted, and with a slow turn of her head, she came face to face with her frowning biology teacher. 

"That must be quite a fascinating letter, Miss Strauss."

Before she could fully process what was happening, he snatched the letter from the crack of her textbook, and with slow, purposeful steps, made his way to the front of the classroom.

"As I stated from day one, reading and writing of notes, letters, or text messages is strictly forbidden in my class."

"I'm sorry," she nervously blurted out. "I just figured that since I was done with the worksheet-"

He held up his hand to silence her, and with Claudia watching on in horror, he slowly approached Lucas's desk. 

"Why are you giving it to me?" Lucas asked as Mr. Grant placed the letter in his hand.

"Well, you were mentioned several times in the note, Mr. Good Blanket. I though you might appreciate reading what was said."

A few moments passed while Lucas seemed to think it over, and after allowing his eyes to briefly rest on the letter, he glanced at the lab table where Claudia was seated. "Not really sure how I feel about this," he said while looking back at Mr. Grant. "Isn't this an invasion of privacy, or something? 

"Why are you being such a pussy, Lucas?" Asked a boy who was sitting in the seat next to him, and without a moment of hesitation, he snatched the letter from Lucas's hand. "Don't you wanna find out what this chick said about you?" 

As her eyes came to focus on the boy who had taken the letter from Lucas, Claudia instantly recognized him as a guy named Joey. Along with being one of the main people that Lucas always hung out with, Joey was known as the class clown, and often cracked jokes at the expense of others. Undoubtedly certain that she was in for a hell of an embarrassment, Claudia unconsciously slumped her shoulders and inwardly steeled herself for what was to come.

Did you ask your mom if she'll drive us to Cut Bank to get our second holes pierced?" He quoted from the handwritten note. "I was thinking of getting my belly button done too. What do you think?"

Offering a shake of the head that seemed to simultaneously dismiss and make fun of the words that had been written, Joey averted his gaze to the teacher, who was leaning against his desk.

"Hey, this is mad boring, Mr. Grant. Do I have to read this whole thing?"

"Yes," Mr. Grant said, and with lips set in a hard, thin line, he waited for Joey to continue. 

"When you said you liked Tristan only as a friend, were you being completely serious?" Joey read aloud. "Because it seems like you have a little crush on him. If you like him, let me know and I won't consider going out with him." 

A soft murmur of voices spread through the room, but as Joey continued on, the students fell silent.

"Remember when you asked me how many girls Lucas has slept with?" A huge smile split Joey's face as he continued to read the note. "Well, I spoke to a couple of people around school, and rumor has it that's he's gotten with 15 chicks since freshman year. I know that you have a huge thing for him, but if the rumor is true, then it confirms my suspicions that he's a total sleazebag."

Along with several snickers, Claudia could hear the sound of whispering, and although she didn't have eyes in the back of her head, she could feel the gazes of the students who sat in the rows behind her. 

"Anyways, just thought I would let you know so that you don't make a big mistake by giving it up to Lucas. He just wants another virgin to add to his list of conquests, and he'll probably break your heart after he gets what he wants."

With a grin still on his face, Joey turned the sheet over so that he could continue reading the letter.

"It's your life though, and of course you can do what you want. I just think it might be better to stick to your fantasies, rather than doing it with him for real." Now struggling to continue reading through the smirk that curved his lips, Joey seemed as if he would break out into a chuckle at any moment. "Sorry if I seem bossy or like a mom, but you're my friend and I care about you. Anyways, I better go now because my history teacher is giving me funny looks. See you afterschool."

Enormously grateful that the letter had finally come to an end, Claudia found that she was able to breathe just a little bit easier. But the chattering of voices and sniggers that surrounded her from every angle was more than enough reason for her to wish that she could fade away into obscurity. 

"I expect this to be the last time that you ever break one of my rules, Miss Strauss," said Mr. Grant as he retrieved the note from Joey, and after slipping it into the drawer of his desk, he picked up a piece of chalk and quickly wrote down some numbers on the blackboard. "Your homework for tonight is to read pages 15 through 25," he said to the entire class. "And I suggest that you thoroughly familiarize yourself with the vocabulary terms, because I will be giving a test on Friday." 

Collective groans could be heard as students scribbled down the assignment, but as the final bell rang, the zipping of backpacks mingled with excited chatter as people rose from their seats. Hoping to make her escape without Lucas noticing, Claudia made a dash for the classroom door, and as soon as she crossed the threshold, she booked it straight for her locker. 

Upon reaching it, she hastily worked her fingers against the dial of the combination lock, but after several vain attempts at releasing the shackle, an exasperated sigh was pushed from her mouth. 

"Come on," she said aloud. "Open up, you useless turd." 

The words that Claudia released were audible even above the loud talking and laughter that filled the crowded corridor, and with fingers that were ridiculously uncoordinated, she made another go at opening the lock. As if hoping that she'd suddenly gained super human strength, she pulled at the shackle as hard as she could, but as the lock remained firmly clasped, she decided that the best plan would be to just start over.

She never got the chance, however, because the lock was suddenly pulled from the grasp of her palm, and instead cradled in a hand that was wide and undeniably masculine. Even before Claudia turned around, she already knew who was standing behind her, and as the shackle came loose with an audible click, she promptly offered her appreciation. 

"Thanks, Tristan."

"Who's Tristan?"

Claudia whipped her head around so quickly that she nearly got whiplash, and on noticing that Lucas was standing in front of her, her stomach did a flip. 

"Uh, just a friend." More than a little flustered from the close proximity of their bodies, she ran a few fingers through her curls. "I thought you were him."

"Disappointed?" He asked. 

"No. Why would I be?"

"You seemed in a hurry to leave class, so I figured you were trying to avoid me."

"Just trying to get to my next class." She turned around to exchange her biology book for a calculus one before slamming her locker shut. 

"Do you still like me?" 

"What?" She turned around to face him, and that was when she noticed that their bodies were now less than a hand's width apart. 

"Do you still like me?" He repeated.

"Uh - well, yeah. I mean I don't have a reason to *dislike* you, so..."

He stared down at her for a few moments, as if trying to work out whether or not she was being truthful before he finally gave a reply.

"Listen, that thing your friend said about me in the letter. About me sleeping with a lot of girls..."

"Yeah?"

"It's not true. "I mean I have been with some girls in this school, but not as many as people think."

"It's not my business," she said with a shrug. "Whoever you decide to get with it isn't any of my concern."

"So you don't care?"

"Why should I?"

"I don't know. I guess you have no reason to," he said before adding, "Just thought I'd let you know in case that kind of thing bothered you."

"Like I said, It's not any of my business."

"Okay." 

With the majority of students heading off to their next class, the hallway was no longer buzzing with activity, but becoming increasingly quieter. This allowed a sort of intimacy to settle between them, but before Claudia could lose herself any deeper in his slightly tilted eyes, she mustered the willpower to break the stare that they unwaveringly held.

"Well, I guess I better get to class. See you later."

"Wait." Lucas grabbed her by the waist, and with a gentleness that was somehow also firm, he coaxed her backward until she was flush against the lockers. "I wanna ask you something first."

"Okay. What is it?" The sudden and bold move that he'd made left Claudia feeling a bit lightheaded, and as he slightly hunched forward so that his face was closer to hers, she caught the minty scent of Tic Tac's on his breath.

"Do you really have a huge thing for me?" He asked. 

"What?"

"That letter your friend wrote. She mentioned that you had a huge thing for me. She also said some other things and I was just wondering if they were all true. 

"Oh right. See, the thing about that letter is - well, we were joking around earlier, and she was asking me all of this stuff. Hypothetical questions, you know? I don't actually sit around fantasizing about you, or anything."

A smirk touched his lips. "That's disappointing, because I've fantasized about you quite a bit."

She swallowed, shifting on her feet before slipping a few black polished fingernails through her curly hair.

"If I tell you mine's, will you tell me yours?" He asked.

"Um, I don't know. I mean, I don't really think I can."

"Why not?" 

"Because, they're totally private. And besides, we don't even know each other well enough to discuss that sort of thing." 

"That could be fixed." 

The look that he gave her caused her breathing to quicken, and without even realizing it, Claudia pressed her back more firmly against the cool metal lockers. 

"So, what do you think?" He leaned in closer. So close, that she could feel his breath ghost against her cheek. "You wanna get to know each other?"

"Depends what you mean by get to know."

"I'm open to suggestions." 

With his dark, beautiful eyes set intently on her, Claudia found that her body was growing very hot. Her pupils grew wider as she stared up at him, and although she tried very hard not to get lost in the sight of him, she continually fell deeper with each passing moment. 

It didn't seem right that a man could be so handsome, nor was it fair that he had hair so shiny and black that her eyes couldn't help but drift upward in brief admiration. She couldn't understand how someone so clearly wrong for her could be so irresistibly attractive, and cursing her teenage hormones, she did her best to get her libido under control. 

Distracted by the sound of a door slamming shut, Claudia allowed her gaze to drift away from Lucas. That was when she noticed that they were the only two people left in the hallway, and after a glance at the clock on the wall, she realized only two minutes remained before the final bell.

"I gotta go," she said. "Don't wanna be late to class." Before he could object, she quickly ducked beneath his outstretched arm and started to move away, but only made it a few steps before he called out to her.

"No problem. Catch up with you later, lost girl."

With quick, purposeful steps, Claudia made her way down the empty corridor. Each step that she took created more distance between her and Lucas, but the desire to turn her head and look back at him only seemed to be growing stronger. Resistance was futile and she undoubtedly knew it, but if she *was* going to look back at him, she would at least wait until she'd reached the end of the hall.

She could still feel him watching her as she reached the last classroom at the end of the corridor, and with her palm grasping the doorknob, she finally allowed herself to throw a glance in his direction. 

Yet rather than feel validated, she only felt a rush of disappointment on noticing that he'd completely dropped out of sight. She didn't allow her gaze to linger on the empty spot in front of her locker for too long, though, and with her calculus book in hand, she opened the door and entered the classroom.

* * * *

Sitting on an open patch of land that overlooked rolling hills, the Whitefeather house was a simple, one-story clapboard home with a shingle roof. Although the surroundings appeared barren and unforgivingly desolate, there were was something awe-inspiring about the vast, open prairie that surrounded the house. 

As if enticing Claudia to get out of the station wagon, the clean, dry air seeped in through the barely cracked windows, and unable to resist the invitation, she opened the passenger door and planted her feet on the short, patchy grass. 

"Smells good, doesn't it?" Mona asked as she joined her daughter's side, and after slipping the car keys into her purse, she led the way to the front door. 

"Yep." She barely had time to spot a herd of cattle off in the distance before a voice called out to them, and as she realized that it was Tristan's mother Winona, she returned the woman's wave with one of her own.

"Hey, Winnie," Mona called out as she walked up the porch steps and toward the front door, where she embraced her friend in a firm hug.

"Thanks for coming by, Mona," Winona said, and after pulling away to offer Claudia a hug, she gave her a greeting as well. "Hello, Claudia. Seems like you've grown since the last time I saw you." 

"It's only been three weeks. I doubt I'd be able to grow that quickly."

"Of course It's possible, you're a teenager," she said before allowing her gaze to drift down to the vintage Betsey Johnson dress that Claudia was wearing. "That dress looks familiar. Have I seen it before?"

"It's my mom's."

"Of course, I should have remembered." Winona broke into a smile and shifted her gaze to Mona. "You bought this dress during our trip to L.A. back in '92." 

"I got it in that funky little shop out on Melrose Avenue. I think it was the same place where you bought those really cute leather boots."

"That's right. I forgot all about those!" Her smile widened even further. "Gee, that was a long time ago."

"I know. We were so young back then, and now look at us."

"Oh, stop. You look great." Winona waved a hand dismissively at her friend. "You're still just as gorgeous as the day we first met, so I don't want to hear you complain about getting older."

"I could say the same for you," Mona said. 

"Yeah, well..." A humble smile crossed Winona's lips, but as she focused her attention back on Claudia, her smile lessened. "Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Tristan left the house an hour ago, and I haven't heard from him since."

"Oh." The disappointment on her face belied the words which followed. "No big deal. I'll just hang out and listen to you guys tell some stories."

"We'll tell you some good ones, I promise," Winona said as she gestured for Mona and Claudia to enter the house.

Once they were inside, Winona led them into the living room, which had a nice, homelike feel to it that immediately put Claudia at ease. Seated in a reclining armchair that was well-worn and broken in was Tristan's father, Ray, who nodded in acknowledgment before offering a friendly greeting. 

"Mona, Claudia..." His eyes shifted from one to the other before he continued, "It's good to see you both." 

"Nice to see you too, Mr. Whitefeather," Claudia responded.

"Always a pleasure, Ray," Mona said before averting her gaze to the dark haired man who quietly sat on a quilt-covered sofa. "Hello."

"Hi." The man lifted his powerful frame off of the couch, and on displaying all six feet, seven inches of his impressive height, he held out a massive hand for Mona to shake. "My name is Jonathan, but people call me Big John."

As if suddenly realizing that he was supposed to be in charge of introductions, Ray said, "I'm sorry. This is my older brother, the one who lives up in Canada."

"You don't live on the reservation?" The disappointment on Mona's face was evident. 

"I split my time between Calgary and Browning," Big John said. "Not a lot of jobs out here on the rez, so I have to travel back and forth for work." 

"It's only a three hours drive up to Calgary," Winona said as she set down a tray that was loaded with mugs of coffee and cheese danishes. "So It's not too terrible of a commute."

As Mona took a seat on the couch, so did Claudia, but before she could indulge in a cup of coffee and cheese danish, Big John offered his hand for her to shake. 

"You must be Claudia."

"Yes, I am. Nice to meet you." 

Along with possessing the largest hands she had ever seen, Big John also had a gentleness about him that belied his towering stature. His hair, which reached mid-back and was worn loose around his shoulders had glossy waves, and his eyes seemed to smile along with his lips. 

"So, I hear that you and your mom just moved to the reservation three weeks ago," Big John said as he retrieved a cup of coffee from the wooden tray.




Lost Girl Ch. 04



"Yep." Claudia picked up a mug of her own, and after taking a sip, she sampled a cheese danish.

"How do you like it so far?" He asked.

"It's cool. Not a whole to do out here, but I've met some nice people at school."

"Well, if you're looking to get off the rez and see some other places, there's a mall out in Cut Bank. Personally I prefer Bigfork because there's a lot more to do, but It's a two hour drive from Browning, so it takes a bit time to travel out there."

"What about camping spots?" Mona asked. "I'm the outdoorsy type, so I was hoping to find some places to get in some good hiking."

"You ever been to Glacier National Park?"

"Once, with Winona. But that was years ago."

"Chief Mountain Isn't too far from there. It's a really beautiful spot and they've got some great hiking trails."

"Sounds nice. I'll have to put it on my list of places to check out."

"I'd be happy to take you out there sometime if you'd like," Big John said.

"Most definitely." Mona's green eyes sparkled with a vibrancy that hadn't been there before. "I would really enjoy that."

As her mother continued to chat with Big John, Claudia smiled into her coffee, lightly sipping on it between bites of her cheese danish. Clearly pleased by the fact that their matchmaking skills had paid off, Ray and Winona shared a smile of their own before averting their attention to Claudia. 

"So, Claudia," Ray began, "Tristan tells me you'll be reading a Sherman Alexie book in your English Literature class soon."

"Yeah. I think It's called, The Real Diary of An Indian, or something like that."

"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," Mona corrected with a smile.

"Yeah, that's it. I knew it had a really long, unusual title."

"It's a very good book," Ray said. "I think you'll enjoy reading it."

"I've never read anything by him before, but I was doing some research last night on the internet, and I found out he had a couple of his books made into films."

"We have one of his movies here on DVD." Ray stood up from his armchair, and after retrieving the film from a shelf next to the DVD player, he handed it to Claudia. "It's called Smoke Signals. You can borrow it if you like."

"Thanks. I'll get it back to you as soon as I'm finished."

"No rush, take your time." 

Claudia finished off the last of her cheese danish, and after washing it down with coffee, she wiped off her mouth with a napkin. It was at that moment that her eyes drifted to a bookshelf in the corner, and on noticing a thick photo album on the very top shelf, she found herself instantly drawn to it.

"Mind if I check out your bookshelf?" She asked. 

"Not at all," Winona said. 

Claudia went over to the bookshelf and pulled the photo album off its perch, then brought it back to the sofa so she could sit down and have a look through it. 

As she pulled back the cover, the musty scent of old photographs filled her nostrils, and after turning a few yellowing pages to check out the first photograph, her eyes came to rest on a picture of a newborn Tristan. 

It wasn't the first time she'd seen a photograph of a baby who was straight out of the womb, so the mucus-like gunk that covered his tiny body wasn't the least bit unusual to her. But there was an astonishingly strange looking membrane that shrouded his entire face, and this is what made Claudia stare so intently at the aging photograph. 

"Whoa." Her brows furrowed as she continued to study the odd image. "What's that freaky looking thing over his face?"

"Oh, you mean his caul?" Winona asked.

"Is that what It's called?" Still unable to believe that something so creepy looking had been attached to Tristan's face, she leaned in to have a closer look. "What the heck is it, and why was it covering his face?" 

"It's afterbirth material, and It's considered a sign of good luck. Very few babies are born with a caul, so when we realized that Tristan had one, we knew he was going to be a very special child."

"Tristan is the only baby since 1894 to have been born with a caul on this reservation," Ray said. "So when people heard that a caulbearer had been born, we had a lot of folks coming by to see him."

"Everyone wanted to see the baby who was "born with the veil." A smile curved Winona's lips as she recalled the memory. "People knew that it was an unusual occurrence, and considered it a good omen for the reservation that we brought such a gifted child into existence."

"I never knew there was such a thing," Claudia said as she shifted her eyes back to the photograph. "But it definitely explains how he knew that thing that he did about my dad."

"What thing?" Winona asked.

"Well, It's kinda hard to explain..." Not wanting her mother or Big John to overhear what she was going to say, Claudia gave Winona a look to silently signal that she wasn't comfortable elaborating on the subject.

"Oh, right. I understand." She finished off the last of her coffee, and after collecting everyone else's empty mugs, she loaded them onto the tray as well. "Can I get anyone a refill?"

For the first time during the past fifteen minutes, Big John and Mona broke off their conversation, and with eyes focused on Winona, they offered a reply.

"I'd love one," Mona said.

"A refill would be great, thanks Winnie," Big John said with a smile.

"Alrighty. Be back in a bit." 

As Winona rose to her feet, so did Ray, who gestured to Claudia so that she would accompany them into the kitchen. Once they were there, Ray got busy at preparing the coffee, while Winona refilled the pitcher of cream and added more sugar to a decorative bowl.

"So, you want to tell me what it was that you couldn't say in the living room?" Winona asked.

"I wrote an email to my dad about a week ago. It was a reply to this message he had sent a few days before he died." Noticing that Winona had spilled a bit of cream on the kitchen counter, she got a sponge from the sink and began to wipe it up. "Anyways, nobody except for me even knew that I sent this message. I didn't even tell my mom about it. But somehow Tristan found out that I'd replied to the email."

"Oh yeah?" The tone of Winona's voice indicated that she wasn't the least bit surprised by Claudia's story, and after filling five mugs with steaming hot coffee, she added a few more cheese danishes to the tray.

"Yeah. But the craziest part of it was, he told me that my dad enjoyed reading the email I sent. He also told me that everytime I smell my dad's cologne, he's standing right beside me."

"And do you often smell his cologne?"

"Not a lot, but every now and again, yeah."

She nodded before saying, "Well, you always were a bit of a daddy's girl, so It's not too surprising that he watches over you."

"No, but it was surprising that Tristan could know such a thing," she said before adding, "Of course now I understand how he knew it, but at the time it was a little unnerving."

"So you're staring to understand that he has these special gifts." Having finished preparing the coffee, Winona put the carton of half and half back into the refrigerator. "Ever since he was a baby, he's always had a view into the other side, but he also has a way of knowing about significant events before they happen."

"He can also feel other people's emotions," Ray chimed in. "Which probably has a lot to do with why he chooses to isolate himself from other people."

"What else can he do?" Now thoroughly intrigued, Claudia was eager to hear about the full extent of Tristan's special abilities. 

It appeared that Ray and Winona were far less enthusiastic than she was, however, because they shared a look that could only be interpreted as slightly apprehensive and more than a little uncertain. 

"I think you should talk with Tristan and ask him that question yourself," Ray said, and without another word, he headed back into the living room.

"You and Tristan seem to have forged a friendship, so we don't want to say anything more unless we're absolutely sure that he's okay with us divulging more information," Mona said.

"Okay, I can respect that."

"It's not that we don't trust you, or anything. But aside from his family, Tristan doesn't give anyone detailed information about his capabilities."

"Why not?" Claudia asked.

"I don't know. I guess he thinks It'll scare people, and make them talk badly about him."

"Well, he already has this reputation around school as a loner weirdo, so..."

"People fear what they don't understand," she said with defensiveness in her tone. "But everyone who lives on this reservation knows that he's different, so It's not exactly a secret."

"He told me about the shadow people," Claudia said. "Before talking with him, I'd never known that such a thing even existed." 

He's had a lot of issues with those shadow people," Winona said. "But he's also seen a lot of other things and had certain experiences that few people know about except for me and his dad."

"Bad things?"

"Unfortunately, yes." She lightly swallowed before continuing. "But he's had some good experiences, as well. The thing is, he's still learning to control and develop his abilities, so he's at a stage right now where he feels really alone. Aside from me and his father, he doesn't have anyone to talk to, so you can probably imagine how difficult life is for him right now."

"I'm guessing it really sucks."

"Yeah, that pretty much sums it up." A sad smile crossed her face, but somewhere deep in her eyes, there was also hope. "There are a couple of elders here on the rez, spiritual guides that have offered to assist Tristan, but he's too proud to accept any help." 

"Well, hopefully he comes around," Claudia said. 

"Lots of prayer and hope, that's all we can do." A smile touched the corners of her lips, and with a grace and ease that belied her thin frame, she lifted the tray that was loaded with coffees and headed into the living room. 

Claudia trailed behind her. But not without thoughts of Tristan seeping into her mind.



Lost Girl Ch. 05



~ Journal Entry: December 8, 2014

After nearly three months of being in this school, I suddenly hit a realization. I might kind of, sort of, have a crush on Tristan. I know you're probably thinking: wow, big surprise there, right?? But ever since we started hanging out in September, I've been trying to convince myself that I didn't have any feelings for him. 

Of course I know that denying reality never works, but the thing is, he likes my friend Kimi. So the last thing I need to be doing is harboring a crush on a guy that my friend is on the verge of going out with. 

In case you're wondering, yes, I do still like Lucas. But I can't help wondering if that rumor about him sleeping with 15 girls is true. He said it wasn't, but what if he's lying? Not passing judgment on him or anything, because It's totally his business if he wants to sleep with a lot of chicks. But I don't want to be just another notch in his bedpost. 

My gut instinct tells me that I should stop crushing on him, but that's really hard to do when he's always hanging out next to my locker and chatting me up between classes. 

I always worry that Misty will see us and try to start some shit, but surprisingly, she never seems to show up when we're talking. Every now and again I'll see her in the halls and she'll give me a dirty look, but for the most part, she pretty much leaves me alone. 

Well, not much else to say, except that today will totally blow because Kimi's home sick with the flu. Ever since the first day of school, we've always hung out together, so It's gonna be weird being all alone at lunchtime. I would hang out with Tristan but strangely enough, he always disappears during lunch period, so I guess I'll just have to eat solo. 

Anyways, first period is about to begin, so this is where I'll stop. Until next time...

Claudia ~

* * * *

As the bell rang for lunch, Claudia exited her Forensic Science class and headed for her locker to put away her books. Rather than eat in the cafeteria, she had chosen to bring food from home, and with an insulated lunch sack in hand, she closed her locker and made her way down the hall. Since Kimi was sick at home, she would have no one to chat with while enjoying her meal, but she did had a true crime novel that she'd been meaning to lose herself in for quite some time. 

She was a few feet away from reaching the door that led to the sheltered lunch area when she spotted Tristan walking away from his locker, and in an effort to get his attention, she called his name. 

Apparently her voice was lost in the commotion of students surrounding her, because Tristan continued on his way, weaving quickly through the bodies that crowded the long corridor. Trailing just far enough behind him so that he wouldn't take note of her presence, Claudia followed him further down the hallway and through the double doors that led out of the school. 

Not having been prepared for the torrent of rain that fell from the sky, Claudia briefly contemplated stepping back into the warm hallway from which she'd just exited, but her curiosity as to Tristan's destination was too overwhelming to ignore. 

As if hoping to deter Claudia, a gust of wind suddenly surrounded her, cutting right through the bell sleeve kimono jacket and slim fit jeans that were protecting her body. Luckily she had a fedora on, so her hair was mostly protected, and in an effort to keep her hat from blowing away, she held it down with her palm. 

Walking with a smooth, confident gait that seemed to project a nonchalant attitude toward the gusty weather, Tristan splashed through puddles of water. With the wind blowing the rain around, it made it difficult for Claudia to keep her eyes on him, and she nearly lost track of his progress as he began to cross the parking lot. By the time he reached his car and got inside, she was still struggling to catch up, and broke into a light jog. 

As soon as she reached his chocolate brown Lincoln Continental, she knocked on the passenger window. A few seconds passed before she noticed his face peek out at her from the backseat window, and as he cracked the door open to invite her in, she slid into the seat beside him. 

"Hey," she said.

"Hello."

"So this is where you go during lunch." Her eyes scanned the backseat area, which was massive enough for an adult to comfortably stretch out and take a nice nap. 

"What do you want?" Tristan asked as he picked up his sketchbook and began to work on a drawing that was already in progress.

Stung by the unfriendliness in his voice, Claudia blinked a few times before giving a response. "Nothing. I just saw you walking in the hall and I thought I would follow you."

"Why?"

"Because I never see you at lunch time and I wanted to find out where you went."

"Well, now you know," he snarkily said, and with eyes focused firmly on the pad in front of him, he continued to draw.

"Nevermind," she said. "This was a mistake." 

She opened the door and stepped back out into the pouring rain, but the touch of Tristan's palm against hers made her turn her head and look over her shoulder. 

"Wait." As he clasped her hand, his eyes seemed to implore her to stay. "Don't go."

She stood there staring at him for a few more seconds, and on noting the way that his expression visibly softened, she climbed back into the car and closed the door.

"Sorry for being a dick," he said. "I'm just not in a great mood right now."

"Wanna talk about it?" 

Silence followed, during which the steady drumming of rain on the Lincoln's roof could be heard. 

"This school is wearing me down," he finally blurted out.

"In what way?" She asked. "Is somebody picking on you?" 

"Yes."

"Who is it?"

"Several people," he said. 

"Names?"

It doesn't matter."

"It does to me."

As more silence followed, the rain began to fall harder, steadily pounding out its urgent rhythm. It was at this moment that Tristan noticed Claudia was lightly shivering, so he slipped out of his green Army camouflage parka and offered it to her. 

"You should have worn a jacket," he said while handing her the coat.

"I am wearing a jacket."

"I mean a proper one." He waited until she'd buttoned up his overgarment before adding, "This Isn't the kind of weather you can mess around with."

"There wasn't any sign of rain this morning, so I figured I would be okay." Grateful for the cozy military jacket, she tightened the collar around her neck. "Thanks. I appreciate it."

"No problem," he said.

A few moments passed while they both just sat there before the stillness was broken by Claudia's voice. 

"So talk to me. Tell me what's going on with you." 

"That school," he said. "I can't even make it through a whole day in there without feeling sick to my stomach." 

"You're picking up on other people's emotions?"

"Not only emotions, their energy and thoughts, too."

"You're telephathic?"

"No. When I say I pick up on thoughts, I mean that I get a general sense of what people send out. Instead of hearing actual words, I get a vibration."

"Oh..." Uncertain of what else to say, she shifted her eyes away from him.

"Great. Now you think I'm crazy."

"I do not," she said while looking back at him. "I just don't quite understand what you mean." 

"Of course you don't. Nobody does." 

He turned his gaze to the blurry window pane and stared out at the cold, wet world. Sensing that he needed a moment to be alone with his thoughts, she sat in stillness, only allowing the sound of her breathing to break the calmness. Before very long, she was struck with the urge to reach out and hold his hand, and as she tenderly clasped her palm with his, he focused his attention back on her. 

"I may not understand everything that you experience," she said. "But that doesn't mean I can't be here to support you."

As she looked at him, he looked at her, and for a moment it seemed as if they were locked into a never ending gaze. Yet just as suddenly as it had begun, the spell was suddenly broken by a sharp rapping on the window. With both their eyes turned in the direction of the interference, they peered out at a cross looking face. Uncertain of the identity of their unwelcome visitor, Tristan slowly rolled down the window, and as wind whipped into the car, it brought along with it fat drops of rain. 

"Hey, you two. What are you doing in there?" Asked a middle-aged man who was dressed in a yellow slicker with the school's arrow and feather emblem on it. 

"Talking," said Tristan. 

"That all you up to?"

"Does it look like we're doing anything else?"

Taking that as an invitation to poke his head in further, he allowed his eyes to drift to their lower regions before giving them each a long, hard stare. "Just because you have your clothes on, doesn't mean you're not up to something."

"We're just sitting here talking," Claudia said. "Honestly, we haven't been doing anything else." 

The security guard seemed to think her words over for a moment before the crease between his bushy eyebrows finally smoothed out.

"This storm is pretty bad," he said. "For your own safety, I suggest you kids get back inside that school."

A crackle of static came through his walkie talkie as he turned away from the car, and with brisk, purposeful steps, he carried on with his patrol of the high school parking lot.

"Geez, what a tight ass," Claudia said as Tristan rolled up the window. "Did he seriously think we were having sex out here?"

"Some people do," he said before quickly adding, "Not that I've seen it with my own eyes, or anything. I've just heard about it happening." 

"Uh huh." A wide grin crossed her face. 

Noticing the insulated lunch bag on her lap, Tristan gestured towards it. "Is that your lunch?"

"Yep."

"Are you going to eat it?"

"Yeah, why? Do you want some?"

"Nope. Just thought you might want to get a start on it before the end of the lunch period."

"What time is it anyways?"

He glanced at his cell phone before answering. "12:15."

Claudia unzipped her lunch sack and retrieved an egg salad sandwich before also pulling out a pickle and a can of Dr. Pepper. Her mouth watered in anticipation of the food she was going to eat, but instead of hogging it all to herself, she offered one of the triangle shaped halves of the sandwich to Tristan.

"It's okay. You enjoy it," he said.

"You already ate?"

"No."

"Then take it." 

A few beats of hesitation passed before he grabbed the sandwich from her hand, and with unbridled enthusiasm, he wolfed it down in only two bites.

"Wow, you really are hungry, aren't you?" She asked. "Did you forget to pack your lunch?"

He nodded, wiping off his mouth with the back of his hand before stuffing the soft crust into his mouth.

"You're welcome to half my pickle, if you want it." 

"No, I'm good," he said. 

"Sure?"

"Positive. And thank you for sharing."

"Anytime," she said.

Claudia only had time to finish her half of the sandwich and chug down her Dr. Pepper before the screen of her cell phone informed her that there was less than ten minutes remaining before fifth period, so she stuffed her pickle back into her lunch sack and zipped it closed. 

Clearly unconcerned with getting to class on time, Tristan scribbled away in his sketchbook. He didn't even look up as she cleared her throat, but when she called his name, he did grunt in acknowledgment. 

"Aren't you coming?" Claudia asked as she opened the door.

"Yeah. In a bit."

"Okay." She watched him for a few moments before saying, See you later, then."

As soon as she closed the door behind her, she made a dash for the entrance of the school, where she briskly ran up the flight of steps and into the warm, dry hallway. She was already at her locker when she discovered that she was still wearing Tristan's green Army jacket, and after pulling her messenger bag out of her locker, she contemplated taking off the coat. 

Soon she would be in a nice, warm classroom, so a heavy Army jacket wouldn't be of much use to her. But as she stood there contemplating whether or not to stuff it into her locker, she realized that she really didn't want to. 

It wasn't just Tristan's musky scent that was embedded in the jacket, but the fact that he had given it to her out of gentlemanly kindness. She'd always been a sucker for chivalry, so keeping the jacket on was pretty much a no-brainer. 

Claudia slammed her locker shut, then headed down the hallway, weaving her way into the flock of students. And with the scent of Tristan's manly odor comforting her, she hurried off to Biology class. 

* * * *

Lucas Good Blanket hadn't always been a pussy chasing delinquent. In fact, he had gone through all four years of middle school carrying around the nicknames of "nerd" and "mama's boy." Since as early as he could remember, he and his mother had been inseparably close. So close, that he had often preferred to stay at home and cook side-by-side with her, rather than go on fishing and hunting trips with his father. 

And as he grew from a young boy into a gangly preteen, his love for cooking hadn't wavered a bit. Rather than embrace his son's culinary interests, his father had made jokes about his talent for cooking, and often compared his own childhood with Lucas's. 

"When I was your age, I was playing a hand drum, or out hunting and learning how to ride horses," he'd say in a reprimanding tone of voice. "Not cooking bannock and making fishhead stew."

Rather than feel ashamed, Lucas had tried to explain to his father that cooking was something he enjoyed, while hunting and fishing were seen as chores. But his honesty only earned him disapproving looks, and stern words that cut right through him like a lance. 

His mother, who was the most nurturing and loving person he'd ever met, had tried on many occasions to explain where his father was coming from. She had not only made it clear how important it was for him to take on certain responsibilities as a male, but that it was a man's duty to provide and protect for the women in his home. 

~ "You're a *ninawa*, she had said to him. "If you don't carry on the traditions of a Blackfoot man, how will your own sons ever learn?" ~

At the time he had felt hurt and even a little betrayed that she'd chosen to side with his father. But as his voice continually deepened and his interest in girls began to blossom, Lucas had begun to spend less time in the kitchen with his mother, and more in the strip of mountains known as Badger Two Medicine, where he was taught by his father how to live off of plants and animals, just as their ancestors did. 

By the time he'd turned thirteen, his dedication to becoming a champion hand drummer was all he could think about, so fishing and hunting trips were kept to minimum. But he had never forgotten the survival skills that his father had instilled in him. Along with being taught how to create primitive weapons, Lucas had also been educated on how to hunt and stalk without leaving any trace of his presence. 

~ "You need to learn how to move in the forest completely undetected," his father had said while demonstrating the barefoot walking technique. "It's essential to becoming a skilled hunter."~

At the time that his dad had spoken these words, Lucas had been eager to gain his approval, so while keenly watching the movement of father's feet, he had learned what the "Fox Walk" was all about. And from that day forth, he'd become highly skilled in the art of stalking and hunting elusive prey. 

Shaking off the memories that had occupied his mind for the past ten minutes, Lucas came back to the present moment. He continued to stare hard through the pitted windshield of his Chevy pickup truck, and that was when he came to the realization that he was currently stalking a prey of the human kind. 

For the past forty minutes, he'd had his sights set on a chocolate brown Lincoln Continental that was parked in a spot directly across from the lane where his truck was currently positioned. From where he was situated, he had an almost perfect view of the large hunk of metal and chrome, and ever since the beginning of the lunch period, he'd been unwaveringly eyeing it. 

He didn't like admitting this to himself, but jealousy had reared its ugly head, and he was currently in the throes of a fiercely violent struggle. It made him disgusted to even think that he was feeling this way, but he was powerless to stop the unpleasant emotions that were coursing through him. 

From the moment he'd seen Claudia climb out of the backseat of the Lincoln, he'd found himself struggling to come to terms with the fact that what he'd observed hadn't been a figment of his imagination. He'd even tried to convince himself that the person he'd seen was someone different, but that attempt at denying reality hadn't proved successful at all, because he knew damn well that she was the only black girl on the entire reservation. 

*No use in trying to lie to yourself,* a voice inside him said. *She fucked him, and you know it.*

But had she? 

The rain pounded harder against the top of his truck, and as drops of water began to trickle through the tiny hole in the roof, he quickly plugged it up with a couple of fast food restaurant napkins. Turning his attention back on the Lincoln, Lucas steadily willed Tristan to get out. 

Not because he wanted to confront him, but because he was a keen observer of body language. If Tristan *had* gotten laid, then there would be a bounce in his step, a shit eating grin, or some other indication that he was happy. A guy didn't get to blow his wad in a pretty girl like Claudia without somehow giving it away in his body language. 

One minute passed, then two, before he uttered a long, frustrated sigh. A glance at the dashboard clock told him that less than a minute remained before the end of the lunch period, but he couldn't have been any less concerned. It wasn't the first time he'd ditched the last two classes of the day, and it definitely wouldn't be the last. 

As dime sized drops of rain continued to pelt the windshield, Lucas's mind began to drift, recalling the phone call that he'd made only twenty minutes ago. All it had taken was the press of a few buttons on his mobile, and he'd been connected to the campus security officer. 

Stating that he wished to remain anonymous, Lucas had promptly informed the security guard that "suspicious activity" was taking place inside of a dark brown Lincoln Continental that was situated in the back of the school's lot. He'd even provided the license plate, and after thanking the security guard for his assistance, Lucas had ended the call and simply waited.

It only took two minutes before a man in a bright yellow slicker began trudging across the rain soaked parking lot, and while crouching down in his seat so that he wouldn't be spotted, Lucas watched the security guard knock on the Lincoln's backseat window. 

Although Lucas hadn't been able to see inside of the automobile from where his own truck was parked, it hadn't stop him from trying, and with eyes that were keenly strained, he'd tried to make out the shapes of Claudia and Tristan. A short while later, the security guard turned and headed away from the car, but instead of feeling a sense of satisfaction at having snitched on them, Lucas only found that his curiosity had been fueled. 

Had they or hadn't they? The answer should have been simple enough and perhaps it was, but he just didn't want to fully admit it to himself. But why not? It wasn't as if he knew Claudia well enough to have developed serious feelings for her, and it wasn't as if he was in love with her, so just why *was* he so obsessed with the idea of her banging that loner weirdo? If she'd fucked him, she'd fucked him. So why couldn't he just get over it already?




Lost Girl Ch. 05



*You know why. Because you don't like people messing with what's yours.*

There was truth to that statement, so he couldn't refute it. Yet at the same time, he certainly couldn't claim possession of her. At least not until she stopped playing hard to get and finally gave into his advances. And she would, of course. It was only a matter of time. But damn if it didn't bother the hell out of him to think that someone like Tristan Whitefeather had gotten together with her first. 

He didn't like the idea of some other guy having already been inside her, and he definitely didn't appreciate the fact that the cherry he'd been waiting three months to pop had already been deflated.

Not just three months. Three *long* months. Excitement had been steadily building up with each passing day, and now something like this just *had* to happen. What pissed him off the most was that she had been actively flirting and giving him signals that she was down to fuck, but everytime he tried to suggest that they meet up afterschool, she'd always give him some ass lame excuse as to why she wouldn't be able to do it. So why had she given in so easily to loner boy? 

Thoroughly perplexed, Lucas furrowed his brows. He was trying to smother the resentment that was steadily building inside of him, but he just couldn't get over the fact that Tristan had gotten to bang Claudia before he'd even had a chance. 

Noticing some movement from beyond the windshield of his truck, Lucas steadily focused on the Lincoln Continental and watched as the back door opened. A few seconds later Tristan got out, and after heaving his backpack onto his shoulders, he closed the door behind him. 

With lips pulled into a hard, thin line, Lucas followed Tristan with his eyes, watching as he briskly strolled across the parking lot and towards the entrance of the school. He continued to stare until Tristan's thin, lanky frame disappeared through the doors and into the school's hallway. Then, with a turn of the key in the ignition, he brought the engine of his truck to life. 

Lucas hit the gas hard with the sole of his boot, and with a sharp turn of the steering wheel, he swerved out of the parking spot and sped off into the distance.

* * * *

After two days of steady showers, the rain had finally let up. But as rays of light filtered through the blinds that covered the large windows of her English Literature class, Claudia wished that she were outside to enjoy the warmth of the sun. 

Although only partially sunny, it was still warm enough for her to rock one of her latest creations, which was an above the knee plaid skirt that fell mid-thigh. The turtleneck she'd paired it with fit her just snugly enough to hint at the curvature of her modestly sized breasts, and along with a pair of thrifted Doc Marten Mary Jane's, she'd chosen to wear a pair of knee high stockings. 

For the past fifteen minutes, she'd been listening to her teacher ramble on about an upcoming project, but her mind was still foggy due to a lack of sleep, so she only caught the last half of what was being said. 

"You can either choose your partner, or I will pair you up with one," concluded Ms. Mojika as she began passing out worksheets to the students in the front row. "Your choice."

Almost immediately, students began to switch seats so that they were sitting next to the person that they had chosen, and as the classroom began to buzz with conversation, Claudia threw a look over her shoulder at Tristan, who was seated in the very back of the class. As she approached his desk, she noticed that his eyes drifted downward to take in the hem of her skirt, and with a smile on her lips, she came to a stop in front of his desk. 

"Hey. You wanna be partners?" 

"Sure."

She took the seat beside him, and with legs crossed, began to discuss the project, which consisted of creating a power-point presentation on English literature of the 19th century. After a bit of brainstorming, they began jotting down ideas as to the types of photos and information that they would include. Since Claudia was already familiar with PowerPoint, she volunteered to teach Tristan the basics of the software, as well as assist him with research and locating photos. 

They both had laptops, but since Claudia already had the PowerPoint software installed on her computer, she suggested that they meet up at her house over the weekend so that they could get a start on the project. They were just beginning to make a list of the most prominent writers of the 19th century, when a group of girls sitting beside her broke out into loud snickers. The sound was so brash, Claudia turned her head to look at them, and that was when she noticed that a note was being circulated from person to person. 

As it passed from hand to hand, she noticed that each person who read it stifled either a snicker or laugh, followed by a shift of the eyes in her direction. This made her curious as to what the note was about, and with impatience, she watched as it continued to travel from student to student. 

By the time the note made it to the row of desks where Tristan was seated, the smirks, snickers, and stares that were directed towards her became the only thing she could focus on. And as the note finally reached Tristan's hands, she anxiously waited as he read it. The flex of his jaw told her that whatever was written on the slip of paper deeply offended him, but it was the way he quickly crumpled up the note and threw it aside that sent a pang of distress through her body. 

"What did it say?" She asked.

"Just something stupid, that some asshole wrote."

"It was about me though, right?" 

He nodded.

"Well if it was about me, then I want to read it," she said. "I have a right to know what was said."

"Just forget about it, Claud." His voice was firm, almost demanding. "You really don't want to see what it says."

"Yes, I do," Claudia said, and with the toe of her shoe, she maneuvered the balled up note so that she could pick it up off the ground.

She uncrumpled the piece of paper, and with eyes keenly fixed on the oversized handwriting, she read the note:

Claudia Strauss is a PASS AROUND SLUT

She fucked Tristan Whitefeather 

AND Lucas Good Blanket

On the EXACT. SAME. DAY

Can you believe her??

Claudia glanced up from the note to see that the entire class was staring her down with smirks on their faces. Her eyes then shifted to Tristan, who was wearing a tight-lipped expression with brows that were drawn together in anger.

"I know they're fucking assholes," he said to her. "But you can't let them get to you."

"So I'm just supposed to ignore it?" 

"I didn't say that."

"This note is a lie, Tristan."

"Of course it is."

"But people think that It's true."

"Whoever wrote it is obviously trying to get a reaction out of you," he said. "Don't give it to them."

"That's easy for you to say. Guys don't get called sluts for sleeping around."

"Hey, Tristan."

Turning his head towards the voice that had interrupted his conversation with Claudia, Tristan noticed that a boy with a skateboard graphic tee was widely grinning at him.

"What?" He asked.

"When you get tired of hitting that, can you pass her to me?" He tilted his head towards Claudia. 

"Don't talk about her that way," Tristan said through a now tight jaw. "She's not a slut, and she doesn't deserve to be treated like one."

"The note said she banged two dudes on the same day," he rebutted. "Sounds like a slut to me."

"The note is a lie," he said loudly. "You shouldn't believe everything you read, dumbass."

"Dumbass?" He rose to his feet, chest pushing forward in a display of aggression. "Come say that to my face, punk boy."

Tristan came to a standing position, and with an unblinking gaze, he stared the other boy down. "You wanna fight, you come to me."

The boy started across the room, only to be impeded by Ms. Mojika, who pressed a palm firmly against his chest while blocking him with her slim frame. 

"No, Michael. You will *not* fight in this class, do you understand me?"

"Then I'll fight outside," he rebutted before shifting his gaze back to Tristan. "You're getting your ass kicked afterschool."

"Michael, I'm warning you," she said. "If I hear about you getting into any altercations, you *will* be suspended." 

"So suspend me." He stared down Tristan for a few moments before slowly backing away from Ms. Mojika and returning to his seat.

Tristan sat back down as well, but his fists were still balled at his side and his body remained stiff. Although proud that he had stood up for himself, Claudia couldn't help worrying that Michael would make good on his threat, and as she shifted her attention to Tristan's antagonizer, she saw that he was staring both her and Tristan down. 

As the bell signaled the end of first period, both Claudia and Tristan gathered their book bags and walked side by side to the door. They only made it halfway down the hall before they were suddenly cut off by Michael, who grabbed Tristan by the collar and slammed him forcefully against a row of lockers. Almost immediately, Tristan came back with a punch, but Michael deflected it by catching it in the palm of his hand. With his other fist still free, Tristan aimed it for Michael's gut, and on making contact, it knocked the wind right out of him. Momentarily stunned, he staggered away from Tristan, but as a crowd began to gather, he made a rush for his opponent. 

Spurred on by the crowd, Michael wrestled Tristan down to his knees, and with remarkable quickness, hooked his arm around Tristan's neck. Now immovably locked into a sleeper hold, Tristan had no choice but to repeatedly jab his elbow into Michael's ribs, but this only caused Michael to tighten his grip around Tristan's neck.

Now seriously concerned for Tristan's safety, Claudia pushed her way out of the crowd and made hasty steps towards Ms. Mojika's class, but the sight of a beefy security guard lightly sprinting down the hallway made her realize that help was already on the way. As soon as he reached the throng of students, he pushed them aside, and on reaching the two boys that were violently entangled, he grabbed Michael by the scruff of his neck.

"Let go of him," The security guard demanded. "*Now.*"

With no choice but to obey, Michael released his hold around Tristan's neck, and with the security guard still grasping the back of his collar, he rose to his feet. It took Tristan a moment to catch his breath and rise to his feet, but as soon as he was able, he let out a few harsh coughs. With a crowd of students still watching on, the two boys engaged in an intense stare down, but it didn't last long, because the security stepped between them so that they couldn't make eye contact.

"Who started the fight?" The security guard asked.

"He did," Tristan said.

"That true?" He asked while looking at Michael.

"Naw, it ain't true. This punk ass pussy is the one who started it."

"Alright, boys," he said with a note of frustration. "Since we can't seem to come to an agreement, you're both going to the principal's office."

With Tristan on one side of him and Michael on the other, the security guard led them through the crowd that was still gathered. People turned to watch as the two boys were escorted down the hall, but as the bell rang for second period, the flock of students disassembled and went their separate ways. 

Claudia went her own way as well. But she was too unsettled by the events that had just taken place to do much more than walk along in a kind of a daze.

* * * *

"Wow," Kimi said while looking down at the slip of paper. "This is a totally messed up note." 

"Right?" A deep crease appeared between Claudia's brows as she added, "Who would write something like that?"

"Misty."

"She's not in my English class."

"Well, maybe she had one of her friends do it for her."

"You're right, that's definitely a possibility." Having reached her locker, Claudia maneuvered the combination dial until the shackle clicked open, then slipped her history book inside before slamming the metal compartment shut. 

"Well, we already know that Misty hates you, so clearly she's the most likely suspect. But have you considered that Lucas was the one who started the rumor?"

"No," she said while walking side by side with Kimi. "But now that you mention it, he has been acting sort of funny these past few days."

"In what way?"

"I don't know." "He's just not as friendly as he used to be."

"Hmm. Well considering how relentlessly he's been chasing after you, that's definitely strange."

As they entered the cafeteria, the girls grabbed a plastic tray before entering the food line. They both accepted a chicken pot pie from one of the lunch ladies, and after placing a carton of milk and a bowl of jello on their trays, they headed for a table.

"I don't think Lucas started the rumor," Claudia said as they took their seats and dug into their chicken pot pies. "But *if* he did, I don't understand why he would do such a thing."

"Well, he's probably frustrated that you still haven't given into his advances yet."

"But It's only been three months since the semester started." 

"To a guy like Lucas, three months is a lifetime," Kimi said. "He doesn't come to school to learn, he comes to chase pussy."

This got a faint smirk out of her, but as she caught sight of Lucas walking through the cafeteria doors, her heart involuntary sped up. She instantly hated herself for the reaction of her body, but that didn't stop her from following him with her eyes. As she sat there eating, she began to wonder if he really had been the one to start the rumor, but as she suddenly spotted Misty trailing a few feet behind him, her eyes began to narrow. 

"If looks could kill..."

The sound of Kimi's voice made Claudia avert her attention, and on noticing that she was smiling at her, she asked, "It's that obvious, huh?"

Kimi nodded. "Is Lucas with her?"

"Yep."

"Has he noticed you yet?"

"I don't think so. Why?"

"Because you can tell a lot from a person's expression."

Kimi didn't need to say anything more for Claudia to understand what she meant, and as Lucas and Misty made their way through the grid of cafeteria tables, she continued to watch them. Just as always, they took their seats at a table that was located next to the window. Along with two guys who were wearing hoodies with the school's wrestling team logo, the table was also populated by a girl that Claudia immediately recognized from her English Literature class. 

If Claudia remembered correctly, her name was Megan, and along with being one of the most outgoing people in the class, she was also known for being a shameless gossiper. As Claudia sat there watching her animatedly chat with Misty, she began to wonder if Megan had been responsible for writing the note. But even if she had, someone else was most likely behind the rumor, and that was when her gaze suddenly shifted to Lucas. 

Without a second thought, she rose to her feet, and with a barely audible, "be right back" that was directed at Kimi, she made her way towards the table where Lucas was sitting. As she walked, numerous pairs of eyes followed her. The sound of whispers soon reached her ears and that was when she realized that nearly everyone in the cafeteria was looking her way. 

Rather than give them the satisfaction of knowing that she was nervous, she chose instead to "fake it until she made it." For as long as she could remember, it had been one of her mother's favorite catchphrases, but it wasn't until that particular moment in her life that she suddenly realized why. 

With each step that she took, her confidence seemed to increase, and soon she was walking with shoulders held high and quick, strong steps. She was nearly at the table where Misty and Lucas were seated when they suddenly caught sigh of her, and with both their gazes steadily focused on her, they watched as she continued to approach. As she reached their table, she zeroed in on Lucas, who appeared not only surprised, but a bit thrown off by her sudden presence. 

"We need to talk," she said in a voice that was firm.

"About what?" Misty asked before Lucas could even respond.

"Oh, I think you know." One of her eyebrows rose sharply.

"Oh, you mean about you being a *slut*?" 

The word 'slut' had rolled off Misty's tongue with such ease, Claudia couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. Yet instead of taking the bait, she instead summoned all of her willpower to ignore the degrading remark. 

"Are you going to talk to me or not?" Claudia asked while looking back at Tristan. "The least you could do is give me a response."

"You want to talk, then we can talk," he said, and after rising to a standing position, he allowed her to lead the way. 

As they headed for the cafeteria door, everyone in the lunchroom turned to watch their progress. Although their tones were hushed, Claudia's sensitive ears picked up a lot of what was said, and more than a few words that were spoken about her left her with a biting sting. Once they were out in the hallway, Claudia turned to face Lucas, and utilizing the power of her cat-shaped eyes, she pinned him with an icy stare. 

"So, about this rumor that's going around school..."

"I had nothing to do with it," Lucas blurted out.

"Are you sure about that?" She asked.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Then why do people think that we slept together?" 

"I don't know. Because somebody lied and started to spread it around."

"And you don't know who this somebody is?"

"No, of course not. Why would I?"

Giving him a long, hard gaze, she searched his eyes for any signs that he was being untruthful.

"Look, I didn't say anything about us, okay? So would you please stop staring at me like that?"

The intensity of her gaze slightly lessened, but her lips remained in a hard, straight line.

"If you ask me, I think it was your friend that started the rumor," he said.

"Yeah, right. Like Kimi would do that to me."

"I'm not talking about Kimi. I meant that guy you hang around with. The weird one, that never talks."

"Tristan is a nice person," she said. "He's not the type to do something like this."

"Wasn't his name mentioned in the note, too?"

"Yes."

"Well, maybe he's the one that started all of this."

"It wasn't," she affirmed. "He's a sweet guy with a good heart. Not a malicious liar."

"But I am?"

"I didn't say that."

"You don't have to say it. You bringing me out here to confront me, makes it pretty clear that you think I would do something like that."

"Look, I don't know what to think," she said. "I'm just trying to find out who started this whole rumor."

"Well you can check me off the list, because I had nothing to do with it."

She didn't want to believe him, and it would have made it a hell of a lot easier if she could squash her feelings of attraction and just start hating him. But there was something in his eyes that told her he was telling the truth. 

"Come on, Claudia," he said, and with eyes that visibly softened, he added, "Why would I say something like that about you?"

"I don't know...why does any guy brag about having sex with girls?"

"I don't need to brag about it," he said. "If I have sex with a girl, I just have sex with her. I don't feel the need to go around telling everyone what I did."

"So why do you have this reputation for bedding virgins?" She asked. "If you don't go around bragging on it, why does everyone in school know about what you do?"

"First of all, I don't only go after virgins," he said. "And just so you know, I don't brag about it to the whole school. I might mention it to a couple of close friends, but I don't spread it around."

"So your friends are the culprits," she said.

"That's not what I meant. I'm just saying that if I tell them something, I can't control where the information goes from there."




Lost Girl Ch. 05



"Then wouldn't it better to just not mention anything to your friends at all?" She asked. "Or do you not even consider the feelings of these girls that you sleep with?"

"I care about their feelings," he firmly said.

"But not enough to keep from sharing intimate details with your friends."

"Look, I'm a guy, Claudia. Sometimes we talk to each other about our sexual experiences."

"Right." 

"All guys do it, and if they say they don't, they're lying."

"All right, Lucas." She absentmindedly combed a few fingers through her curls. "Lunch is almost over, so I'm going to finish my meal."

"Claudia, wait." He quickly followed, and after effectively blocking her way through the cafeteria doors, he stared deep into her eyes. "So are we good, now? Because I really want us to be."

As his eyes took on a puppy dog expression, she averted her gaze so that he couldn't pull her in. But when he cradled her chin so that she was forced to look back up at him, her eyes locked with his. 

"I don't know, Lucas. I'm not quite sure where we stand."

"I've been truthful with you, Claudia. I had nothing to do with that note."

"And I believe you," she said.

"Why are we not good, then?"

Claudia's gaze dropped from his, lips pushing out in a soft sigh before she finally rested her eyes back on his handsome face. "I like you, Lucas. But I think It's pretty clear you only want me for one thing."

Lucas only looked at her, allowing a moment of silence to build as he waited for her to continue speaking.

"When I have sex with a guy, I want it to be special. And I want it to be with someone who actually cares for me as a person. Not just because I fulfill some sort of egoic desire."

She could have said a lot more, and for a moment she thought of continuing. But there really wasn't anything more to explain, as she could tell from the look in his eyes that he completely got what she was saying. 

"I'm not gonna lie, Claudia. The idea of you being a virgin does turn me on, and yes I do want to be your first. But these past three months, I've developed some feelings for you."

"Feelings?" 

"Yes. And not just lustful feelings, but the sort of feelings that make me want to get to know you better. In a non sexual way."

To this, Claudia only offered a look that didn't just suggest skepticism, but screamed it.

"Look, you don't have to believe me," he said, "but I'm telling the truth here. You're a different kind of a girl, and I like that about you. Ever since I first saw you that day in the parking lot of the Kwik Stop, I felt like there was something special about you."

"Please don't feed me lines," she said. 

"It's not a line," he rebutted. "Now will you please just be quiet and hear me out?"

She did fall silent, but regarded him with a look that indicated her surprise at the assertiveness in his voice.

"I like you, Claudia. A lot. And I would *love* to have sex with you. But if you aren't ready to go all the way, I'd be more than willing to wait." 

Having heard, yet finding it difficult to believe that he'd actually spoken those words, Claudia blinked a few times before finally responding.

"Okay. Well I hear what you're saying and everything, but the thing is, you're still dating Misty. So it sort of makes it impossible for this thing between us to go any further." 

"We're not dating," he rebutted. "We're just casually seeing each other."

"Define casual," she said.

Lucas's stance slightly changed as he shifted from one foot to the other, and with both hands stuffed into the pockets of his jeans, he elaborated. "We're physically involved, but we don't have a commitment to one another." 

The arch of Claudia's eyebrows indicated for him to continue.

"She's free to hang out and date other people, and so am I."

"Besides Misty, are you seeing anyone else?"

"No, I'm not."

Silence ensued while Claudia contemplated the conversation they'd just had, but as Lucas reached out to brush a coiled lock away from her forehead, her thoughts were suddenly broken. 

"So what's up?" He asked while leaning in closer. "Think you'd be willing to give me a chance to hang out with you sometime?" 

"I don't know, maybe," she said with a shrug. "We'll see how it goes."

"Come on, Claudia." His breath fanned her cheek, eyes darkening with an almost hungry look. "I like you, and you like me, so what's the problem?"

"I'm just not sure if It's a good idea to get involved with you," she said. "I don't think I'm at a point in my life where I can handle something like this right now."

"But all we'd be doing is hanging out," he said. "No sex involved, I promise."

She did her best to keep still as Lucas drew closer, but the heat from his body was making her heart pump faster.

"There's a lot of other stuff we could do beside have sex, you know." As the words left his mouth, Lucas's gaze dipped down to her lips, as if considering the possibility of tasting them. "Certain things that we could try out...things that would make the both of us feel really good."

Claudia thought of saying something in return, but the way he stared unblinking into her eyes made her mind go foggy with lust. She could have made a go at repressing her feelings, but her willpower was dust on the floor, not to mention the fact that she was subconsciously leaning in toward him. And yet still, it seemed as if he was continually finding a way to gradually erase the inches between them. 

"I can be pretty creative when it comes to that type of thing," he said. 

"What thing?" Having lost herself in the woodsy scent of his cologne, she was finding it difficult to concentrate on anything else.

"Finding different ways to pleasure a woman." With her back now against the wall that was behind her, he had effectively pinned her in, and was ready to make the next move. "Would you like for me to demonstrate one of them?"

Her mouth went dry, and instead of pumping, her heart literally pounded in her chest. But as she realized that his eyes were still hooked to her mouth, she immediately sensed what he was preparing to do. He breathed deep, nostrils flaring before softening again, and as he tilted her chin upward, she unconsciously parted her lips.

Lucas leaned in slowly, allowing her to feel the heat of his breath. His palm came down to cradle her waist, face moving even closer until she could see every individual lash in his eyelids. But it was the sudden press of her palm against his chest that broke the powerful tension which had been building. 

"You don't wanna kiss me?" His brows scrunched together, lips pressing tight with disappointment.

"No, It's not that," she said. "I just don't think we should be doing it right here." Her eyes darted towards the cafeteria door, as if expecting Misty to bust through it at any moment.

"Then where?" He asked. "We both want it right now, so what's the use of waiting?"

She didn't have one rebuttal to give in return, so this time as his chest pressed forward, she lowered her outstretched palm. But with the breaking down of one barrier, immediately came the attempted creation of another. 

*What are you doing?* A voice inside of her screamed. *You're actually going to let him kiss you?*

Damn right I am, she wanted to say back to the voice, but all she could focus on was how warm Lucas's breath felt against her mouth. Their breathing seemed to deepen at the very same moment, and as their lips came together, a moan bubbled from her throat. Their lips moved slowly, savoring the taste and texture of each other's tongues.

She felt his arms encircle her waist so that she was enveloped in his hold, and as her palm came up to cradle the back of his head, their kiss deepened even further. Clearly hungering for more, Lucas allowed his hips to brush with hers, and that was when she felt his erection. Even through the fabric of his jeans, she could tell how solid and thick it was, and that was when a torturous desire ripped straight through her body.

As their kissing intensified, she knew that the time had come for her to pull away, but since there was a wall behind her, she was unable to disengage herself from Lucas's arms and separate her lower half from his. 

Perhaps it was just as well, however, because the feel of his hardness was making her vaginal muscles tense in the most delicious way. It took some time for it to happen, but they finally managed to run out of breath, and with lips smacking wetly, they finally pulled away.

"Wow," he said. 

"Yeah."

"That was really nice." 

"Uh-huh," she breathlessly replied.

They stood there for a few more moments before Lucas leaned in for another taste of her mouth, but Claudia stopped him with a gentle push against the chest.

"Something wrong?" He asked.

"No," she said. "I just think we should be getting back to the cafeteria. We've been gone for a pretty long time."

"Okay." As if suddenly realizing that the bulge beneath his jeans was pressing against her center, he took a few steps backward. "Sorry if I seem aggressive. I've just been waiting so long to kiss you."

His calloused fingers reached out for her smooth brown ones, but before he could pull her closer, she slowly backed away until the link of their fingers was broken.

"I have to go," she said in a firm voice. "See you later."

She started away from him, only to find herself halted by the sound of his voice calling out to her. 

"Claudia?"

"Yeah?" She asked while turning around to face him. 

"Thanks."

"For what?" 

"Believing me."

She nodded faintly, and with the feel of his gaze still on her, she turned and headed through the cafeteria doors.



Lost Girl Ch. 06



 No sexual interaction will take place until the characters turn 18 years old. 

*****

It was a strong, sulfur like smell that roused Tristan from sleep that Saturday morning, enveloping him with a scent that was similar to an overheating transformer. If he hadn't been born with the second sight, he may have assumed that an electrical short had occurred, but his powers of clairalience told him that the smell had been produced by a visitor who was an otherworldly being. 

Along with being distinctive, the smell was so overpowering that he crinkled his nostrils in an attempt to block it out, and after throwing his legs over the side of the mattress, he slipped into a pair of jeans and a white ribbed tank top.

No longer foggy with sleep but sharp and alert, he was attuned to the energy that surrounded him. His ears perked up, listening for even the slightest sound of movement, but the house was completely still, devoid of any noise except for the creaking of the hardwood floor as he padded across it. 

He entered the modestly sized kitchen to see that there was a man sitting at the kitchen table, but since the stranger's back was facing him, Tristan was unable to make out his face. He did, however, notice that the man had his hair tied back in a long braid that stretched halfway down his back. 

"Who are you?" Tristan called out to him. "And why are you here?"

"My name is Ahanu," the man replied. "And I'm your spiritual guide."

"I'm not interested in being guided," Tristan firmly said. "I just want to be left alone."

"So you'd rather suffer by yourself, rather than receive assistance from someone who understands you?"

"Nobody understands me."

"I do."

No longer just curious, but thoroughly intrigued as to what the man's face looked like, Tristan slowly approached him from behind. Judging from the energy that Tristan was picking up, Ahanu had nothing but good intentions. But it wasn't until his gaze came to rest on the smooth, unwrinkled face of the visitor, that he undoubtedly knew the man sitting before him was not of the physical world.

"You're dead," Tristan stated.

A faint smirk tugged at the corners of Ahanu's lips, and with hands clasped on the table in front of him, he spoke in a voice that was both low and smooth. "I may cease to exist in this dimension, but I am very much alive in another."

"Okay." Tristan's gaze focused on the man's eyes, which gleamed with both kindness and a sharp intelligence. "But who are you, really?"

"I told you, I'm a spiritual guide."

"Why did you come?"

"To offer assistance."

"You're seventeen years late," Tristan said. "What took you so long?"

"I was waiting for the right time," he said.

"The right time..." As his voice trailed off, annoyance spread across his face.

"That's right. Everything and everyone has a particular time, and yours is now." 

There was something about the way that Ahanu had spoken the words which filled Tristan with a kind of nervous excitement. For the first time in his life, it felt as if he actually had a purpose, and somewhere deep inside of him, a tiny sliver of hope bloomed. 

Along with a cleft that graced his chin, Tristan noticed that Ahanu had a crescent shaped scar on the side of his jaw, but it was the raised, welt-like marks that covered his left arm that really captured his attention. From what Tristan could tell, the scars had been produced by a whip, and seemed to stretch further upwards past the hem of his T-shirt sleeve. But he didn't have long to ponder that thought, because Ahanu's voice suddenly broke through his concentration. 

"You're wondering how I got the scars."

Allowing his eyes to drift upward, Tristan saw that the man was giving him a knowing smile. 

"How *did* you get them?" Tristan asked.

"If you sit down and talk with me, I'll tell you."

Rather than engage in conversation, Tristan wanted to be left alone, but he couldn't deny his overwhelming curiosity to hear the story behind Ahanu's scars. 

"You might want to get your breakfast from the stove, first," he said as Tristan pulled out a chair. "It's getting cold."

Allowing his eyes to drift towards the stove, Tristan saw there was a breakfast plate being kept warm beneath a layer of tinfoil, and on closer inspection, he realized there was a note resting on top of it. After unfolding the slip of paper, he began to read:

~ Good morning, my heart,

Your father and I went into Kalispell for the day with Mona and Big John. We should be back by six, but if you need anything at all, you can always go to your Uncle Henry's. See you this evening.

Love, 

mom and dad ~

Tristan tore the foil off of his breakfast plate, and after pouring himself a mason jar full of milk, he carried his meal over to the kitchen table, where Ahanu sat patiently waiting. Lowering his eyes to his food, Tristan sliced into the chunk of boiled beef heart that was on his plate, and after wrapping it in a hunk of sweet bread, he took a generous bite. 

"You need to learn how to balance yourself, Tristan," Ahanu said while steadily gazing at the younger man. "You must capture the unwanted energy you receive, and direct it somewhere else."

"I don't know how," Tristan said while lightly furrowing his brows. "Isn't it obvious?"

"You do know how," Ahanu rebutted. "You just aren't fully utilizing your gifts."

"Why does everybody call it a gift?" he asked. "All it does is make my life a living hell."

"It's only a curse if you choose to make it one. The way that you use it, is entirely up to you."

"So I guess I choose to see those shadow people that follow me around everywhere. And It's entirely free will that I sometimes get these really messed up feelings that something bad is about to happen but I don't know what it is, so I can do absolutely nothing to stop it. That's all my choice, right?"

"The fact that those things happen may be entirely out of your control, but It's up to you whether or not you allow it to affect your mood."

Rather than provide comfort, the words only served to further the frustration that Tristan felt. But after so many years of being alone and left to deal with unanswered questions, he was eager to get an opinion on a particular ability that was one of the more unusual he possessed. 

"There's something I've been wondering about, and I need your opinion on it."

"Okay."

"There's this thing I can do...I don't know what to call it, exactly, but it involves bending people's will."

With palms still clasped on the table in front of him, Ahanu leaned forward slightly while keeping his gaze focused on Tristan. "What exactly do you mean by bending people's will?"

"Well, I've learned that I can get people's attention by sending my thoughts and feelings out to them in an energy ball. I also discovered that I can affect the moods and decisions of those around me."

"Sending thoughts and feelings are perfectly fine, as long as It's done with good intent. But changing people's moods and altering their decisions is dangerous territory," Ahanu said. "Unless you fully understand what you're doing, I strongly suggest you not go further down that road." 

"I don't do it regularly or anything," Tristan said with a note of defensiveness. "I only tried it out a few times to see how easily it could be done."

"And what were your results?" 

"With a lot of effort and a serious amount of concentration, I got a few people to change the direction of their thoughts so that they aligned with my own."

"And how did you feel once you'd finished manipulating your victims minds?"

"Victims?" A deep crease formed between his brows. "The way you say it, makes it seem like I gained pleasure from doing it."

"Whether or not you did is your business, Tristan. But the point still stands that you victimized someone." 

"Well, yeah...but not with the intent of being evil." 

"So it was done out of good will?" 

The room grew still as Tristan suddenly fell quiet, but it was the way he dropped his eyes from Anahu's that conveyed how ashamed he felt. 

"The reason I'm grilling you on this, is so you fully understand how wrong it is to manipulate people's minds. Not only is it unethical, but by misusing your gifts, it can encourage all sorts of negative energy to be funneled your way."

"Okay." He took a swallow of milk from the mason jar that was in front of him, then set it back on the table before cradling the glass in his palms. 

"So, back to my earlier question," Anahu said while allowing his eyes to once again soften. "How did you feel once you'd finishing manipulating your victims minds?" 

"Horrible. It was like having a headache, only ten times worse than any migraine I'd ever had before. And the guilt just ate away at me." 

"So you learned that abusing your gifts comes with serious consequences." 

He nodded. 

"That's good," Ahanu said. "You should never manipulate a person's energy level unless It's for a good cause."

"What about all those funky vibes I pick up at school?" Tristan asked. "Would that be a valid excuse for manipulating energy fields?"

"Sure."

"And how exactly would I go about doing that?" 

"Well, one way is through meditation. There are also some grounding and shielding techniques I can teach you that will deflect any harmful vibes that come your way."

"I've tried shielding myself before, but it never works."

"It does if you regularly practice."

"Alright." He stuck his fork into a chunk of beef heart and popped it into his mouth before continuing on. "And what about those shadow things? Why do they show up in places where I hang out?" 

"Because you have energy they want to steal," Ahanu said. "They know that you have special abilities and they feed off of that. So by following you around, they're attempting to leech off of your energy field."

"What can I do to block them?"

"Once again, it all comes back to shielding. It's a powerful technique that you really need to master."

Tristan nodded and drank the rest of his milk before pushing the mason jar aside. 

"So aside from shielding and grounding myself, what else can you teach me?"

"In regards to defense techniques?"

"Or anything else." Rather than hint, his eyes directly encouraged the man to share more of his knowledge.

"Everything you need to know is already within you," he said. "The Creator has blessed you with these gifts, now it is time for you to learn how to control and develop them."

A faraway look came into Tristan's eyes as he contemplated Ahanu's words, which not only seemed to implore, but insist that he take heed and get serious about cultivating his skills.

"You and I are not so different, Tristan," Ahanu said. "Just like you, I once had to learn to master my energy so that it could be directed in a useful way." 

"And what if I don't direct it in a useful way?" he asked.

As if deeply considering the words that Tristan had spoken, Ahanu allowed a long stretch of silence to pass between them. He gazed steadily at the younger man with a look which was both thoughtful and curious, then eased out a soft breath before preceding with some words. 

"Whatever you choose to do, or not do with your gifts is ultimately up to you, Tristan. But I think you know deep down that wasting your abilities would be a terrible shame." 

Tristan sat there for a few moments considering the words that had been spoken, but as his gaze came to rest on the empty placemat in front of Ahanu, it suddenly occurred to him that he had failed to offer his visitor a drink.

"You want some coffee?" He asked. "It'll only take me a minute to boil some up."

"I don't drink coffee. I'm dead, remember?

"Oh, right." A faint smile touched Tristan's lips as he grabbed his empty cup and rose to his feet. "Back in a bit. Just going to get a refill of milk."

After filling his cup, he put the carton back in the fridge, but before heading back to the table, he paused to take a sip from his cup. It was so cold and fresh tasting that he stood there for a moment, lightly sipping from his glass as he stared out of the kitchen window.

"So what happens if you drink coffee?" Tristan casually asked. "Does it just go straight through you, or what?"

"Your guess is as good as mine," Ahanu responded.

He lightly chuckled and took another sip of milk, but as a cold draft suddenly blew right past him, he immediately stopped drinking from his glass.

"Remember what I said, Tristan," Ahanu's voice called out from right behind him. "Everything you need to know is already within you." 

Completely caught off guard, Tristan did a quick 180. But on realizing that Ahanu was nowhere in sight, his shoulders sagged with disappointment. 

"You didn't even tell me how you got that scar."

His voice sounded pathetically lonely even to his own ears, and with the sulfur like scent of electricity still in his nostrils, he walked out of the empty kitchen.

* * * *

While Tristan was discussing psychic shielding techniques with a dead man, Claudia was browsing the makeup aisle of a drugstore with Kimi. Having always been indecisive, she was currently in the throes of deciding between two different eyeshadows. It took a few moments of going back and forth before she finally turned to Kimi, who was checking out a display stand of liquid eyeliners.

"I can't decide, Claudia said while holding out the eyeshadows for Kimi to see. "Which one do you think would look better on me?" 

Kimi's eyes drifted from one to the other a few times, then to Claudia's face before she finally gave her opinion. "I think you should go with Espresso for the crease of your eyelid. But under the brow bone, I would apply a bit of the Silvery Satin."

"I never thought of using them both at the same time, but now that you mention it, I can see how they would complement each other." 

Having decided on a gel eyeliner rather than a liquid one, Kimi moved further down the aisle so that she could scan the shelves of lipstick. 

"So, I've been meaning to ask you about Tristan," Claudia said as she followed her friend down the aisle. 

"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you," Kimi said while grabbing a sample lipstick from the shelf and testing it against the back of her hand. "He asked for my phone number yesterday in history class."

"Oh yeah?" A smile bloomed across Claudia's face. "Wow, well good for him. I'm glad he finally worked up the courage."

"It was totally cute the way that he did it," she said. "You should have seen how nervous he was." 

"I can imagine." 

"And did you know that he can sign?"

"I did not," Claudia lied. "But that's very cool."

"Kinda wacky how all three of us just happen to know sign language, huh? Along with you, him, and my brother, we could form our own little ASL clique."

"Yeah, pretty funny how that worked out." She grabbed a tube of berry colored lip gloss off the shelf before adding, "So now that you two are officially talking, I guess It'll only be a matter of time before I become the third wheel."

"No way. First off, we're only *talking* to each other, not going out. And even if it does get to the point of us dating, you and I will still hang out and do things together."

"I was only joking," Claudia said with a smile. "And just so you know, I'm totally cool with the fact that you and Tristan are getting together. I know he's wanted this for awhile, so it makes me happy that things are working out for him."

"We'll see how it goes," she replied. "He's not the type I usually go for, so I'm kind of uncertain if we'll even click."

"Maybe that's a good thing," Claudia said. "Changing things up and getting with someone different will take you out of your comfort zone."

Having reached the end of the makeup aisle, the girls headed for the section of the store where they sold snacks. They each grabbed a soda from the beverage cooler before picking out a bag of Cheetos and a few candy bars, but before they could make it to the checkout aisle, Claudia grabbed Kimi's arm, forcing her to a halt. 

"Oh my God. He's here."

"Who's here?" Kimi's gaze darted around before finally coming to rest on Lucas, who was standing in an aisle directly across from them. "Oh, you mean *him.*"

In an effort to remain unseen, Claudia tugged Kimi's hand to pull her along, but it seemed that Kimi wasn't so eager to leave, because she remained firmly rooted to the spot. 

"You don't want to talk to him?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"I don't know." Claudia stuffed her hands into her leopard print jacket before continuing. "Guess I just feel kind of awkward...you know, now that we've kissed."

"So because you swapped spit, that means you can no longer speak to him?"

"I didn't say that." 

"Don't be silly, Claudia. He's standing right there. You *have* to talk to him. "

"Why? It's not a rule that you have to talk to someone after kissing them."

Kimi rolled her eyes, then lightly shook her head before taking another glance at Lucas. "If you don't want to talk to him, then fine. But I'm going over there to ask him for a ride home."

"Kimi, no."

"You mean you'd rather walk? It's like thirty degrees outside."

Unable to offer a rebuttal, Claudia could only stand there in silence before finally uttering an, "All right."

As if preparing to tell a secret, Kimi suddenly leaned in close, and in a lowered tone of voice she said, "You really have to start using your feminine power, Claudia."

"Okay..." Rather than hold her friend's gaze, she chose instead to avert her eyes to Lucas, who was currently tossing a bottle of what seemed to be shampoo into his basket. 

"He wants to have sex with you," Kimi said while shifting her gaze so that it followed Claudia's. "Which means he will do *anything* you ask him."

"But I don't really want him to do anything for me," she said. "Because then he'll just expect me to give him sex in return."

"Well he might *expect* it," Kimi said. "But that doesn't mean that you have to actually give it to him." 

"So you're saying I should string him along."

"No. I'm saying you should take advantage of the fact that he wants to get with you. You know a guy who has a *car,* which means there is absolutely no reason why you should ever have to walk around this reservation again."

Although it should have already been obvious to Claudia, she was only just beginning to understand what using her feminine power was all about. It was almost as if a light bulb had gone off over her head, and as her eyes locked with Kimi's, a smile slowly began to spread across her face.

"You get what I'm saying now, don't you?" Kimi asked with a sly smile of her own.

The nod that Claudia gave confirmed that she did.

"So, let's go ask him for a ride." She gently nudged Claudia forward before following on her heels.

They were only halfway down the aisle when Lucas suddenly spotted them, shifting his gaze back and forth from one girl to the other before deciding to focus entirely on Claudia. As they came to a stop in front of him, his eyes drifted past her leopard print velvet coat to take in the form fitting tunic that she wore, but it was her skin tight leggings that captured his gaze and held it hostage for several long moments.

"Hi, Lucas." 

"Hey, Claudia. How's it going?"

"Pretty good." She brushed a curly lock away from her face, tucking it behind her ear before launching into her request. "Kimi and I were just about to walk home but we noticed you shopping, so we thought we'd stop and ask if you could give us a lift back to my place.

"Oh yeah, sure. No problem." 

"Great." A wide smile crossed Claudia's face, and after exchanging a pleased look with Kimi, she followed alongside Lucas. 

Rather than engage in small talk, they only exchanged flirtatious looks, but it was the way they walked closely together and in near perfect step, that made it glaringly obvious how into each other they were.




Lost Girl Ch. 06



Although Kimi was walking behind them, Claudia could sense that she was watching her and Lucas intently, and on turning her head to see if her suspicions were right, she noticed Kimi break out into a smirk. Just briefly, she broke out into one as well, then averted her attention so that her gaze was focused straight ahead.

After paying for their items, they all made their way into the parking lot, where Lucas led them toward his old Chevy pickup truck. Since they were approaching it from behind, Claudia was given the opportunity to check out the bumper, which was adorned with a THUNDER RADIO 107.5 sticker, as well as one which proclaimed, PROUD TO BE A FULL BLOODED NDN. But it was the, MY KID CAN KICK YOUR HONOR STUDENT'S ASS bumper sticker that brought a smirk to her lips. 

She guessed that Lucas had followed her line of sight, because as she looked at his face, she noticed that he was wearing a smile of his own.

"My dad is the one who put that sticker on the car," he said. "Guess you could say he's always had a rude sense of humor." 

"I guess he wouldn't be a fan of me, then," Claudia said.

"You're an honor student?"

She nodded, smile widening at the embarrassed look that began to spread across his face.

"Oh, wow." His lips immediately pulled into a straight line. "That's a little embarrassing."

"It's all right, I'm not offended. I actually think the sticker is pretty funny."

Clearly relieved, Lucas once again smiled, then unlocked the passenger side door so that Kimi could climb into the narrow cab behind the passenger seat, followed by Claudia, who was riding shotgun. Once she was comfortably seated, he closed the door behind her, then walked around to the driver's side and slid behind the wheel. 

"Why do you have a rifle back here?" Kimi's voice suddenly called out.

"Because I went hunting earlier this morning," Lucas said as he turned the key in the ignition. "And It's loaded, so don't touch it."

"You always carry around a gun?"

"Just on the days that I go hunting." 

"Are you licensed to carry it?"

"Of course not. I'm only seventeen years old."

"So you're breaking the law." Lucas pushed out a frustrated sigh, and as his eyes met Kimi's in the rearview mirror, deep furrows spread across his forehead. "It's really none of your business if I choose to carry a gun in my own car, so can you please get off my back?"

"Look, normally I wouldn't care. But if you're going to be driving around Claudia, I really th-"

"It's okay, Kimi," Claudia suddenly interjected. "Really, It's not a huge deal to me."

"You see? She doesn't mind." No longer staring, but openly glaring at Kimi in the rearview mirror, Lucas shot her a triumphant look. 

"Just trying to look out for my friend," she snappily rebutted.

"And I appreciate it, Kimi. I really do." Claudia maneuvered her head so that she could offer her friend a smile, and after receiving one in return, she shifted her gaze back to Lucas. "My house Isn't far from here. Just turn out of the parking lot and keep going straight for six blocks until you hit Shiloh road."

Lucas nodded, put the car into drive and maneuvered it out of the parking lot, then took off down the treeless street, which was lined with little more than run-down bars, tiny cafes, and seedy motels with retro-style signs.

As they were traveling along, Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" drifted through the car's speakers, providing an appropriate soundtrack to the dismally cloudy day. Yet although it was cold and grey outside, Claudia was filled with a warm glow that didn't just course through her body, but also seemed to flow through her veins. 

Every now and again she would sneak a look at Lucas's face, unabashedly allowing her eyes to drift from his high-bridged nose down to his well-defined jawline. He exuded such a powerful masculinity that she couldn't help but admire him, and unconsciously, angled her body so that it was leaning in his direction. 

After traveling six blocks, Lucas turned onto the street where Claudia lived, then pulled into the driveway of her clapboard frame house. Even before he put the car in park, Kimi was unbuckling her seatbelt and gathering the shopping bag which contained the items she'd purchased from the drugstore. But Claudia couldn't have been any less eager to get out of the car.

If the look in Lucas's eyes was anything to judge by, he felt exactly the same as she did, and with thumbs brushing against the grooves of the Chevy's steering wheel, he gave her a soft smile.

"I guess I'll see you later," he said.

"Yep. See you at school on Monday." 

Claudia grasped the handle of the door and gave it a tug so that she could get out, but as the door remained firmly shut, she realized it would take a bit of elbow grease to get it open. Her second attempt, however, proved just as fruitless as the first, and that was when Lucas offered some assistance. 

"Sorry about that," he said while leaning across her. "This door has always been a bit tricky to get open."

With his palm firmly clasping the handle, he pressed down on the lever so that that door would open. But instead of releasing the locking mechanism, the chrome handle broke free from the interior door panel. A loud giggle erupted from Kimi's mouth, causing Lucas's face to go red. 

Slightly amused, yet at the same time embarrassed for him, Claudia could only give him a sympathetic smile. His lips barely managed to curl upward in return, and after placing the door handle into the passenger door pocket, he got out of the car and came around to Claudia's side. 

After opening the door from the outside, he held out his hand for Claudia to take so that he could assist her in climbing down from the cab of the pickup truck. He then flipped the passenger seat forward so that Kimi could climb out, and once she was out of the car as well, he turned to face Claudia. 

"So we'll see each other Monday," Lucas said.

"Yep."

A few beats passed, then several more, but neither Claudia nor Lucas gave any signs of budging from their spot. 

"It was good seeing you again," he added.

"You too," Claudia replied, and as she stared into his eyes, she immediately took note of the way that they drifted to her lips.

Almost immediately, a warmth began to envelop her chest, slowly moving downward to her torso before finally coming to settle in her pelvic region. She didn't know what it was about his stare that got her so turned on, but the way he was hungrily eyeing her lips made it seem as if they were a snack that he wanted to devour. It took the sound of Kimi clearing her throat to remind her that she and Lucas were not alone, and with great reluctance, she turned her head to look behind her. 

"I'm just gonna go wait on the porch," Kimi said while slowly backing away from them. 

"Wait. I'll give you the keys to the house." Claudia pulled them out of her coat pocket and tossed them in Kimi's direction. 

"Okay. See you in a bit," she said to Claudia before turning her gaze on Lucas. "Thanks for the ride."

"No problem."

As soon as Kimi's back was turned, Lucas grabbed hold of Claudia's hand, and with him leading the way, she was coaxed around to the other side of his Chevy pickup. From the moment he pinned her up against the driver's side door, she was rendered helpless, like a rabbit who had been cornered by a prey that wasn't just hungry, but completely famished and desperate to receive its nourishment. 

With the truck serving as a partition, they were finally able to share the kiss they were so desiring, but as Lucas dug his fingers into Claudia's waist, she realized he was keen to do more than simply kiss. 

"You almost look scared," he said while gazing into her deep brown eyes. "Do I make you that nervous?"

"No." 

While it wasn't exactly a lie, it wasn't entirely the truth, either, but she had little time to focus on how quickly her heart was beating, because one of his hands came up to glide through her hair. Slowly, and with a tenderness that made her breaths grow short, he slid his fingers in deeper until they were lost in her mass of curls. 

He leaned in closer so that the scent of her hair invaded his nostrils, and as a pleased murmur fell from his lips, she felt the hand that was still on her waist begin to slowly move towards the small of her back. 

"It's so nice to be able to touch you again." His eyes stared deep into hers, as if imploring her to get lost in his gaze. "Your hair is so soft...smells good, too."

Gradually, and with more languidness that she would have liked, Lucas moved his face closer to hers. Utilizing the hand that was still fisted in her hair, he gently craned her neck backward until her mouth was pointing towards his. 

Already tingling in anticipation, Claudia's lips pushed out in a gentle pout. Impatiently, she waited for him to make his next move, but as his eyes zoned in on the pulse point of her neck, she realized that his lips were headed elsewhere. 

Her eyelashes fluttered as his breath touched her throat, chest tightening as he placed his lips against her ever-quickening pulse. Her heart lurched at the sensation of his warm, wet tongue, and her hands lifted to grab onto his wide, manly shoulders. A hot gasp was pushed from her throat as he softly suckled the sensitive skin, lips and tongue caressing her neck with deliciously drawn-out kisses. 

Then suddenly his mouth pulled back, but as it came into alignment with her lips, she felt her breath hitch. While his lips were even softer than she remembered, his tongue was stiff and probing, stroking against her own wet muscle with a rhythm that left her wet and wanting. He tasted of mint, mostly. But underneath that, there was a slightly smoky flavor which reminded her of beef jerky. 

Needing something to latch onto, Claudia clung to the collar of his flannel jacket and drew him even closer. This resulted in Lucas's body pressing flush against her own, and with a grunt of appreciation, he pressed his hips against her.

A moan tumbled from her lips at the delicious friction that his crotch had created, and for a moment she was tempted to let him take things a little further, but she knew how easy it would be for him to get the wrong message. So with palms pressed firmly against his solid chest, she gently pushed him away. 

Their tongues parted first, then lips before Claudia finally managed to take in a breath of air. Her lips were shiny and swollen and her ragged pants filled the air around them, but her shortness of breath was clearly of little concern to Lucas, because he immediately leaned in for a second helping of her lips.

"Give me more," Lucas groaned while steadily bringing his mouth in line with hers, but his attempt was promptly thwarted by Claudia pressing two fingers against his lips.

"You want more, you'll have to wait," she said in a voice that was soft, yet firm. 

"But why should we wait, if we both want it now?"

"Because It's nice to have something to look forward to," she said, and without speaking another word, she disengaged herself from his grip. 

Lucas, however, wasn't so eager to let her go, and in a move that made her heart beat a little quicker, he pulled her back up against him so that she was held hostage in his arms.

"You can't go yet," He said.

"Why not?"

"Because you haven't given me your number."

"Are you asking for it, or telling me to give it to you?"

"Asking."

"Didn't sound like it."

His lips stretched wide in one of his trademark grins. "Can I get your phone number so I can call you sometime?"

She retrieved a pen from her coat pocket, uncapped it, then scribbled the seven digits across the inside of his wrist. "Are you busy tonight?" He asked.

"Yep. I'll be hanging out with Kimi."

"Alright." His left hand was still lost in her hair, the pads of his fingers moving from her scalp and down the length of her locks before finally brushing against the ends of her soft curls. "Well, maybe I'll give you a call anyways. Just to say hello."  

"Okay."

His gaze drifted from her eyes to her thoroughly suckled lips, and then back again before he finally eased a gentle sigh through his nostrils. "You really know how to get me worked up, don't you?"

Claudia's back lightly arched as his palms came down to cradle her firm, rounded bottom, and for a moment she found herself wondering what it would feel like to have his hands touching her in more intimate places. There was strength in those broad hands of his, she could tell just by the way that he held her. But it was the look of raw desire in his eyes that made her tense against him. 

"I'd better go," she said in a voice that was just as husky as it was soft.

"All right," Lucas said, yet instead of loosening his grip and allowing her to walk away, his hands only held on tighter, as if purposely contradicting the words he had just spoken. "One question, first, though."

"Yeah?"

"Well, you already know hard I am..." His breath fanned against her cheek, eyes taking on a primal expression as he angled his hips so that she could feel the full length of his hard-on. "So I think It's only fair that I find out if you're truly as wet as I think you are." 

"What makes you think I'm wet at all?" 

"Because I'm a keen observer of body language," he said while tracing patterns with his fingertips along the supple mounds of her ass. "And I can always tell what's going on with a woman's body by the way she's responding to my touch."

"You're very sure of yourself, aren't you?" 

"Never had a reason not to be." A cocky smile crossed his lips. "Care to prove me wrong?"

"Think I'll pass on that." This time she didn't just detach herself from his arms, but actually pulled away so that he was left to stand there and watch her walk away. "See you later," she called over her shoulder.

"Yeah. See ya."

As Claudia moved away, she swore she could feel his eyes studying the curves of her backside, but she didn't turn around to check. She had barely reached the porch when the Chevy's old engine rumbled to life, but she never got a chance to watch Lucas back out of the driveway, because the screen door suddenly swung open. With palpable excitement, Kimi pulled her inside, then led her towards Claudia's bedroom, where they both plopped down on the bed. 

"Details," Kimi said while leaning forward in anticipation. "Give them to me."

"There are no details. All we did was kiss."

"Right." Disbelief laced her words. "Then why did he pull you around to the other side of the truck?"

"So we could have privacy."

Rather than respond, Kimi only gave her a crooked smile. 

"What? Why are you giving me that look?"

"Because your lips look all used...but in a good way, of course."

Claudia lowered her gaze so that her lashes settled against her cheeks.

"So, what kind of a kisser is he?"

"A good one," Claudia said.

And as a grin stretched across her face, she prepared to divulge details.



Lost Girl Ch. 07



~ Journal Entry: December 19, 2014

Well, it finally happened. Last night I had sex with Lucas......

Okay, that was kind of a lie because I didn't ACTUALLY have sex with him, but I dreamed that I did. And it was INCREDIBLE!! I remember us trying out all of these different positions, like really crazy ones that they show in Cosmopolitan. And he was saying all of these really dirty things to me. Stuff that would make me blush in real life, but in the dream I was loving it. 

It was so real that I could actually feel every bump and ridge on his penis. Crazy, right??? Almost makes me wonder if that's what it would feel like if we were having sex in real life. But the most unbelievable part of it all, was that I woke up having an orgasm. 

My panties weren't just wet, but COMPLETELY SOAKED. And apparently I was so loud that my mom knocked on my bedroom door to check on me, which was really embarrassing. I felt really happy and refreshed, though. Like, more than I ever have before. 

Anyways, It's going to be kind of awkward seeing him at school today, because all I've thinking about since waking up this morning is that incredibly hot dream. And of course I'll be wondering if he actually looks like how I imagine, or if his real naked body is totally different from what's in my mind. Today is *definitely* not going to be easy to get through. 

But, at least It's the last day before Christmas Break. Two whole weeks with no school. I'm excited!!

Something to remember for today: Lucas CANNOT read your thoughts, so feel free to picture him naked all you want.

Oh God, I am turning into SUCH a pervert.

Until next time....

Claudia ~ 

* * * *

Outfitted with mint green tile walls, the girl's bathroom at Browning High stunk of cigarettes and cheap perfume. Occupied only by Kimi and Claudia, the two girls were parked in front of the bathroom's large mirror, which was adorned with dirty fingertips and mascara smudges. 

While Claudia touched up her foundation with a Kabuki brush, Kimi stripped out of her thick, knitted sweater, which was promptly stuffed into her backpack and exchanged for a low cut top that showed off the curves of her breasts. Rather than keep her eyes focused on her own reflection, Claudia found that her gaze was continually drawn to Kimi's chest, which was depressingly larger than her own. 

"Your boobs are amazing," Claudia said while openly admiring them. "You've got like, actual cleavage."

"Thanks." Kimi smiled and placed her makeup bag on the small ledge that was located in front of the mirror. 

"My breasts have been the same size since tenth grade," Claudia said. "Think I should get a boob job?"

"No way. You don't fully develop until you're 21. And besides, you aren't flat chested or anything, so why would you wanna get fake boobs?"

"Because I want cleavage."

"That's what push up bras are for." Kimi applied a bit of lip gloss to her frosted lips, then smacked her lips together. "I have a couple of extra ones at my house I can give you if you want to try them out."

"That'd be great," Claudia said. 

She was just recapping her makeup brush when the bathroom door swung open to reveal a group of girls, all of whom were engaged in animated chatter. They swiftly burst out into snickers, however, when they noticed that Claudia and Kimi were standing at the mirror. Shifting her gaze to them, Claudia noticed that several of the girls were whispering to one another, but since they were speaking in Blackfoot, she couldn't understand what they were saying. 

Giving off a sort of energy that screamed "clique", the girls began primping themselves in the mirror while throwing numerous glances at both Kimi and Claudia. Now completely certain that she and Kimi were being gossiped about, Claudia began to stare them down, but this only encouraged them to smirk harder than before. 

Several tense minutes passed before the girls finally walked away from the mirror, and with only a string of giggles left in their wake, they exited the bathroom door and headed out into the hall.

"Were they talking about us?" Claudia asked while turning her gaze back on Kimi's reflection.

"Yep." She retrieved an eyeliner pencil from her makeup bag, then gestured for Claudia to step closer so that she could apply her makeup. 

"What did they say?"

"They called us clitty lickers."

"Seriously?" Faint lines appeared on her forehead as she added, "Why would they say such a thing?"

"Well, probably because It's pretty well known that I had sex with a girl. And since you hang out with me, I guess they just assume you're into the same thing."

"Oh...okay."

"Does that bother you?"

"What?"

"Having people think that you're into girls."

"No, why should I care? I mean, the entire school already thinks several things about me that aren't true, so what's the harm of one more stupid rumor?"

"Exactly." Kimi tossed the eyeliner pencil into her makeup bag and exchanged it for a small pot of eyeshadow before applying it to Claudia's lids. "So, there's this party happening Saturday night. You wanna go?"

"Who's giving it?" 

"This guy in my history class. He's sort of a jock but totally chill, so he's not one of those meathead losers that thinks they're the total shit."

"Sure, why not?" 

"Awesome. Do you have any cute dresses to wear?"

"A few. But they're all old and I've worn them a bunch of times, so I think I'll sew a new one."

"You know how to sew?"

"Yep."

"Wow, that's totally badass. I wish I could make my own clothes."

"I could teach you sometime if you wanna learn."

"Hell yes," Kimi said. 

With her face now completely made up, Claudia was finally afforded the chance to check herself out in the mirror. Stunned by her own reflection, she spent several moments just staring in silence before she finally found the words that had temporarily escaped her. 

"Oh, wow. You did a fantastic job." She leaned in closer to check out her eyeliner, which accentuated her exotic looking cat-shaped eyes. "You have serious skills, Kimi."

"Thanks. Glad you like it." She zipped up her make-up bag, then slipped it into her backpack before slipping the straps over her shoulders. "I need to stop at my locker before first period. Wanna walk with me?"

"Sure."

Side by side, they made their way out into the hall, but only made it halfway down the corridor before a guy passing in the opposite direction forced a sheet of paper into Kimi's hand. 

"What the heck?" Her face took on a slightly annoyed expression, but as her eyes came to focus on the printed words, her brows rose in interest. "Oh, It's one of those lists.

"What list?" Claudia asked, but as she adjusted her gaze so that it was aimed at the sheet of paper, her attention was promptly captured.

SENIORS - THE TOP 40 

Most Popular: Sinopa Acheson

Best Tits: Misty Yazzie

Best Dressed: Heather Mad Plume

Biggest Flirt: Lucas Good Blanket

Best Kisser: Kimi Eagle Feathers

Best Athlete: Michael Running Wolf

Most Likely To Put Out On The First Date: Claudia Strauss

Most Likely To Be Late: Keith Little Badger

Best Laugh: Wawetseka Reed

Most Likely to Become a Serial Killer: Tristan Whitefeather

Claudia could have continued reading on, but her attention had tapered off after the appearance of Tristan's name. 

"Alright, who the hell voted me "most likely to put out on a first date"? I mean, who exactly is the person that puts together these stupid lists?"

"I have no idea," Kimi said. "But I'm willing to bet that It's one of Misty's friends, because there's now way in hell that *she* has the best tits in school."

"It wasn't enough that somebody wrote that disgusting note about me. Now I'm on an actual list."

"Let them think what they want," Kimi said. "In seven more months we'll be going off to college and leaving all this juvenile bullshit behind us." 

"I can't believe the title they gave Tristan," Claudia said while grabbing the top 40 list from Kimi's hand. "They voted him "most likely to become a serial killer."

"The people who create these lists are really lame," Kimi said as they reached her locker. "It's all about who you know."

"Well I think It's really wrong, and whoever made it should at least have the decency to not spread around lies."

"The word decency and this school *do not* go together. The sooner you learn that, the better off you'll be." Kimi opened her locker and pulled out a few books before shutting it once again. 

They were just turning away from her locker when an athletically built boy in a hooded sweatshirt passed by, and upon spotting Claudia, he purposely slowed down to give her a full-on stare. 

"Hello," he said.

"Hi." Claudia allowed her eyes to briefly meet his too-intent gaze, then promptly turned away so that her attention rested on Kimi. "You ready to go?"

Kimi nodded and followed alongside Claudia, but as soon as they were further down the hallway, she gently nudged her shoulder and gave her a smile.

"Did you see the way he was looking at you?"

"Yeah. What the heck was that all about?"

"He was flirting."

"It's only because of that list," Claudia said. "I've passed him in the halls plenty of times before, and he never gave me a second look."

"Except now he thinks you're easy, so he's deemed you worthy of speaking to."

"Oh, God. I knew this list was going to cause me trouble."

"Cheer up, girl." Kimi wrapped an arm around Claudia's shoulder. "It's the last day of school before Christmas break, and we have two glorious weeks of freedom ahead of us."'

"You're right. I do need to chill."

"Chilling is always good," Kimi responded, and with Claudia by her side, continued down the hallway. 

* * * *

Claudia entered the house first, followed by Kimi, who headed straight for the kitchen where she retrieved two bottles of water from the refrigerator. After passing one to Claudia, she unscrewed the top and took a long sip, then took off her backpack and tossed her jacket onto the floor beside it.

"It's really quiet in here. You sure your mom is home?" Kimi asked.

"She has to be. I saw her station wagon, as well as Big John's Chevy Blazer parked outside, so that means they're both here."

"They must be in the bedroom."

"Yep. When they're not out here eating, they're in the back getting it on with each other."

"Oh my God, how funny."

"Not really, It's totally gross."

"So you really think they're having sex right now?" Kimi's eyes took on a naughty gleam. 

"Yes, and I know exactly what you're thinking, so don't even *think* about doing it."

A grin stretched across Kimi's face. "Why not?" 

"Because It's an invasion of privacy."

"And...?"

Claudia's lips tugged into a smile. "You are *so* bad."

"It's the only way I know how to be." Her grin stretched even wider. 

"Why do you wanna hear them do it anyways?"

"Because it would be funny...."

Claudia arched her brows, but didn't say a word in return. 

"And because I think Big John is sorta hot," Kimi continued.

"You have a crush on him?"

"Kind of."

"Kimi, he's nearly forty."

"So?"

"He's old enough to be your father."

"Mmm. That makes it even more of a turn on."

"Oh, gross. Don't say anything more." 

"Oh please, like you don't think he's hot, too."

"Well sure, he's handsome," Claudia admitted. "But he's my *mom's* boyfriend."

"That doesn't mean you can't fantasize about him."

"No thanks. The only person I think about in that way is Lucas."

"Hmmm." A thoughtful look crossed Kimi's face as she leaned against the counter. "I wonder if Big John is big *everywhere*."

Claudia promptly spit out the water she had been drinking, took a few harsh gasps, then finally managed to push out the laughter that had been trying to escape.

"Kimi!"

"What? Like you haven't thought about it before." 

"Actually, I haven't."

"Liar."

"Seriously..." 

Claudia coughed a few times to clear the remaining liquid out of her windpipe, then grabbed a few napkins from the holder on top of the microwave. But when she turned back around to face Kimi, all that greeted her was an empty space. She walked out of the kitchen and made a beeline for the hallway, where she promptly spotted her friend standing outside of Mona's closed bedroom door. 

"Kimi, no." Her voice came out as a loud whisper, and with quick, but light steps, she moved quietly across the hardwood floor. 

As soon as she reached Kimi, Claudia did her best to pull her away. But Kimi was firmly rooted to the spot, and with an ear cupped against the door, she continued to eavesdrop. To Claudia's horror, the creaking of bedsprings and hoarse pants could clearly be heard through the wooden barrier. 

Completely sickened by the visuals that unwillingly sprung into her mind, she lifted a brow at Kimi and shook her head. Then utilizing every bit of strength that she had, Claudia forcibly pulled at Kimi's arm so that she was guided down the hallway and back into the kitchen.

"You are the biggest perv ever," Claudia said. "They might have heard you!"

"I doubt it," she said through laughter. "Did you hear how loud they were going at it?"

"Please, don't remind me." As if hoping that sugar would erase her memory, Claudia grabbed a bag of M&M's from the cabinet, and after taking a handful, passed the bag to Kimi. "So, what time does this party start tomorrow?"

"It kicks off at seven, but we probably shouldn't show up until an hour later, because nobody actually arrives that early."

"Okay."

"The only thing is, we'll need a ride over there."

"My mom can take us," Claudia said.

Kimi gaped in disbelief. "You're joking, right?" 

"No. I mean how else are we supposed to get there?"

"Well not by our parents dropping us off. That would be totally lame."

"Then who will give us a ride?"

"I don't know. How about Lucas?"

"He's probably going with Misty," Claudia said.

"Maybe. But we won't know for sure unless we ask, will we?"

"I guess not." She ate the rest of the M&M's that were in her palm before adding, "The only thing is, I'm not so sure if I want to go with him."

"Why not?"

"Well, if Lucas is going, then obviously Misty will be there, too."

"So?"

"She's extremely jealous. And I'm really not trying to get into a fight with her."

"You're scared of Misty?"

"Yeah, I kind of am," Claudia said. "She really doesn't seem like the type of person that I wanna mess with."

"She's all talk. Trust me when I say that."

"Even so, I'd really rather not."

"All right. So if we don't go with Lucas, then how are we getting there?"

"What about Tristan?" 

Kimi's brows arched upwards. "Oh. I hadn't even thought about him."

"You didn't invite him to the party?"

"He wouldn't go even if I had. You know how he is."

"It still would have been nice to invite him," Claudia said. "Aren't you two like talking?"

"Yeah. But like I said, he's not the type to go to a party."

"Call him and ask him if he wants to come. And even if he doesn't, I'm sure he'll be happy to give you a ride."

"I'll give him a call tonight," Kimi said.

Distracted by the sound of approaching footsteps, both Claudia and Kimi directed their gaze towards Mona, who was closely trailed by Big John. Standing at six foot seven, he appeared almost comically taller than Mona, who was just shy of five foot eight. 

While his features were proud and strong, Mona's were slim and delicate, and her skin just a shade darker than his lightly tan complexion. Yet despite the differences in their appearance, Claudia strongly believed that they made one of the cutest couples she had ever seen. 

"I thought I heard you two out here," Mona said while tightening the belt on her floral print robe. "Hello, Kimi. How are you?"

"I'm good. And you?"

"Fantastic." Mona's smile lit up her already glowing face.

"Hello girls." Outfitted in a pair of jeans and a fitted cotton T-shirt which showed off his sizeable biceps and sturdily built chest, Big John gave them both a nod of acknowledgment before opening the refrigerator and retrieving two cans of Coke.

"Hello," Kimi and Claudia said in perfect unison, and after exchanging a quick smirk, they both hid their smiles by taking a swig from their bottles of water. 

"So, what's this I hear about you two going to a party?" Mona asked. 

"Oh, It's just this little get together that's happening tomorrow night," Claudia stated. "Nothing major."

"And who's house will it be taking place at?"

"Well I don't know him personally, but Kimi says It's this guy from her history class."

No longer standing, but sitting on Big John's lap, Mona took a long drink from her can of soda before setting it down on the kitchen table. 

"I'm going to need a name, sugar plum. And an address, as well."

"Why?" 

"So I know where to find you if there's an emergency."

"What could possibly happen?" Claudia asked. "It's just a little house party."

"Anything could happen." Mona regarded her daughter with a gentle, yet steady gaze. "And that's exactly why I need a name and number."

"His name is Matthew," Kimi interjected. "And he's a really nice guy, so there's nothing to worry about." 

"I'm sure he is nice, but I'm still going to need that address."

Kimi retrieved her phone from her pocket and searched through her list of contacts, then read the address out to Mona, who scribbled it down on a pad of paper that was on the table.

"Will Tristan be accompanying you two girls to the party?" 

"We're not sure yet," Claudia said. "But he will be at least driving us."

"That's good," Mona said. "I like Tristan. He's very trustworthy."

"You girls be careful at that party tomorrow night," Big John said. "You arrive together, you leave together. And don't accept drinks from anyone you don't know."

"And don't get into a car with anyone who's drunk. If Tristan's not available to take you home, give me a call and I'll come pick you up. Okay?"

"Yes, of course. I already know all of this," Claudia said to her mother. 

"Just use good judgment, okay?"

Both Kimi and Claudia nodded.

"So, I know it will probably come as a huge disappointment to you girls, but Big John and I will be going out to dinner this evening."

"Oh." Despite her best attempts, Claudia's tone perked up a bit. 

"Which means you two will be left alone and unattended."

"We can handle it," Kimi said. "We're nearly adults."

A smile crept onto Mona's lips. "I know you can handle it, but there are a few ground rules that need to be set."

"No loud music, no going joyriding in your car, and stay out of your bedroom," Claudia said.

"And no inviting any boys over. That's the most important rule of all." She looked from Claudia to Kimi, and then back again before reinforcing her statement. "Got it?"

"Got it," Claudia said. 

"The cabinet is full of snacks, and there's a frozen pizza and some cookie dough in the freezer."

"Did you pick up any Dr. Pepper?" 

"Two packs. They're in the fridge, on the lower shelf."

"Guess we're all set, then."

"I'll have my cell phone on all night but if there's an emergency, you can always give Winona and Ray a call."

"Right."

"I guess that's about it, then." Mona stood up, followed by Big John, who tossed their empty soda cans into the trash. "We have reservations for eight, so we're going to start getting ready now." 

"Need any help picking out an outfit?" Claudia asked.

"I think Big John can assist me with that." Mona lifted her green eyes to meet her boyfriend's, who in turn slinked an arm around her waist.

"Be more than happy to, love."

He leaned down to plant a kiss on her upturned lips, and walking side by side with his woman, he led her out of the kitchen and back toward the bedroom. 

"Your mom is so lucky," Kimi said with a wistfulness to her voice. "You can tell that Big John really loves her."




Lost Girl Ch. 07



"I know. It's sweet, Isn't it?" Claudia's lips curled into a soft smile, but as she turned her head to look at Kimi, she noticed that a thoughtful look had come over her face. "So, any ideas for what we should get up to tonight?"

"I've got one in particular."

"Oh yeah? Share."

A mischievous smile crossed Kimi's lips, and taking Claudia's hand in her own, she led her back to the bedroom where they could talk in privacy.

* * * *

It was just past seven in the evening when a loud honk came from outside of Claudia's bedroom window. Parting the curtains so that she could look through them, Kimi gazed out at the car which had pulled into the driveway. From her vantage point over Kimi's shoulder, Claudia could see that the vehicle was a white, sporty model with tinted windows and shiny rims. She'd never been much of a car enthusiast and usually wouldn't have cared less about being picked up in a flashy ride, but even she couldn't help admiring the sleek, seductive shape of the automobile.

"They're here." Kimi turned away from the window, took one last look at her reflection in the full length mirror, and grabbed her purse from Claudia's bed before slipping it over her shoulder. "You ready to go?"

"Yep." With her eyes focused on the mirror, Claudia tugged lightly at the hem of her crushed velvet mini dress. 

"What are you doing, you dork?" Kimi asked with a smile. "That dress is supposed to be short."

"I know, but I think It's just a little *too* short." She adjusted her stance so that her backside was facing the mirror. "I told you we should have gone easy with the scissors."

"Will you stop worrying and just relax? You look gorgeous."

Claudia turned back around so that her front side was once again facing the mirror, then eased out a gentle sigh before running her fingers through her voluminous curls. "Thanks. You look good too."

And Kimi truly did. While her dress was less short, her neckline was far more revealing than the garment that Claudia had on. Thanks to the push-up bra that she was wearing, the tops of her breasts looked plumped and defined, but it was the pair of stylish black heels that really added an extra oomph to her outfit. 

"So, what's this guy's name again?"

"Which one?" With Claudia following behind her, Kimi headed down the hallway and towards the front door. "You mean the one I'm setting you up with for the night, or my guy?"

"Your guy."

"Justin."

"And you said that he's an actor?"

"Uh-huh."

"Has he been in any major films?"

"No, mostly independent ones. But he just got cast in this new TV show that's going to be airing on APTN."

"What's APTN?" 

"Aboriginal People's Television. It's a cable network up in Canada that focuses on all Native programming."

"Nice," Claudia said. "And what about his friend? Is he an actor too?"

"Yep. He's played a few major roles in a handful of movies, but they were all low budget films, so he's not that well known yet."

"What's his name?"

"Sean."

"And how did you meet him?"

"Both he and Justin used to go to Browning High."

"Seriously?"

"Yep. But they're pretty busy with their acting careers now, so they have private tutors who work with them on the road."

"And they're both 17?"

"Uh-huh."

"They must be doing pretty well to leave school and afford private tutoring."

"Yeah, I guess they do all right." 

Now wearing their jackets, both Claudia and Kimi exited the door, but instead of immediately closing it behind them, Claudia paused and gave Kimi a look.

"Come on, let's go," Kimi said. "What are you waiting for?"

"I don't know if this is such a good idea."

"Oh, God. I knew you were going to flake out on me."

"I'm not flaking out."

"But you want to. I can see it in your eyes."

"You know we'll be grounded if we get caught, right? Which means that neither of us will be able to attend the party tomorrow night."

"We're not going to get caught. Big John and Mona drove all the way out to Bigfork, which is nearly two hours from here. It'll probably take them another couple of hours to eat their dinner, then two more for them to drive all they way back home. Which means they won't be getting back until after midnight." Retrieving her cell phone from her purse, she took a glance at the display screen. "It's barely past seven o'clock, which means we have four and a half hours before we need to be back home."

Wanting to heed the knots that were tightening in her stomach, Claudia closed and locked the door behind them. With visible reluctance, she walked away from the porch and towards the idling car, but as Kimi wrapped an arm around her shoulder and playfully bumped hips with her, she immediately began to loosen up.

"Did I mention how cute Sean is? Because he is. Like, seriously cute."

This brought a smile to Claudia's face. 

"This is pretty exciting, right?"

"What?" 

"Sneaking out....going on a date with two actors who are way more interesting than those boys we go to school with."

"Yeah, I guess it is. But I kind of have to wonder if this is really worth it." Now standing next to the sporty vehicle, Claudia felt the knots in her stomach tighten even further. "We could get seriously grounded for this." 

"You have to live on the edge sometimes, Claudia." Kimi stared deep into her eyes, as if attempting to hypnotize her with them. "You can't follow the rules every single day of your life."

Perhaps not, Claudia thought. But as Kimi opened the front passenger door and got inside, she found herself wishing that she *could* follow the rules, at least this once. Ready or not, she had no choice but to mirror Kimi's actions. And after opening the rear passenger door, she climbed into the backseat of the tinted car. 

* * * *

The interior of the car was darker inside than Claudia had imagined it would be. Smelling faintly of new leather, the vehicle was illuminated only by the soft glow of the dashboard lights. She blinked a few times in an attempt to allow her eyes to adjust to the darkness, and with her back resting against the cool leather seats, she turned her head to glance at the person who sat beside her. 

Clearly just as interested in checking out her face as she was his, the man who stared back at her was less boyish looking, and far more masculine than she had expected. 

"Hi, I'm Sean." 

As he held his hand out, she caught a whiff of his cologne, which was clean and fresh smelling, with a hint of spicyness. 

"Claudia," she said while shaking his hand. It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too."

Even in the darkness of the car, she noticed that his eyes were a striking pale grey. Her gaze then shifted to his hair, which was dark brown and worn loose to fall around his shoulders, but before she could finish taking in the rest of his features, the driver of the car suddenly called out to her.

"Hey, I'm Justin." 

As she trained her gaze on the rearview mirror, Claudia saw a pair of eyes staring back at her. Unlike Sean's, they were nearly back, and accentuated by a pair of eyebrows that only added to the intensity of his gaze.

"Hello." Claudia gave him a nod of acknowledgment.

"So, you girls down for taking a drive?" Justin asked while pulling away from the curb.

"A drive?" Kimi asked disappointedly. "I thought we were going to a club."

"We were. But it turns out that the guy I know who's a bouncer won't be working the door tonight. So there's no way that we can get in."

"So we're just going to drive around all night?" 

"Or we could go back to Sean's house."

"Won't his dad be there?"

"He went to Billings for the weekend."

Noting that Kimi had fallen silent, Claudia guessed that she was taking a moment to consider Justin's offer. But the irritated sigh that was pushed from her mouth seemed to suggest that she wasn't very pleased about the turn of events. 

"This wasn't the plan," Kimi said. "You told me you could get us into a club."

"Look, I'm flying out to Canada tomorrow to start filming that TV show. Do you want to hang out or not? Because if you don't, I'll take you back to Claudia's house."

Rather than respond, Kimi only sighed. More silence followed as the car continued to travel along the bumpy, ill-maintained road, but as Justin brought the car to a sudden halt, everyone in the vehicle flew forward in their seats.

"What are you doing?" Kimi asked. 

"You're ignoring me, so I figured I'd get your attention by stopping the car."

"I'm not ignoring you."

"Then why aren't you talking?"

"Because I'm disappointed."

"I'll make it up to you."

"How?" Kimi asked.

"You know that fake ID you've been asking for?"

"Yeah."

"I found a guy who's pretty good at making them."

"How long will it take?"

"Shouldn't be longer than a week, but I won't be back in town until next month, so I

can give it to you then."

"Sounds like a plan," Kimi said.

"So are we good?" 

From her spot in the backseat, Claudia watched as Justin leaned in closer towards Kimi. In response, Kimi leaned in as well, and gradually, her lips came closer to touching his. 

"Yeah, we're good," she whispered to him. 

As if drawn by a magnetic force, their mouths sealed together in a sloppy, open-mouthed kiss that didn't just make Claudia visibly uncomfortable, but Sean as well. Up until this point, neither of them had attempted to broach a conversation with the other, but as Kimi and Justin continued their impromptu make-out session, Sean and Claudia shared an awkward look. 

"Uh, guys...." Sean called out as the amorous couple continued to smooch, "are we just going to hang out in the middle of the road, or what?"

Claudia and Sean may as well have been completely invisible, because neither Kimi nor Justin made an attempt to break off the kiss that they were engaging in.

"Hmm...I guess that gives us our answer," Claudia said while smiling at Sean. 

"Well, at least this is an interesting road to get stranded on," he replied.

"How do you figure that?" Claudia asked while gazing out at the vast, desolate land that surrounded them.

"This road is famous for paranormal activity."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You haven't heard the stories?"

"No." Without even realizing it, Claudia slightly leaned in towards Sean, as if preparing herself for a good anecdote.

"You see that abandoned shack over there in the field?"

Allowing her eyes to drift in the direction towards where he was pointing, Claudia peered out of the window and squinted into the darkness.

"What shack?"

"The one straight ahead, next to that scraggly looking tree."

"Oh yeah...." Focusing on the caved in roof, Claudia noticed how the silvery light of the moon eerily illuminated the dilapidated house. "Now I see it." 

"A guy hung himself there," Sean said.

"Seriously? When was this?"

"Back in the 80's. According to the story I heard, he was depressed because his wife left him for some other man. But the saddest part of it is, a few weeks passed before anyone found him."

"So he just hung there for all that time?"

"Yep. People say that when he was discovered, he hardly had any skin left on his body. I guess the crows got to him pretty good."

Wanting to believe, and yet at the same time hoping it wasn't true, Claudia found that she was stunned into silence.

"Now his spirit walks this road forever," Sean continued. "Some people say that if you travel along this path at midnight, you'll spot him on the side of the pavement trying to flag down a car."

The chill that ran along Claudia's spine had been completely unexpected, and as she glanced back out of the window at the creepy shack that was standing alone in the vast, open grassland, she found herself wondering if the story Sean had told wasn't just a figment of his imagination. 

"You're not pulling my leg, are you?"

"Hand to my heart, I'm telling you the truth."

Claudia blinked and rose an eyebrow, but said nothing in return.

"You don't believe me, ask Justin." 

Sean tapped his friend on the shoulder, but instead of disengaging his lips from Kimi's, Justin only kissed her harder.

"Hey, Justin. Take a break and come up for some air, man," Sean said.

Miraculously, Justin pulled his lips from Kimi's, but not without throwing Sean a dirty look. 

"What do you want?"

"Back me up, and tell her the story is the truth."

Justin shifted his gaze to Claudia, and in a flat, disinterested voice, he said, "It's the truth."

"Sean's not making it up, Claude," Kimi chimed in. "A guy really did hang himself in that shack."

"How creepy," Claudia said while taking another glance out of the window. "Why don't they just tear it down?"

"The elders won't allow it," she said. "From what I hear, they're still trying to help him get to the other side."

"Plus It's really bad karma to destroy a place that a ghost is inhabiting," Sean added. "My dad says that it only pisses them off."

"Alright, enough ghost talk," Justin said as he put the car into gear and drove off. "You guys wanna go straight to the hotel, or drive around for a bit?"

"I'm okay with driving around for a bit," Claudia said.

"So am I," Sean piped in.

"What about you, babe?" Justin briefly glanced away from the road to look at Kimi. "What do you want to do?"

"I think you already know what I want."

Husky with desire, Kimi's voice made it clear to everyone in the car what was going through her mind, and with identical smirks on their lips, Sean and Claudia exchanged their second look of the evening.

* * * *

As soon as they entered Sean's house, Kimi and Justin headed straight for the hallway that led to the bedrooms, but they didn't get very far before Sean called out to them in a loud voice. 

"Hey, where are you two heading off to?"

"Where do you think?" Justin asked as he turned to face his friend. "To the bedroom."

"Oh, you mean *my* bedroom?"

"Yes. Is there a problem with that?"

"You didn't even ask, man."

"You're right, how rude of me," he said in a tone that was thickly laced with sarcasm. "Sean, would you mind terribly if me and Kimi hang out in your bedroom? Pretty please, with a cherry on top?"

A roll of the eyes conveyed Sean's annoyance at the hammy show that Justin had put on, but as he turned his head to look at Claudia, his expression softened.

"You don't wanna hang out in the bedroom, do you Claudia? Because if you do, then Justin and Kimi can take the couch, instead."

"Nope. I'm good out here." She said it firmly and without a moment of hesitation.

"Right." Disappointment was evident on Sean's face as he shifted his gaze back to Justin and Kimi. "You two enjoy yourselves."

"Yeah, you too." As if sharing an inside joke, Justin smirked, then clapped his friend on the shoulder before tugging on Kimi's hand so that she followed alongside him. 

"See you in a bit, Claude. And have fun, okay?" Kimi smiled at her friend before disappearing into the back section of the house.

A few moments later, there was the sound of a door slamming shut, followed by a string of loud giggles. 

"So, I guess we're all alone," Sean said while stuffing his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

"Looks like it." Claudia plopped down onto a plain looking, but cushiony couch with pillow top seating.

"You want something to drink?"

"Sure. You got any soda?"

Completely visible from the living room, the open flow kitchen gave Claudia the opportunity to watch Sean as he opened the refrigerator door.

"Sorry, I don't. But there is milk and a bit of cranberry juice." He rummaged around in the fridge for a few moments before adding, "Or, I could make us a milkshake."

"Ooh, that sounds good. I'll take a milkshake."

While Sean got busy at making the beverages, Claudia allowed her gaze to drift around the clean and tidily kept living room. Aside from the flat screen TV that was mounted on the wall, the rest of the space was simply outfitted with pieces of furniture that were well aged, but still in good shape. Overall the house had a laid back, homely feel to it, but none of it seemed to be rubbing off on Claudia, because her butt was perched on the very edge of the couch. 

She was still sitting in the same position when Sean entered the living room, and after handing her a collectible Slurpee cup that was filled with blended ice cream, he sat down beside her. Feeling awkward and at a complete loss of words, Claudia took a sip of her milkshake. It tasted sweet and had a slightly eggy flavor that reminded her of French Vanilla ice cream, but underneath all of that sugary sweet goodness, was a hint of something else that tasted a bit minty and delectably creamy. She took a couple more sips, then another, before finally realizing that what she was tasting was alcohol. Lifting her eyes to Sean's, she saw that he was fully indulging in his own creamy drink, but as he noticed that she was closely watching him, he turned his head to meet her gaze.

"Is the milkshake all right?" He asked.

"It's great," she replied, "but why did you put alcohol in it?"

"It's just a little Bailey's." His eyes lowered to her milkshake and then back up to her face before he said, "I just thought it might give it a bit of a different flavor, but if you don't like it, I can make you another one."

"No, It's fine." She took another leisurely sip, then licked her lips to clean the froth from her mouth. "It's really not bad at all. I've just never had a milkshake with Bailey's before."

"I only added a few splashes so there's not much in there," Sean said. "But I think it gives it a nice twist."

They sipped in silence for awhile, plastic cups gripped in their palms as they stared at the flat screen TV that was mounted on the wall. Rather than turn it on, Sean only continued to stare blankly at it, as if attempting to start it up with the power of his mind. As seconds ticked by, the silence became nearly deafening, but it was unexpectedly broken by the unmistakable sound of a headboard banging against the wall behind them.

As soon as she realized what was going on, Claudia's face heated up and she lowered her eyes so they were focused on her half finished milkshake, but as the rhythmic banging of the headboard quickened and became more insistent, the flush on her face travelled all the way down to her chest. Far too embarrassed to look up, Claudia was unable to see if Sean felt as awkwardly as she did. But the way he was shifting in his seat made it pretty clear that he was at least a little embarrassed. 

Along with soft, feminine moans and deep grunts, Claudia could hear the encouraging whimpers that Kimi made. No longer just moaning, they were now vocalizing their requests to one another, and engaging in sex talk that was dirty enough to make Claudia's ears burn. Although far less vocal than Kimi, the sound of Justin's groans could clearly be heard as well, but it was the increasingly frenzied creaking of the bedsprings that made it clear just how passionately they were going at it. 

"Oh God, could they be any louder?" Claudia asked.

"I guess they can," Sean said while giving Claudia a tight smirk.

Thoroughly annoyed, Claudia shouldn't have found any part of the situation she was in the least bit amusing. But as Sean continued to smirk at her, she broke out into one of her own. A loud snicker promptly escaped her lips, followed by an undignified snort that made her flush with embarrassment. Sean's smirk grew wider at the mortified look that crossed her face, and as he finally let loose a laugh, so did she. 

"I guess that's one way to break the ice," he said, and after gently easing the plastic Slurpee cup out of her hand, he moved in closer so that he could wrap an arm around her waist. "Now how about we try another?"

Before she could offer a word in response, his lips pressed to hers, hot tongue gliding along the seam of her lips until she finally allowed it to venture within. Along with being incredibly smooth, it tasted like the Bailey's that he'd added to their milkshakes. She barely had time to indulge herself in the ministrations of his agile tongue before he cupped one of her breasts in his large palm, and with just a few swipes of his thumb, he brought her nipple to full erection. 




Lost Girl Ch. 07



He pulled on it a few times before pinching and twisting it between two fingers, then gave her other breast the same treatment before lifting his hand to the straps of her dress. Up until this point, they had been passionately kissing, but as Claudia realized that he was attempting to disrobe her, she abruptly pulled back from the kiss. 

"Wait," she breathed. "I can't do this."

"Why not?" Sean's breath came out hot and heavy, his pale grey eyes imploring her to reconsider.

"I don't know you," she said. 

"I don't know you either," he replied. "But we're both very attracted to each other, so why don't we just indulge ourselves and do what we want?"

Never before had she so badly wanted to throw caution to the wind, but the idea of losing her virginity to a guy that she'd just barely met, couldn't have been any further from what she'd imagined that her first time would be like. 

"I can't have sex with you," she stated. "I'm saving my virginity."

"Okay." He blinked a few times before saying, "Well hey, I completely respect that you're waiting to have sex, but that doesn't mean we can't still make out, right?"

Unable to disagree in the slightest, Claudia gently nodded her head. She breathed a little quicker as Sean leaned in closer, then unconsciously tilted her chin upward in anticipation of his kiss. 

His lips met hers gently, and as his tongue lightly grazed the tip of her own wet appendage, she swore she felt a sensation that was akin to an electric current. He gripped her by the waist, pulling her flush against his body. She wrapped her arms around his neck, then languidly threaded her fingers into his locks. His hair felt just as silky as she'd imagined, and as their kiss deepened, his hold on her waist tightened even further. 

He broke the oral embrace to grace her neck with passionate kisses, and as he lightly nipped at her flesh, she uttered a heady moan. The feel of his mouth against her skin was intoxicating, and as he began massaging her breasts through the fabric of her dress, a soft moan escaped her lips. 

Overwhelmed by the agility of his fingers, her body was little more than a puddle of mush. Gradually, she felt herself relaxing against the cushiony pillows of the sofa they were sitting on. But as his tongue made swirling motions in her mouth, she felt a pulsing heat build between her thighs.

"Sean..." Her words came out as barely a whisper, fingers continuing to rake through his long, dark hair. 

By the time he pulled his lips away from her neck they were both breathing heavily. Cupping her face in his palms, he stared into her eyes, allowing them to shift from her nose to lips, then cheekbones before once again gazing into her eyes. The way he intently studied her made her wonder what he was thinking, and as silence stretched on, the sexual tension between them heightened. 

"So, I guess this is the part where we exchange some awkward words," he said while wearing a crooked smile.

"To tell you the truth, I'm sort of speechless right now."

"Well I guess that's a good sign then, Isn't it?" A broad smile crossed his lips.

"Definitely a good sign." Her lips curved upward in return. 

"Do you mind if I ask you your last name?"

"Strauss. And yours?"

"DesRosiers."

"What about your Indian name?"

His brows slightly lifted, and for a moment he just silently looked at her. Then, with just a hint of a smile touching his lips, he gave a reply.

"Askuwheteau. English translation is, he who keeps watch."

"Oh." Claudia was tempted to ask him more about how he got his name, but she was afraid that it would come across as stupid, so she decided instead to remain quiet. 

"So, what brought you to the Blackfoot reservation?" He asked.

"My mom is the one who decided to move us here," she said. "We were going through a rough time in Michigan and needed a fresh start, so that's how we ended up here."

The expression on his face hinted at nothing less than amusement. "People who are looking for a fresh start in life don't usually pick out an Indian reservation to live on."

"Well It's not like we just came here blindly without a plan. Her best friend is Blackfoot and offered her a job and a free place to stay, so that was the motivating factor for her bringing us here."

"Ah, I see." A thoughtful look came over his face as he fell quiet.

"So, Kimi tells me you're an actor."

"I am," he replied.

"How long have you been doing that for?" She asked.

"Since I was a kid. But I've only been seriously working at it for the past few years now."

"What made you decide to pick it out as a career?"

"My mom is an acting coach, so I guess it just sort of rubbed off on me." 

"Oh, interesting." 

As she stared into his pale grey eyes, she found herself wondering which one of his parents had passed down the gene. The harder she tried not to, the easier it seemed that she was lost in his gaze, and as she continued to stare at him, he eyed her with a similar interest.

"So now do you feel like we know each other?" Sean asked.

A soft smile spread across her lips as she realized that he was referring to the declaration she'd made earlier that evening. 

"We know each other more than we used to," Claudia replied.

"There's a saying that you can be more intimate with a stranger than with those who know you best."

"That's probably because they don't know you well enough to judge you," she said before adding, "Which is a nice thing, not being judged."

"I agree." A brief moment of silence intercepted his words. "This might seem like an invasive question, but have you been this intimate with any other man on the reservation?"

"No. Not because I haven't wanted to, but because..." Her voice dropped off as she searched for the right words. "Well, I guess it all comes back to that whole judging thing."

"So you've wanted to let loose for awhile." His eyes searched her face imploringly, as if expecting her expression to reveal the truth.

"Yeah, guess I have."

He reached out to take her hand in his, and they sat there together in companiable silence for a long time. 

* * * *

With an hour to spare before Mona and Big John were due to arrive home, Justin's sporty white car pulled into the driveway of Claudia's house. Beyond relieved that she and Kimi had made it back in plenty of time, she unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the car door. She had just stepped out into the unforgivingly cold night and was preparing to say her goodbyes to Sean when she realized that he was no longer in the car, but heading around to her side of the vehicle.

As he came to a stop in front of her, she lifted her eyes to his. Deep in her heart, she knew that it would most likely be the last time they ever saw one another, and surprisingly, she was pretty okay with that. But there was also a part of her that hoped their paths would converge in the future, and it was this very thought that put a soft smile on her lips. Pulling her closer to him, Sean leaned down so that his face was aligned with hers, and with a gentleness that caused her breath to hitch, he softly kissed her. Her lips worked tenderly against his own before her tongue found purchase with his, but all too soon for her liking, she felt his lips pull back from hers. 

"It was really nice meeting you," he said while staring down into her eyes.

"Likewise," she breathily responded. 

"Maybe we'll see each other again," he said before adding, "I'm flying out to Canada with Justin tomorrow, but when I come back in a few months, maybe we could hang out and do something." 

"Yeah, maybe."

He took her smaller hand in his much larger one, and after lifting it to his mouth, he placed a tender kiss against the back of it. 

"Take care, okay?"

"You too," she replied.

"Goodbye, Claudia," he said while backing away.

"Bye, Sean."

Not wanting him to see the flicker of sadness that crossed her face, she quickly turned on her heels, not looking back even once as she headed for the front door. She had already opened the door and was walking inside when she suddenly heard the sound of Kimi's voice, and with a look over her shoulder, she saw that her friend was hurrying up the porch steps.

"Wait! Don't leave me behind." A huge grin split her face as she stepped into the house and shut the door behind them. "Just forget all about me, will ya?"

"I'm sorry, I don't know where my mind went."

"My guess is that It's still with Sean." She stripped out her jacket and after assisting Claudia in taking off hers, she hung them both up on the coat rack next to the door. "Speaking of Sean, just what exactly did you do with him?"

The tone of Kimi's voice caused a smirk to cross her lips. "We made out and then he fingered me for a bit."

"And what else?" Kimi asked with a crooked smile.

"I gave him a handjob."

"It must have been a damn good one." Kimi said as they headed into the kitchen. "You had him yelling out pretty damn loud." 

"Speaking of being loud, you and Justin were *completely* shameless."

"We couldn't help it," she with a shrug. "We hadn't had sex together for like almost six months." 

"So what's the deal with you two?" Claudia asked. "Are you going out, or what?"

"I guess you could say we've been in relationship limbo for awhile." She retrieved two Dr. Peppers from the fridge, and after handing one to Claudia, led the way out of the kitchen. "But the good new is, we're now officially a couple."

"He asked you to go steady?"

"Yep." The smile that crossed her lips lit up her entire face.

"Wow, congratulations. I'm happy for you, babe." A smile crossed Claudia's lips as well, but it quickly disappeared as a thought ran through her head. "Oh, wait. So what about Tristan?"

"Well obviously I can't go out with him now."

"Oh God, he's gonna be crushed."

"I know, and I feel like a total bitch," she said as they walked side by side down the hallway. "But the thing is, I never actually told him that we were going out. I mean, we were only talking, you know?"

"Yeah, well..." Uncertain of what else to say, Claudia's voice drifted off.

Already anticipating the nice, hot shower that she was going to take, she stepped into her dark bedroom. She was already kicking off her strappy heels when she noticed a silhouette sitting on her bed in the darkness, but in her panic to reach the light switch, she ended up tripping over her shoes. Slowly, the silhouette began to move, and as Claudia let loose a loud, powerful scream, so did Kimi. She barely had time to scramble up off the floor and into Kimi's arms before her bedside lamp was turned on, and that was when she discovered who was sitting on her bed.

"Have fun?" Rather than stare, Mona glared fiercely at her daughter, who was still clinging fearfully to Kimi.

"What the hell, mom? You scared the shit out of me."

"Yeah? Well now you know exactly how I felt." Rising to her feet, she stretched herself to all five feet eight inches of her height. "Where the hell were you two, and why are you dressed like that?"

"We just went out with some friends."

"Who?" 

"Just a couple of guys that Kimi knows."

"A couple of guys?" Mona's voice had risen a notch.

From out of the corner of her eye, Claudia noticed Big John step into the bedroom, but she was far too preoccupied with the pissed off look on her mother's face to care that he was giving her and Kimi the disapproving eye. 

"It wasn't a big deal, mom. They're both guys that Kimi knows really well."

"I don't care how well she knows them. You went out after dark with two boys, and you were dressed like *that*." With a swoop of her hand, she gestured toward Claudia's minidress. "Did you seriously think I would be okay with this?"

"Well, no..."

"Which is why you snuck out."

Claudia could only nod.

"Well It's a damn good thing that I came back home early, because now I know that you can't be trusted to stay home alone."

"What? No. Mom, that's not true."

"I hope it was worth it, because you'll be spending your first week of Christmas vacation in this house."

"Mom, come on. I didn't even do anything that bad."

"You lied to me, Claudia."

"I did not," she rebutted.

"Well it was as good as a lie, and you know it."

To this, Claudia only remained silent.

"I'm disappointed in you, Claudia." She gave her a long, hard look before shifting her eyes to her daughter's friend. "The same goes for you too, Kimi."

Lowering her eyes, Kimi focused her gaze on the hardwood floor.

"You're going to have to earn my trust back. Back of you."

Mona turned away from the equally shamed girls, and with Big John following behind her, headed across the hall and into her room. Only once Claudia heard the slamming of Mona's bedroom door, did she finally shift from her position in front of the bed. It took awhile, however, before she or Kimi broke the pervading silence.

"I'm sorry, Claude. This is all my fault."

"It's okay. Don't worry about it."

"You're not pissed?"

Claudia shook her head and stripped out of her dress before throwing it into the hamper.

"But I got you grounded for an entire week."

"I doubt It'll actually be for a week. My mom's not the type to stay angry that long."

"Well, still. If I had just taken your advice and not convinced you to go along, we wouldn't - " 

"It's fine Kimi. Seriously." Wearing only her panties and bra, Claudia flopped onto her neatly made bed. "Besides, it was sort of nice not following the rules for once."

"Really?" Joining Claudia on the bed, Kimi positioned herself so that she was laying on her side. 

"Yeah. For the past three years of high school, I've done everything exactly right. I don't drink or smoke, I've never snuck out, and I've consistently made the honor roll since Freshman year." 

"So basically you're the exact opposite of me." Kimi's lips curled upwards. "Well except for the smoking part."

Claudia smiled. "Anyways, you'd think that my mom would cut me a little leeway since I've been so well behaved. But apparently acting like a normal teenager for just one day of my life is way too much for her to handle."

"Normal is boring," Kimi said. "And this may come as a surprise to you, but I actually like how you are, Claude."

"Really?" Claudia's brows rose in surprise. "How am I?"

"You've got your priorities straight. I haven't even started my college essay yet, but you've completely finished yours. And you have this sweet, innocent way about you that is just totally adorable. And then of course there's your sense of style, which I would totally kill for."

"And here I was thinking I was boring," Claudia said.

"You aren't Claude. I think we both know that." 

And Claudia did know that she wasn't boring. But as she allowed her thoughts to shift to the events which had taken place earlier that evening, she realized that she hadn't just enjoyed the intimate experience she'd shared with Sean, but had completely reveled in it. 

She'd been a little bad, but that was okay because it had only been for one night. And as she lay there on the bed next to her best friend, she realized that she felt far more alive than she had in a long time.



Lost Girl Ch. 08



Claudia was sitting at the breakfast table eating a chocolate croissant when she heard the knock on the door. Instead of getting up to answer it, she only kept her eyes planted on the book that was in her hand. 

Thick enough to be used as a doorstop, the book was a true crime novel about a murder spree that had been committed by a small-town couple back in the 1950's. She'd been meaning to read it for some time and was less than keen on allowing intrusions, so as the knocking continued on, she huddled over her book more intently.

"I'm kinda busy here, Claude. Could you get the door?" Still clad in her robe, Mona was juggling several burners on the stove while simultaneously fiddling with a problematic juicer. 

With clear reluctance, Claudia rose to her feet. She padded slowly towards the front door before pulling it open, but as soon as she did, she found herself wishing that she could close it back.

"Hey." A broad smile crossed Lucas's face at the sight of her.

"Hello." Embarrassed by her just-woke-up look, she lifted her hands to her hair, which was still messily tousled from sleep. "What are you doing here?" 

"I was driving home from some morning fishing and your house was on the way, so I thought I'd stop by and say hello."

"Oh..." She combed her fingers through her hair a few more times before following up with, "Well hello back at ya."

"And, I wanted to give you this." He proudly held up a salmon that was large enough to feed an army.

"Oh my God, that thing is huge." Claudia wasn't the least bit knowledgeable about fish, but it was obvious from the silvery luster of its scales that the one Lucas had caught was quite a beauty.

Having overheard their conversation, Mona joined Claudia at the door. Her gaze came to focus on Lucas first, and after giving him a long, steady look, she allowed her eyes to drift to the salmon. 

"That *is* a big fish. Did you catch it yourself?"

Lucas nodded.

"Wow." So taken by the sight of the huge salmon, it took Mona a few moments to come to the realization that the teenage boy standing on her porch steps was there to impress her daughter. "So, you must be the boy that Claudia went out with yesterday evening."

Lucas's smile instantly disappeared. His shoulders slightly sagged, and his chest which had been puffed out with pride was now deflated. 

"You went out with a guy last night?" he asked.

Noting the change in his demeanor, Claudia shifted on her feet. She briefly looked at her mother to give the signal that she needed some privacy, then allowed her eyes to once again rest on Lucas, who was giving her a rather intent stare.

"I've got breakfast on the stove, so I'll leave you two to talk in privacy," Mona said while drifting away from the threshold of the porch. 

As soon as her mother was gone, Claudia expected Lucas to launch into a series of questions. She expected him to do something other than just stand there and give her a dirty look. But as she watched and waited for him to finally react, she found herself concerned at the way he had gone utterly silent. As still as a statue, he only continued to look at her before finally speaking in a voice that wasn't just overly deep, but brimming with anger.

"Who is he?"

"A friend of Kimi's," she replied.

"What's his name?"

"I don't think that's any of your business."

"Tell me. I want to know who he is." 

"No." She said it with a firmness that made it clear she wasn't going to relent.

"If you don't tell me, I'll just find out anyways," Lucas stated. "The reservation is small, and word travels fast."

"So find out," Claudia said. "But I am not giving you his name."

"What did you do with him?"

"Again, none of your business."

"Did you let him put his hands on you?"

"Are you even listening to me?" She asked. "I said It's none of your business, so stop interrogating me, okay?"

"Everything all right, Claudia?" Having overheard the conversation, Big John had stepped into the small entryway where Claudia was standing.

"Yes, everything is fine." She stepped out onto the porch, and after shutting the door behind her, led Lucas to the other end of the porch so that they could talk in privacy.

"What is the matter with you?" She asked. 

"What's the matter with *you*?

"I've done nothing wrong."

"You went out with another guy."

"So?"

"You're supposed to be with me."

"Since when?" She asked. "You never asked me to be your girlfriend."

"I thought it was obvious we were headed that way."

"What am I, a mind reader?" 

"You know that I like you, Claudia."

"And I like you. But as I just stated, you never asked me to be exclusive with you."

"So that means you start skanking around with another guy?"

"Skanking?" Her body visibly tensed. "I know you did not just call me a skank."

"I didn't call you a skank. I just said that your behavior is similar to one."

"*You're* calling *me* a skank?" A harsh, humorless laugh found its way from her lips. "If that's not funny, I don't know what is."

"Say what you want about me, but there are different standards for girls."

"I don't believe you," she said. "You're the biggest hypocrite I've ever met."

"I could say the same about you."

"Oh, really?" She asked.

"Yes."

"And how am I a hypocrite?"

"You made me wait nearly three months just to kiss you, but last night you went out with some strange guy and - "

"And what?" She urged him in a curt tone of voice. "You don't even know what it is that we did."

"You went out with him at *night*."

"So?"

"So when a guy asks you to go out with him at night, he's sending the signal that he wants to get laid." 

"Just because he wanted to, doesn't mean that that's what happened."

"Look, just tell me if you had sex with him," Lucas said. "All I want to hear is a yes or no. That's it."

"Why is it so damn important to you?" She asked. "We're not even in a relationship, so what makes you think that you have a right to that information?"

"I'm just asking for a simple answer."

"No, I didn't, okay? I'm still a virgin. Now will you please just leave me alone?"

She turned and headed for the door, but Lucas grabbed her hand to prevent her from putting any more distance between them.

"What?" She asked while turning on her heel. "What is it you want to know now?"

"What happened to you?" His eyes searched her face, as if seeing yet not recognizing who she was. "You're changing...you're becoming like Kimi."

"What does that mean?"

"I think you already know."

"No, I'm afraid I don't," she said. "So please, enlighten me."

"Kimi sleeps around."

"Again, your hypocrisy is astounding."

"My point still stands," he said.

"So what if she sleeps around? That's her business."

"You are who you associate with."

"Well if that's true, then I guess you shouldn't associate with me anymore, because Kimi is my friend and nothing is going to change that." 

"I could care less about you hanging out with Kimi," he said. "But I do care about you spending time with other guys. I don't like it, and I want you to stop."

"You still hang out with Misty."

"Yeah..."

"So what if *I* told *you* to stop seeing her?"

"Then I would." 

Stunned silence preceded Claudia's words. "Seriously?" 

"Yes."

"You would drop Misty to go out with me?"

"Yes, I would. But only if you agreed to start having sex with me."

"Of course, I knew there had to be a catch."

"Well you can't expect me to commit myself to you if you're not even willing to meet me halfway," he said.

"You told me that you were okay with waiting until I was ready," she reminded him. "You said that there was no pressure."

"And I meant that," he said. "But I have *needs*, Claudia. I can't just sit around waiting forever until you decide whether or not you want to sleep with me."

"But we've only known each other four months."

Lucas let out a sigh through his nostrils. "Look, at least I'm being up front and not feeding you lies," he said. "If I was truly just after you for sex, I would have told you what you wanted to hear a long time ago."

His statement rung of truth, that much she had to admit. But at the same time, how could she be entirely certain that Lucas would actually commit himself only to her?

"Having sex is normal, Claudia," Lucas continued. It's what people do when they're attracted to each other. You're *supposed* to do it. It's an accepted thing that everybody does - that is unless you're abnormal. "

"So because It's accepted, that means that I have to do it?"

"You just don't get it, do you?" He pushed out a harsh breath before speaking in a voice that was laced with frustration. "Look, I've grown tired of this whole game, and now that I know you've been out with another guy, it just makes it all the more obvious that you're stringing me along. So just continue doing what you're doing, okay? Go out with strange guys, let them do whatever it is that you let them do to you...be a cock tease all you want, because I honestly don't care anymore."

Claudia lightly flinched at the harshness in his tone. Without even realizing it, she slowly began to back away from Lucas, and with a waver to her voice, she gave a reply.

"Well if you don't care, then I guess we shouldn't talk to each other anymore. Because we clearly want things that neither of us is willing to give, so why don't we just make this the last time that we ever hang out?"

"If that's what you want, then fine," Lucas said, and in one smooth movement, he tossed the freshly caught salmon onto the mat in front of her door. "Enjoy your fish."

He hurried down the steps and towards his beat up Chevy, where he got into the cab, slammed the door, and started up the engine. As if expressing Lucas's anger, it rumbled to life loudly. He threw the car into reverse, and with a harsh jerk on the steering wheel that made one of the front wheels of his truck temporarily leave the ground, he sped off down the street. Claudia was just about to open the door when Big John stepped out, and in the process, he nearly tripped over the huge salmon that had been thrown on the welcome mat. 

"Hey, what's this?" Picking up the fish, he tested its weight in his hands. "He brought you a salmon?"

"Yes." 

"And he caught it himself?"

"Yeah."

"This is a big one. Must be at least fifteen pounds."

Claudia's shoulders pulled into a shrug.

"He must be pretty sweet on you to give away a big, beautiful fish like this." He pressed his nose to the salmon and deeply inhaled before saying, "My vote is for cutting it up into thick filets and frying it up for dinner. But It's your fish, so It's your decision."

"I don't care about the fish, and I don't care about him," Claudia said. "So do what you want with it, because I don't care." She squeezed past Big John and into the house, where she saw that her mother was in the kitchen and stacking pancakes onto a plate.

"I made your favorite, Claude. Blueberry."

"No thanks, I'm not hungry," she said while grabbing the true crime book that she had been reading.

"I'll leave them under a plate for you in case you get your appetite back later on," Mona said.

The lump in Claudia's throat made if difficult for her to manage more than a sad sounding "Okay" in response, and with the smell of salmon still lining her nostrils, she headed down the hallway and toward her bedroom.

* * * *

Lucas's old Chevy pickup was speeding north along Highway 2. Already pushing 70 mph, he pressed harder on the gas so that the speedometer needle crawled higher to 85. It was at this point that the engine began to make an eerie whining noise, but it made no difference to Lucas, because he was currently being held hostage by thoughts of Claudia. He hated himself for thinking about her, but the more that he tried to push her from his mind, the more insistent the thoughts became. 

She's just a cock tease, he reminded himself. Nothing more than a silly little immature girl that gets off on making you want her. That's all she is. And you know that there's nothing worse than a cock tease.

But if that were true, then why did he still want her so bad? What was it about Claudia that made him so possessive over her? There were lots of other pretty girls on the reservation that would give it up to him in a heartbeat, so why was he wasting his time on the one who was interested in doing nothing more than playing games?

Although he knew that it *had* happened, Lucas still found himself wanting to deny that she had gone out with another guy. Denial was far easier than facing reality, so if he could just convince himself that it hadn't actually happened, then perhaps the torturous thoughts would stop. But he couldn't lie to himself, and against his will, the images continued to bombard his mind. 

He was just pulling off the highway and onto the street when the Chevy approached a stoplight, but instead of heeding the red signal, Lucas only pressed harder on the gas, just narrowly missing a car that was coming through the other end of the intersection. It honked, then swerved before continuing along its way, but not without the driver laying hard and long on its horn. 

With his blood pumping quicker and his heart rate accelerated, Lucas was temporarily distracted by the rush of adrenaline that coursed through his veins. Grateful for the distraction, he hungrily fed off of the adrenaline rush. But as the feeling of excitement began to wear off, he found that his thoughts shifted back to Claudia. 

Tilted, cat-like, and incredibly seductive, her eyes were the prettiest that he had ever seen, but it was her hair and skin that really drove him crazy. Her complexion, which was brown as cinnamon, and those long, tightly coiled ringlets that were thick enough for him to lose his fingers in made something deep in his lower belly respond. He could only imagine how amazing it would feel to have that soft, feminine body pressed against his own, but before he could fully indulge himself in the vision, a streak of anger rushed through him. 

At present moment, he was feeling rather negatively about Claudia, so why the hell was he fantasizing about her? Hoping to lessen the pressure of his bulge against his pants, Lucas shifted his manhood, but that only increased the stimulation that he received. Inwardly cursing at the uncontrollable nature of his manhood, Lucas drove a little quicker. 

Although he was driving without the slightest clue of where he was headed, it did make him feel good to be off of the reservation, and away from all of the baggage that came along with his day to day life there. With each mile that passed, he began to feel a little less high strung, but frustratingly, that sick feeling in the pit of his stomach was still there. 

The mere thought of her with being with another guy alone filled him with a white-hot jealousy that was nearly suffocating, and as he tightened his grip around the steering wheel, his jaw clenched tight with anger. 

He didn't like contemplating the possibility, but he knew there was a very good chance that Claudia and this other guy had engaged in some type of intimate activity. The truly burning question, however, was just how intimate had they gotten?

Feeling angry, frustrated, and tormented all at the same time, Lucas made a vow to himself that he would find out the identity of Claudia's date. It couldn't be hard to do, considering that everyone was connected in some way or another on the reservation, so if he just asked around and questioned a few people who were in the know, he was certain to find the answer that he was seeking. 

The events that would take place once he obtained this information were entirely unknown to Lucas, because he didn't fully understand why it was such an obsession for him to know in the first place. But at least he would have a name and a face to connect to the mystery man. A punchable face, undoubtedly. But a face all the same.

He was nearly an hour away from the reservation when he realized that the best way to take his mind off of Claudia was to distract himself with a different girl. One who was easygoing, and always down to hook up. 

He didn't have to think twice about who he wanted to contact, and after retrieving his phone from the passenger seat, he dialed the number of Alisa - a cute blonde he occasionally hooked up with. He was just reminiscing about the last time he'd seen her when she answered the phone in her seductively husky voice.

"Hello?"

"Hey, It's Lucas."

"Oh hey there, stranger. It's been awhile since we last spoke." 

"Yeah, I know. Sorry I haven't called you in weeks, but I've just been really busy."

"No worries, babe. I'm just happy to hear from you."

"So what's up. Is your dad home right now?"

"Nope. He won't be back until later this afternoon."

Glancing at the dashboard clock, Lucas saw that it was just past eleven a.m.

"How late?"

"Three, maybe four o'clock."

"Oh. That late, huh?

"Yep. So you wanna come over, sexy?" Alissa asked. 

"Oh yeah. I'd love to." But no sooner had he spoken those words, did he notice the flashing of police cruiser lights in his rearview mirror. "Shit."

"What?"

"Uh, I'm gonna have to call you back later."

"Why?" She asked.

"Because the cops are tailing me."

"Oh my God. Why?"

"I don't know." 

No longer just flashing their lights but sounding their siren, the cop car rode the bumper of Lucas's pickup even closer.

"I have to go." With the press of a button he ended the call and tossed his cell phone onto the passenger seat beside him.

He pulled over to the side of the road, then cut his engine before rolling down his window. With his gaze focused on the small mirror that was mounted on the driver's side door, Lucas tensely sat, watching as the policeman approached his car. 

* * * *

After reading for two hours straight, Claudia was halfway into her true crime book, and just two sentences shy of finishing a particularly engrossing chapter. The knock on her bedroom door was what broke her concentration, and with an annoyed sigh, she set her book aside and uttered her consent for Mona to enter her room. 

"Come in."

The door opened, and after closing it behind her, Mona began to pace leisurely around the room. 

"Hey, how are things?"

"Well considering that I'm grounded, not great." 

Still walking slowly about Claudia's bedroom, Mona checked out the movie posters that adorned her walls, and then the antique vanity table which held a variety of makeup and skincare products. Her eyes then shifted to a Burda sewing handbook, and after flipping through the pages, she finally sat down next to Claudia on the bed.

"We need to talk, sugar plum."

Sensing that it was about something fairly important, Claudia waited for her mother to continue. 

"Now that you're beginning to, uh - spend time with boys... "

An almost painful look crossed Claudia's face as she realized where the conversation was heading. "Look, mom. I know that Kimi and I snuck out last night, but I didn't do what you think I did."

"I'm not accusing you of having sex," Mona said. "But this is still information that you need to hear."

"I already know about STD's and that It's important to use protection. You told me all of this when I was twelve." 

"Yes, I know. And I'm not rehashing that conversation," Mona said. "This is about birth control."

"I don't need birth control. I'm not having sex."

"But eventually you will, and I want you to be prepared when the time comes." She reached into the pocket of her floral print robe, retrieved a couple of pamphlets, and passed them to Claudia so that she could check them out.

"I know It's kind of a lot to look through all at once, so take your time," Mona said. "But you'll notice that there are eleven different types of birth control."




Lost Girl Ch. 08



"Eleven? How am I supposed to pick one out of eleven?"

"That's why you need to look through each of the pamphlets. They all give plenty of information about the pros and cons of each method."

"Can't I do this whole birth control thing later on...like once I actually start having sex?" 

"I'd really feel better if we did this as soon as possible," Mona said while regarding her daughter with a serious look. "Just to be on the safe side."

A heavy sigh left Claudia's lips as she gazed down at the pamplets, and for a moment she just thought of brushing the whole thing off, but it was pretty apparent that her mother had no intentions of relenting.

"Okay, I'll have a look through them and make a decision in the next couple of days." 

Mona smiled, affectionately patted her daughter's leg, then rose to her feet. "You ever need to talk, I'm always available. You know that, right?"

Claudia nodded, watching as her mother headed for the bedroom door, but before she could make it back out into the hall, Claudia called out to her.

"Mom?"

Mona turned to face her daughter. 

"I know I'm supposed to be grounded and everything, but there's this party happening tonight..."

Mona said nothing in return, only stood silently as she waited for Claudia to continue.

"And I was wondering if it would be possible for me to go?"

"Why should I let you go?" Mona asked. "You've done nothing to earn back my trust."

"I know," she replied, "and I totally get that I don't deserve to be let off of punishment, but the thing is, I've been really looking forward to it for a couple of days now."

Mona heaved out a sigh.

"And I just sent Kimi a text and she told me that Tristan has agreed to come along, so It's not like we would be hanging out with only strangers."

"I really don't know, Claudia. I mean, it was only last night that you and Kimi snuck out to hang with some boys."

"That wasn't the smartest thing I've done," Claudia said. "And believe it or not, I actually do regret going out." For a fleeting moment, her thoughts turned to Lucas and she recalled the argument they'd had only hours before, but her thoughts were swiftly brought back to the present as she remembered the matter that was at hand. "Anyways, I'll completely understand if you tell me that I can't go. But I you do let me, I promise to be safe and not drink alcohol and not do anything stupid that you wouldn't approve of." 

Crossing her arms in front of her chest, Mona gave her a daughter a long, thoughtful look

that made Claudia lower her eyes and bite her lip. Some time passed before she finally shifted out of her authoritative stance, and with one hand on the doorknob and the other resting against the doorjamb, she finally responded.

"What time does this party start?"

"Eight."

"And Tristan will be accompanying you and Kimi?

"Yeah."

"Is this for certain?"

"Yes, it is."

"All right, you can attend the party. But only under the following conditions."

Feeling a bit nervous, Claudia waited to hear what they would be. 

"At random times throughout the night, I will be calling to receive updates. I expect that you will answer each and every one of my calls."

"Okay."

"And I will be asking to speak with Tristan as well, so if you're thinking of ditching the party and going somewhere else with Kimi, I *will* find out."

"Where else would we go?" Claudia asked. "Everyone will be at the party."

"Just a warning, so you know not to even try."

"Right."

"And under no circumstances do you accept a ride home from anyone else besides Tristan. You arrive with him, you leave with him. Got it?"

Claudia nodded.

"I want you home no later than eleven p.m. And when I say eleven, I mean on the dot. Is that clear?"

"Yes."

"No excuses, Claudia. I expect you to follow all of these rules." 

"You have my word, mom." 

"This is a chance for you to regain my trust. Please don't make me regret that I did this."

"I won't. Hand on my heart, I will follow everything you say."

And with the fullest sincerity, she intended to do just that.

* * * *

"License and registration?" 

"Uh, sure," Lucas said while pulling his wallet out of his back pocket, and after handing his license to the fresh faced police officer, he leaned over to retrieve his registration papers from the glove compartment.

"Do you know why I pulled you over today?" The cop's green eyes closely scrutinized Lucas's license, as if trying to discern whether or not it was fake.

"Because I was going really fast?"

"You were doing 70 in a 50 mile per hour zone."

"Yeah, sorry about that..."

"We have speed limits out here in the city. You understand that, right?"

"Yes."

"So why weren't you obeying them?"

"I don't know. Guess you could say my mind is somewhere else."

"So not only were you speeding, but you were also talking on your cell phone."

"That was a mistake," Lucas said. We don't have that law out on the rez, so I - "

"This Isn't the rez, It's the city of Whitefish. And if you're going to drive around on our roads, you need to follow the rules, understand?"

"Yes, I do."

"What's the purpose of your visit to Whitefish today?"

"Why do you wanna know?" Lucas asked. "It's not against the law for an Indian man to leave the reservation, is it?"

"You getting smart with me, kid?"

"I just don't understand what that has to do with me speeding."

"You don't have to answer the question," the cop said. "But by refusing to cooperate with an officer of the law, you do understand that it will be seen as an obstruction of justice, and I will then have the right to arrest you."

*Bullshit*, Lucas thought as he stared into the cop's eyes, but it seemed that the 

baby-faced policeman was just itching for any reason to give Lucas trouble, so instead of refusing, he reluctantly complied. 

"I'm going to a friend's."

"And what is the name of this friend?"

"Alissa."

"Last name?"

"Uhh...I don't know her last name."

"You don't know the last name of your friend?"

"Nope. Guess I never thought to ask her."

The cop shook his head and eased out a nasal sigh before poking his head into Lucas's truck. 

"What's that smell?"

"What smell?" Lucas asked.

"It smells like marijuana."

"I don't smoke marijuana."

"Sure smells like It's coming from your truck." The policeman took a quick peek in the bed of Lucas's Chevy before resuming his stance next to the driver's side door. "Step out of the vehicle, please."

Lucas cursed quietly beneath his breath, then stepped out of the truck so that the policeman could search the interior. Along with rummaging through the glove compartment, he also slipped his hand into the tight spaces between the center console, as well as checked beneath the driver's and passenger seat. 

He even pulled up the floor mats to check beneath them, but after discovering nothing more than a few nickels and dimes, he finally realized that there was nothing to be found. Undeterred, he went on to search the narrow passenger compartment in the back, and that was when he let out a faint noise that Lucas could only describe as poorly concealed triumph. 

"You have a permit for this concealed rifle?" He asked while pulling it out of the backseat.

"It wasn't concealed," Lucas said. "It was sitting on the backseat and in full view from the window. 

"There were several fishing poles stacked on top of it," the young cop said. "I'd say that's concealed.

"I didn't do it intentionally," Lucas said. "It just sort of happened." 

"So do you or don't you have a permit for it?"

"Well I'm not 18 yet, so no, I don't."

"Uh-huh." The cop gave him a long, hard look before sticking his head back into the narrow cab behind the driver's seat. 

Narrowing his eyes at the cop's back, Lucas watched on as the policeman continued his search. Clearly hellbent on finding drugs that didn't exist, he continued to root around in the narrow space until finally he ceased his search, then rose to his full height. 

It wasn't until he turned around that Lucas realized the policeman was holding his hand drum, and that was when Lucas's eyes went hard and cold. Fashioned from tanned buckskin, the hand drum had been made by his now deceased grandfather, and as such, was Lucas's most prized possession.

"That's my hand drum," he said. "What are you doing with it?"

"This drum smells heavily of marijuana." Positioning his nostrils against the stretched deer hide, he deeply inhaled before asking, "You use it to stash your drugs?"

"I don't do drugs," Lucas firmly said. "And my hand drum is sacred. I use it only to create songs."

"Take a deep sniff and tell me it doesn't smell like weed," the policeman said while holding the drum out."

Lucas did take a sniff, and as his eyes once again met with the cop's, he became more pissed off than ever.

"What you're smelling is sage," he stated. "It's an herb that is used during cleansing and purification ceremonies."

"You got any proof to back that up?"

"Run some tests, and you'll see that I'm telling the truth."

Seemingly caught off guard by the sureness in Lucas's voice, the policeman looked down at the drum, then back at Lucas before finally giving a response.

"All right, I'll do a field test. But I'm going to need to run you through the computer first, so get back in your car and sit tight until I'm finished." The cop turned and started heading back to his cruiser, but the sound of Lucas calling out to him made him halt his steps.

"My drum," Lucas said while stretching out his hand. "I'm going to need it back." 

"Sir, I will return your drum if the field test comes back negative. Now go wait in your car."

Rather than heed the cop's words, Lucas found himself wishing that he could instead whoop the fresh-faced cop's ass. He didn't have to have X-ray vision to know that the policeman's body was more soft than it was toned, which was a dead giveaway that the cop didn't exercise much, if at all. 

*I could lay him out on the ground with just a few punches*, Lucas thought. *It wouldn't be hard at all to do.*

But as soon that thought passed through his head, he pushed it back out, because he valued his freedom far too much to give into violent desires. He could feel the cop's eyes watching as he turned and walked back to his truck, but it wasn't until he had slid behind the wheel and closed the door behind him that the officer finally headed back to his cruiser, which was parked only a few paces behind Lucas's Chevy. 

Several minutes passed, then finally half an hour before Lucas lost the last few shreds of his patience. Yet beneath the annoyance and irritation that he felt, there was also a knot forming in his stomach, which signaled to him that something was not quite right. 

He was seriously preparing himself for the possibility of being arrested when the policeman finally got out of his car, and with a slow, casual saunter that made Lucas more suspicious than ever, the peace officer approached the Chevy pickup. By the time he arrived at the driver's side door, Lucas was more than a little nervous, but he met the cop's eyes with a firm, unwavering gaze that completely belied the unease that he felt. 

"Turns out I can't get a team out here to help me administer the field test, but since I didn't find any drugs in your car, I will allow you to go on your way." In one smooth, fluid movement, the policeman unclipped a citation book from his duty belt, then retrieved a pen from his pocket so that he could make out some tickets. "I will, however, be ticketing you for speeding, as well as talking on your cell phone while driving." His pen moved quickly across the pad as he wrote out the citations. "And then there's the concealed rifle..."

"Speaking of my rifle, where is it?" 

"It's being confiscated," the cop said. "You don't have a permit, so It's illegal for you to carry it around concealed in your car."

"But I only use it for hunting," Lucas stated. "Couldn't you let me off with a warning?" 

"No, I cannot." 

"All right, well what about my hand drum?" Lucas asked. "You told me you would give it back to me."

"Yes I did, but that was only on the condition that the field test came back negative."

"But didn't you just say that you couldn't run a field test because there was nobody available to help you carry it out?"

"Uh-huh." The cop's pen moved quicker across the citation pad.

"So how am I supposed to get my drum back if you won't even administer the field test?" Lucas asked.

"You can't. And that's precisely the point." 

"Come on..." Lucas's voice had deepened, brows lowering as he stared down the cop. "That drum is my property, and I want it back now."

"Is that a threat?" No longer scribbling on the pad, the policeman's mouth had set into a straight, grim line. 

"No, it is not," Lucas said. "But that drum belongs to me. You have no legal right to confiscate it."

"Not only am I perfectly within my rights," the cop said, "but I also have the power to arrest you on suspicion of possessing drugs. I'm trying to be nice here, but you're making it very difficult for me."

"You call this being nice?" 

"I'm warning you, sir. I can and will arrest you if you refuse to cooperate."

Lucas's eyes flashed with an alarming anger, but his lips remained tightly pulled together, as if sealed by an invisible thread. At this point, he could have cared less about the numerous citations he was receiving, because his hand drum was far more important than any amount of green paper that he possessed. 

The drum wasn't just an object to Lucas, it was a piece of his heart; a sacred instrument that had been lovingly crafted by his ~aahsa~. It felt wrong, sinful even, that he was being forced to leave it behind, but he would be damned if the beautiful drum was going to collect dust in some police evidence room.

"You're lucky I'm letting you off with a warning, kid," the cop said as he tore the three citations from his ticket book. "Most cops would haul your smartass into jail and let you cool off overnight."

Lucas accepted the tickets, but didn't say a word in response.

"Make sure you do the speed limit from here on out, understand?"

Again he gave no reply, nor did he nod. But he did turn the key in the ignition, and as soon as the cop walked away from the Chevy, Lucas took off down the street.

He couldn't recall the last time he'd felt so utterly disgusted, nor could he ever remember feeling so lost. But it was the hole in his heart that really bothered him the most.



Lost Girl Ch. 09



At half past eight on Saturday night, Tristan's Lincoln Continental pulled in front of a modestly sized home with a dirt drive. Even with the windows rolled up, the sound of music could be heard loud and clear, as well as the shouting and loud chatter of teenage partygoers. 

While Kimi had rode shotgun for the duration of the ride, Claudia was seated in the back. Her hair, which had been freshly washed earlier that morning and twisted in rows along her scalp, now hung loosely around her shoulders in tight spirals. Just fitted enough to draw attention to her curvy posterior, the high-waisted pants that she had on were perfectly complemented by a fitted crop top with a scoop neck. 

Athough it hadn't been purposely synchronized, Kimi, Tristan, and Claudia all got out of the car at the same time, and with Tristan sandwiched between the two girls, the threesome made their way towards the front door. As they were walking, Claudia noticed that a number of people were hanging out on a deck that was attached to the house. 

Due to the fact that it was dark outside, she couldn't tell if they were kids that she had seen around school, but the brash laughter and numerous giggles which drifted through the air told Claudia that they were people who definitely recognized *her*.

Rather than pay them any attention, Claudia, Kimi, and Tristan continued to walk along the path that would take them to the house, but they didn't even get a chance to knock on the door before someone on the deck called out to Tristan in an obnoxiously loud voice. 

"Hey, freak. You took a wrong turn," jeered a guy who was holding a bottle of beer. 

"Yeah, aren't you supposed to be in the cemetery talking to dead people?" 

Recognizing the last voice as belonging to a girl who was in her calculus class, Claudia shot her a dirty look, but it was Kimi who let loose an irritated reply.

"You guys are funnier when you're drunk, right?" 

"Who the hell invited you?" Asked a girl who was dressed in a pair of jeans and a pink spaghetti strap top. 

"Matthew," Kimi said. "The guy who's *throwing* the party." 

Shifting her gaze to Claudia, the girl in pink looked her up and down before whispering something to her friend, who promptly erupted into a loud chuckle. Choosing to ignore them, Claudia kept her eyes focused straight ahead, and as they entered the door which was partially open, the music hit them full blast. They had barely crossed the threshold when Kimi spotted Matthew, who was the host of the party, and after waving him over, she exchanged pleasantries with him.

"Hey, Matthew. Thanks for inviting us."

"No problem. It's good to see you." His gaze then shifted to Claudia, who gave him a smile, before focusing on Tristan, who offered a nod of acknowledgment. "Claudia and Tristan, right?"

They both nodded.

"Kimi told me she was bringing some friends. Glad you guys could make it."

"Thanks for having us," Claudia said.

"Hey, by the way, there's this girl that's been looking all over for you," Matthew said to Kimi. "She said you loaned her this makeup kit weeks ago, and she wants to give it back."

"Shauna..."

"Yeah, that's her name. Anyways, she's hanging out in the hallway if you want me to take you to her." 

"Most definitely," Kimi said, and with a quick glance Tristan and Claudia's way, she said, "Back in a bit, guys. Just gonna pick up my kit."

Both Tristan and Claudia offered a nod in response, and as they were left to stand there alone, they fell into a companionable silence that could only be shared between two people who were perfectly comfortable with one another. 

"So..." Tristan's deep voice cut through the thumping techno beat that was blasting through the speakers. "It pretty much feels like I'm in hell right now."

"If It's any consolation, I feel pretty out of place, as well," Claudia said.

Just like Tristan, Claudia was still standing next to the front door, feeling more like a statue than an actual human being as she took in everything that was happening around her. 

Aside from a few couples who were making out on the couches, she noticed that most of the guests were standing around talking while sipping from bottles of beer or cans of soda. 

Along with the haze of cigarettes, the musky smell of pot was thick in the air and the carpet was littered with everything from crushed chips and pretzels to spilled drinks. Her eyes trailed along the decorative lights that were strewn around the windows and doorways before coming to land on a plastic Christmas tree located in the corner of the living room, and that was when Claudia noticed that Lucas was parked beside it drinking a beer. 

For a moment she thought of heading into the kitchen so that she wouldn't be seen, but then it suddenly dawned on her that she had she absolutely no reason to try and hide herself. If anyone should be ashamed, it was Lucas. He was the one who had insulted her, not the other way around.

So lost in her thoughts, it took her awhile to realize that Tristan was intently watching her, and on shifting her attention so that her eyes met his own, she realized that he was tapping into her emotions. Feeling as if she'd been stripped butt naked, Claudia shifted from one foot to the other before finally posing a question.

"What? What is it?"

"Lucas Goodblanket..."

"Yeah, what about him?" Allowing her eyes to drift back in his direction, Claudia saw that Lucas was chatting with a boy who was wearing a jacket with the school's wresting team logo on it.

"What did he do to make you so upset?" Tristan asked. 

"It's not so much what *he* did..." she started.

A question mark came into Tristan's eyes as he waited for her to elaborate.

"...It's what he wants *me* to do that's the problem."

Just briefly, Tristan's brows knitted together, but as it suddenly clicked in his mind, the crease in his forehead smoothed out. "Oh, right."

A few beats of silence passed before he offered some more words.

"Well, It's his loss."

Touched by the statement, Claudia gave him a soft smile. "Thank you, Tristan. That's sweet of you to say."

"Just being honest." With his attention still focused on Lucas, he said, "You're not in alignment with each other. You know that, right?"

"What do you mean by alignment?"

"Your energies aren't melding." 

Not having expected this insight, Claudia slowly replied, "Okay..." But the truth of it was, it really wasn't okay at all, because she didn't have the faintest clue of what he was trying to get across to her. "When you say energies, you mean..."

"Who you are as a human being. Your thoughts, your dreams, your fears, your desires...those all create an energy that other people pick up on."

A thoughtful look crossed her face as she continued to take in Tristan's words.

"He has a wall up," Tristan said as he continued to gaze at Lucas. "But you do, as well."

"He may have a wall up, but I don't," Claudia said. "I'm completely open and ready for a relationship."

"I know you are," Tristan responded. "But right now you're pushing against him and he's pushing against you, so how are you ever supposed to come together?" 

"I told you, he's only after one thing. So if anyone's doing the pushing, It's him."

"You're both pushing," Tristan said. "Each of you are continually trying to gain leverage over the other, and that's why you're moving further apart."

Having been given a considerable amount of food for thought, Claudia was doing her best to digest it. 

"I'm not trying to gain leverage over Lucas," she said. "I just want to be in a relationship where I'm not expected to immediately have sex."

"And you deserve that," Tristan said. "But he's not in a place right now where he can give you the commitment that you're after."

Deep down in her heart, Claudia had already known that. But hearing the words spoken out loud by someone else really hammered the point home for her. 

"I guess It's just as well that we're not talking anymore," Claudia said. "He never did care about me, anyways." 

"Oh, he cares," Tristan said. "It's just that he's not used to thinking beyond the physical. You're challenging what he's used to, and he doesn't really know how to respond to that."

"Well, apparently calling me a cocktease and skank is the way that he's chosen to deal with it."

Tristan swiveled his head to look at her. "He called you *names*?"

"Yep."

"You're neither," he said in a tone that was firm. "And don't you ever let him convince you otherwise."

"Trust me, I won't."

No longer talking to the boy in the wrestling jacket, Lucas was now standing next to a guy who was dressed in a sweatshirt, track pants, and a pair of Nike trainers. From what Claudia could tell, the two boys were checking out something on the display screen of Lucas's phone, and every so often, they would share a chuckle.

"You know when guys call women names like that, It's usually because their ego's have been crushed," Tristan said. "It's a defense mechanism, a way of pretending that they aren't hurt." 

"I hadn't thought of it that way," Claudia replied. "But now that you bring it up, it does make a lot of sense."

All around them, the sounds of laughing and shouting could be heard, as well the heart thumping bass of a rap tune. The front door opened and closed behind them as people steadily poured into the house, yet Claudia and Tristan remained firmly rooted in their spots. Also rooted in place was Lucas, who had spotted Tristan and Claudia from across the room and was giving them a cold, flinty gaze.

"I never thought I would say this," Tristan said as he stared back at Lucas, "but it looks like Lucas and I finally have something in common."

"What?" 

"We both want something that we can't have."

The note of sadness in Tristan's voice tugged at Claudia's heart, and instinctively, she reached out to lightly stroke his arm. 

"I really don't think you should give up on Kimi, Tristan."

"But she has a boyfriend now," he said. "So there's really nothing I can do except respect her relationship."

"Just wait it out," Claudia said. "Not that I'm hoping it doesn't work out or anything, but I've met Justin, and he's not really anything special."

"When you say not anything special, what you mean, exactly?" Tristan asked.

"Well, he's a decent guy and all, but... he's not you."

"Oh..." A hint of a blush went to his cheeks as he saw the way that Claudia's eyes had softened, but as Kimi returned with her makeup kit in hand, Tristan's gaze immediately shifted. 

"You guys are still standing here?" Kimi lifted her brows in amazement. "I've been gone for like ten minutes."

"We just figured it might be easier for you to find us if we stayed in the same place," Claudia said.

To this Kimi only offered a smile, and after shrugging out of her jacket and throwing it onto a growing pile next to the door, she helped Claudia out of hers.

"What about you, Tristan?" Kimi asked while turning to face him. 

"Uh, no, that's okay," he said while clutching at the lapels of his Army jacket. "Think I'll keep my mine's on." 

"Oh, all righty, then." 

Leading the way into the kitchen, Kimi guided them toward the beverage table, which was stocked with soda, beer, and a huge bowl of eggnog that smelled strongly of alcohol. 

"I hear the eggnog's really good," Kimi said while using the ladle to pour it into a cup. "You guys wanna try it?"

"No thanks. I don't really like the taste of alcohol," Tristan said.

"And I promised my mom that I would only drink soda," Claudia replied.

"A couple of straight edges, huh?" A crooked smile tilted Kimi's pink lips. "That's cool, they've got plenty of soda here."

While Claudia grabbed a can of Coke, Tristan grabbed a Pepsi, and with Kimi in tow, they headed into the living room. Brimming with people who were swaying to the beat of the music, the air was thick with the smell of tightly packed bodies, but beneath the pervading odor of sweat was another scent that was unmistakable. Claudia guessed that Tristan must have smelled it too, because he wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"It stinks in here," Tristan said. "Did a skunk get loose, or something?" 

"That's not a skunk, Tristan," Kimi said while leading them through the throng of dancing partygoers. "That's the smell of people smoking pot."

Unable to resist from smiling, Claudia saw that Tristan's ears had begun to turn bright red, but she didn't have long to smile at his adorableness, because somebody behind her copped a feel of her ass. 

Turning her head to see who it was, Claudia noticed that there were several guys who could have been the culprit, but not one was casting a gaze in her direction, so she was left at a loss as to who to confront. 

Spotting a couch that was free, Kimi led Claudia and Tristan toward it, where they all plopped down to enjoy their drinks. They had only been sitting there for a few minutes when a box of pizza began to circulate around the living room, and after each taking a slice, they passed it on to a group of girls who were standing nearby.

"Not a bad party, huh?" Kimi asked as while munching on the pizza.

"Yeah, It's pretty alright," Claudia said.

"Having a good time, Tristan?" 

"Uh, yeah. I'm doing okay."

Kimi nodded, then took another sip of her eggnog.

As they were sitting there on the couch, Claudia noticed that the majority of people who were dancing were paired up with members of the opposite sex. This in turn made her think of Kimi and Tristan, and sneaking a glance out of the corner of her eye, Claudia saw that Kimi had a somewhat wistful look on her face. 

While it may have only been four months since she and Kimi had struck up a friendship, Claudia knew her well enough to tell that Kimi was growing restless. She was, after all, a free-spirited, outgoing type of person, so it wasn't hard for Claudia to deduce that Kimi was eager to be dancing with the other partygoers.

As the seconds ticked on, Claudia found herself hoping that Tristan would ask Kimi to dance, but everytime she took a sideways glance at him, she noticed that he was only staring straight ahead. Every so often she would notice his shoulders move up and down, as if he was taking deep breaths and then slowly letting them out, but for the most part, he seemed to be drawing himself against the back of the couch, as if trying to make himself smaller.

Clearly out of his element, Claudia knew that he was unwilling soaking up every bit of energy that was in the room, and her heart immediately went out to him. Yet at the same time, she wanted to see him enjoy himself at least a little bit, and in hopes that she could be the catalyst, Claudia leaned in so that her lips were directly next to Tristan's ear.

"Ask Kimi to dance."

"Uh, I don't really know how," he responded. "And besides, she has a boyfriend."

"It's just dancing," Claudia said. "And all you have to do is move your body to the beat. It doesn't have to be perfect or anything."

Shifting his gaze to Kimi, Tristan saw that she was sitting on the edge of the couch, chin held in the palm of her hand as she watched the other partygoers sway to the beat of the music. He placed his cup down on the nicked-up coffee table, and after clearing his throat, he slipped his fingers through the hair that flopped over his forehead. 

Perhaps noticing that he was looking at her, Kimi turned her head to give him a smile. He never got the chance to ask her to dance, however, because a boy dressed in an oversized T-shirt and a pair of baggy jeans came sauntering towards her. 

"You know you can't leave this party without dancing with me at least once, right, Kimi?" The boy asked while giving her a smile. 

"Oh hey, Keith." Kimi smiled, then rose to her feet before glancing at Claudia and Tristan. "You guys don't mind if I dance for a bit, do you?"

While Claudia remained silent, Tristan slowly shook his head no, but even Claudia could see that his eyes were screaming yes.

"Okay. See you guys in a bit."

And with that, Kimi flitted away, disappearing into the throng of teens who were now dancing to a nu-metal song that featured heavy guitar riffs and rap vocals.

"Sorry, Tristan," Claudia said. "I was rooting for you."

Tristan drew a breath in, released it, and then raked his fingers through his hair before finally speaking. "God, what is wrong with me? Why can't I ever do anything normally?"

"This is no such thing as normal," Claudia said. "And at least you're trying."

"No," he said while shaking his head. "I'm not really trying, and that's the whole problem."

"You came to the party, didn't you?"

"Yeah."

"And when is the last time you went to a party?"

"Never."

"See?" 

"I don't even know why I'm here anyways," Tristan said. "She has a boyfriend. This is wrong of me."

"She invited you along because she wants you to be her friend," Claudia said. "And just so you know, I wanted you along, too," Claudia said. 

"Yeah, but that's only because your mom wouldn't let you come unless you had a chaperone."

"No, that's not true," Claudia objected. "I mean yes, maybe she did only agree to let me come because she knew that you would be with us, but you're my friend, Tristan. I would have wanted you along, regardless."

There was something in Tristan's expression that seemed to doubt what she was saying, but after studying her face for a few long moments, he lowered his eyes and gazed down at his hands.

"Don't beat yourself up, okay?" Claudia affectionately ran a palm along his back. "I'm sure Kimi is just glad to have you here."

"Yeah, right. I'm a total bore."

"No, you're not. You're the most interesting guy I know."

"What's interesting about me?" He asked. 

"Well for one, you've got all of these amazing abilities. You can see and do things that no one else on this reservation can, and that makes you really special."

Tristan's posture became slightly less tense, but there was still dejection on his face.

"And then there's your drawing skills, which are *amazing*, and you just have this way about you that is completely unique."

"I do?"

"Yes."

"Well if I'm so unique, then why doesn't Kimi want me?" He asked in a voice that slightly shook.

Feeling as if she'd just taken a knife in her heart, Claudia eased out a faint sigh. Never before had she felt anyone's pain so acutely, and for the first time since she'd met Tristan, she truly understood what feeling another's pain was all about. 

"I don't think It's necessarily that she doesn't want you," Claudia said. "I just feel like maybe she doesn't realize how amazing you are yet."

Still staring down at his hands, Tristan was repeatedly sinking his nails into his palms so that they left behind half moon shapes. His head was titled forward and his hair hung into his eyes, so Claudia was unable to clearly make out his expression. But she could tell by the way he had grown unnaturally quiet that he was currently doing some very heavy thinking. 

She was just contemplating whether or not to try and talk him into a better mood or just simply leave him in silence, when she saw Kimi heading back towards them. Before Kimi even reach the couch, Claudia was on her feet, and clasping Kimi's palm in her own, she pulled her off towards the kitchen. 

"What's up?" Kimi's eyes had become wide with uncertainty.

"You know Tristan's really hurting, don't you?"

"What do you mean he's really hurting?"

"His heart is completely *smashed*. He's sitting there thinking that you don't like him at all."

"I don't understand. What exactly did I do?"

"You went off and danced with another guy, Kimi. Right in front of Tristan's face."

"Keith is just a friend. There's absolutely no romantic connection between us at all," Kimi said. "And besides, Tristan knows that I have a boyfriend, so It's not like I invited him along for us to be a couple, or anything."




Lost Girl Ch. 09



"But you know how sensitive he is," Claudia stated. "How could you go off and dance with that guy while leaving Tristan on the couch?"

"He wasn't alone, he was with you."

Claudia's nostrils slightly flared as she eased out a harsh sigh. "All right, I need to tell you something."

"Okay, what is it?"

"Four months ago, Tristan approached me and asked me to teach him sign language. Guess why he asked me, Kimi."

A long stretch of silence followed during which Kimi seemed reluctant to answer. But Claudia could tell from the look in her eyes that Kimi fully understood why.

"What? So you're saying that it was all because of me?"

"Yeah. You're the whole reason behind him learning it."

"Wow..." Appearing a bit dazed, Kimi lowered her eyes to the floor before finally lifting her gaze so that it once again met with Claudia's. "Okay, this is pretty major."

"So now you understand just how much he likes you," Claudia said. "I mean, this Isn't something that just any guy would do." 

"You're right, It's not."

"And I understand that you have a boyfriend now, but please be nice to him. Tristan is special. He's really sweet, Kimi."

"Yeah, I know. And I feel like a total bitch now for the way that I treated him." She fell silent, mulling over what she was going to do next. "I'm going to have a talk with him, but it shouldn't be too long, so just hang out here until I get back, okay?" 

"Take your time. I'll catch up with you in a bit," Claudia said. 

Having grown thirsty, she retrieved a can of soda from the snack table, then munched on a few chips before taking a handful of M&M's. From where she stood in the kitchen, she had a full view of the deck, and deciding to venture outside, she turned away from the snack table. 

Rather than continue forward, she found that her pathway had been effectively blocked. And that was when her eyes came to focus on the person who was standing before her. 

* * * *

With all of the bedrooms in the house occupied, the laundry room was the only private place that Kimi could think to take Tristan, and after pulling the door shut and locking it behind them, she focused her eyes on his face. 

Rather than gaze steadily at her, Tristan shifted his attention to the small window above the washer, but as Kimi reached out to take his hand in hers, he promptly switched his point of attention to her now smiling face.

"You're a wonderful person, you know that?" 

"I am?" 

"Yes, you are." As if to confirm this, she lightly squeezed his hand.

"Thanks." 

As he smiled, so did she, and for awhile they just stood there looking into each other's eyes.

"The reason I brought you here, is because I wanted to say thank you. And I wanted to do it in a quiet place where we could be one on one."

"Okay." He ran his palm up and down his pant leg a few times before shifting on his feet. "Thank you for what?"

"Claudia told me that she taught you sign language, Tristan."

"Oh." His lips pressed tight before he said, "I didn't want her to tell you that."

"Why not?"

"Because I didn't you want to think that I was being manipulative."

"I don't think that It's manipulative at all," Kimi said. "I think It's incredibly sweet and totally awesome that you went to such lengths to impress me."

"Really?"

"Yes." Her eyes were soft and filled with an inner glow. "No guy has ever done anything even *remotely* as cool as learning sign language for me." 

The beaming expression that lit up Tristan's entire face made Kimi smile even more, and still holding his hand in hers, she maintained steady eye contact. 

"Not a lot of people care about me, Tristan. So thank you for that."

"You don't have to thank me," he said. "I was happy to do it."

"Yeah." Still smiling, Kimi gave a gentle nod. "Claudia was right. You really are special." 

As she stood there gazing at him, Kimi found herself feeling just a bit regretful that she was already in a relationship. And yet at the same time, she knew that Tristan couldn't have been any more different than she was. 

While he was quiet, withdrawn, and preferred to isolate himself from others, she loved nothing more than a good party, and actively sought out ways to meet new people. They couldn't have been any more of complete opposites, but there was something about that stark contrast that made her more than a little curious.

Yes, he was certainly as special as Claudia had been telling her. Because there weren't any other guys on the reservation who accepted her as Tristan did. She knew he'd heard about the rumors of her sleeping around - he must have heard about them, because the rez was far too close-knit for him to be oblivious of her sexual past. 

And yet still, he'd liked her enough to go through the trouble of learning sign language, that's what really shocked her the most. He was certainly one of a kind, that much she knew for sure. 

She guessed she must have been looking at him pretty darn steadily, because he was nervously tugging at the hem of his Army jacket. Finding his nervousness cute, Kimi allowed another smile to cross her face. She then maneuvered her body so that she was standing on her toes, and with palms resting against his shoulders, she slowly leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek. 

If she hadn't been mistaken, he'd faintly gasped at the touch of her lips. But it wasn't until she pulled away from his face that Kimi noticed his pupils were dilated. She couldn't help feeling a bit of pride at the effect she'd on him, but their moment had come to an end, so she released his hand and stepped back a few paces.

"Well, I guess we should be getting back to the party now."

"Right. The party." His voice was tight with reluctance.

"You gotta loosen up, Tristan. Parties are meant to be fun, you know."

She unlocked the door, then opened it. And with Tristan following behind her, led the way back to the front of the house. 

* * * *

Even before she saw the two narrow braids that reached his hipbone, Claudia already knew that Lucas was the one who was blocking her path. The woodsy scent of his cologne had been a dead giveway, and although it may have sounded crazy, something within her had been able to sense that he was hanging around.

Ordinarily, his mere presence would have made her heart work double time, but the memory of the argument they'd had earlier that morning had left her with a rather diminished opinion of him. 

"Sean," Lucas said with a haughty sureness in his voice. "Sean DesRosiers. That's the guy you were with last night."

"Who told you that?" 

"Nevermind who told me. I want to hear you admit that it was him."

"Okay, I was with Sean," she admitted. "And?"

"And I got the lowdown on everything that the two of you did."

"*Right*. Stop bluffing, Lucas."

"You're pretty good with your hands, I hear."

Claudia's cat-like eyes narrowed to slits.

"So I *am* on the right track." His lips tilted into a smirk.

"Don't you have anything better to do than harass me?"

"You call this harassment?" Grabbing a few pretzels from the bowl, he popped them into his mouth. "We're just having a conversation."

"Well have one with yourself, because I'm not doing this with you anymore." 

She turned to walk away, but only got as far as the threshold before Lucas called out to her.

"Why'd you do it, Claudia? Why did you get together with Sean?"

Turning to face him, she said, "Because I wanted to."

"So you got together with a total stranger *just because*. No special reason, you just did it."

"Not that It's any of your business, but I found him attractive and we had good chemistry. Is that a good enough reason for you?"

"You find me attractive, too," Lucas said. "And you know just as well as I do, that we have *great* chemistry, so why Sean, and not me?"

"You really aren't going to let this go, are you?" 

The heavy stare that Lucas gave her made it pretty clear that he was not.

"It was a spur of the moment thing, all right? Things just sort of happened."

"Are you going to see him again?" Lucas asked.

"I don't know, maybe..."

"So you enjoyed it." Lucas's eyes searched hers, but the look on his face seemed to implore her to disprove his statement. "You liked being with him."

"Why are you doing this, Lucas?" An almost piteous look came into her eyes. "Why are you asking questions that you really don't want an answer to?"

"Because, I need to know how you feel about him."

"Why?" 

Lucas absentmindedly rubbed his jaw, then allowed his eyes to drift to the right before looking back at Claudia. "Because if you plan on hanging out with him again, that's something that I need to know."

"I don't know everyone that *you* hang out with," Claudia said. "So why should I do something that you yourself are not willing to do for me?"

Seemingly stumped, Lucas stared blankly at her for a very long moment. So long, that Claudia decided to break the silence.

"You've done nothing to earn that right, Lucas. And until you do, I will see whoever I want to."

"No."

Louder than his normal speaking voice, Lucas's tone had sliced right through the loud noise that surrounded them, sounding so firm and strong that Claudia lifted her brows in response. There was a tightness in his expression, as if he was resisting the urge to say what was truly on his mind, and as Claudia stared up at him, she noticed that his chest was projected outwards.

"No?" Her expression was incredulous. "You don't get to tell me no, Lucas." 

"No, what you're doing is..." His lips pressed together, flattening for a moment as he flexed his jaw. "You're just trying to make me jealous. You're upset because I won't let you string me along, and now you're trying to get back at me for it."

"Seriously...you think this is all about you?"

"Well if it Isn't about me, then what is it about? Because that Isn't the type of thing that you would normally do, Claudia. You're not the type of girl to get together with strange guys." 

"We've only known each other four months. How would you know whether I'm the type of girl who would, or wouldn't do something like that?"

"Because, you aren't."

As he stared into her eyes, she stared right back. Each seemed to be willing the other to break their gaze first, but neither Claudia nor Lucas gave any signs of resignation. Biting her lip, Claudia waited for Lucas to blink, but astoundingly, he kept up his prolonged gaze. When it finally reached a point that she could hold off no longer, Claudia gave in and allowed her lashes to flutter. But as Lucas reached out to cup her face in his palm, they suddenly went wide again. 

Rather than hold her aggressively, he cradled her with a tenderness that she hadn't been expecting at all. The pad of his thumb traced a warm trail against the curve of her cheek, and his deep brown eyes gazed into hers with a softness that made the tension in her body disappear. 

She was supposed to be angry at him, and a part of her still was. But it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep from leaning her body into his.

"Do you really want to be with another guy?" Lucas asked. "Or do you want to be with me?" 

Of course she knew the answer to that question, but something within her was hesitant to respond.

"Why would you go to another guy when I'm so willing to please you in any way you choose?" No longer stroking her cheek, Lucas's thumb traveled down to trace the fullness of her bottom lip. "I really wish you would stop being scared and just open up to me."

The pace of Claudia's heart picked up, lashes fluttering against her cheek. Her breath audibly hitched as he placed his left hand on the exposed skin of her lower back, but it was his unique Lucas scent that caused the tremors along her spine to spread to a different area entirely.

"Open up to me, Claudia." As Lucas's lips crept steadily closer to hers, the hum of electricity could be keenly felt between their bodies. "Let me *in*."

As if hypnotized by his low, deep voice, she parted her lips to do just that. But before her mouth could join with Lucas's, a loud cry of alarm was suddenly pushed from her throat. 

Something cold and wet was being poured over her head, covering not only her hair but also her face, which immediately pulled back from Lucas's. Thin, with a pudding-like consistency - which Claudia soon came to realize was eggnog - the liquid slowly oozed down the strands of her curly hair before traveling down to her crop top, which promptly became soaked. 

With her face effectively slimed, Claudia was temporarily blinded by the gooey muck in her eyes, so she couldn't see what was going on. She could, however, tell from the sounds of struggle which followed that someone was getting into an altercation. 

"What the fuck did you do?" 

Clearly, Lucas's voice.

"I knew it. I knew you were fucking around with her!"

Misty. More than definitely, Misty.

"Calm the fuck down, Misty," Lucas yelled out. "Stop it. Do not touch her!"

"Let go of me!"

Having finally wiped away all of the slime that had been covering her eyes, Claudia's vision had returned, and she was now able to see that Lucas was restraining Misty by circling his arms around her waist.

"I said let go!" Misty tried to wrestle out of Lucas's grip, but he was far too strong, and only held on tighter. 

"Only if you promise to be cool." His brows had lowered and pinched together. "Now are you going to be cool?"

As Misty glared at her, Claudia could see that she was anything *but* cool. Her lips were flattened and her nostrils were flared, as if she was having trouble normalizing the pace of her breaths. But somewhere along the way, she managed to calm herself down, and as the rigidity in her body just slightly lessened, she finally relented and eased out a heavy breath.

"All right, fine. I promise to be cool." 

Hesitantly, Lucas released his grip, and as Misty spun around to face him, she slapped him hard in the face.

"*She's* the reason why you couldn't pick me up on your way to the party," Misty said while pointing at Claudia. "Because you were busy fucking her in your truck."

"What are you talking about? I came alone."

"You're a liar. I just went out to your car and found her curly hairs all over the passenger seat. And while I was out there searching, I found these." She procured a couple of condoms from the pocket of her jeans, and after throwing them at Lucas's face, she asked, "Why do you have condoms, Lucas? I went on birth control three months ago."

"We're in an open relationship, Misty. You know that."

"You told me that you would be truthful about the people that you sleep with. I asked you if you were having sex with her, and you said that you weren't." 

"Because I'm not," Lucas said.

"Then why did I find strands of her hair in your truck?" Misty asked. "They're obviously hers. I can tell by how curly they are."

"Because I gave her a ride home," Lucas said. "But it was days ago, and we didn't have sex."

"You're a liar."

"No, I'm telling you the truth."

Something in his tone must have convinced Misty that he was being truthful, because there was a change in her eyes. For a moment she only stared at Lucas, but on shifting her gaze in Claudia's direction, a pinched expression took over her face.

"I hope you know that everything he tells you is a lie," Misty said. "He doesn't care about you. He just wants to use you for sex."

"Maybe so," Claudia said. "But if that's the truth, then why are you so threatened?"

Misty blinked, and for a moment her eyes seemed to go distant, as if she were struggling to come up with a response. Several moments passed, and then a few more before she finally stepped closer to Claudia. 

"Why would I be threatened by you?" Her tone was laced with bitterness. "The only reason he's paying you any attention at all is because you're a virgin. That's *all* you have to offer him."

"I think we both know that Isn't true," Claudia said in a self-assured tone. "But if it makes you feel better, then hey, go with that."

Uncertainty flashed in Misty's eyes, and there was something in her demeanor that had grown just a little less certain. But clearly desperate to keep the upper hand, she tilted her chin upward and pulled her posture as straight as it would go. 

"Oh, and by the way, I heard you got together with Sean DesRosiers." Her lips pulled into a nasty smirk as she added, "Congratulations on completely living up to that Senior Top Forty List. You really are the type of girl to get with a guy on the first date."

With a turn on her heel, Misty headed away from Claudia and back toward the throng of dancing teens in the living room, but not before throwing Lucas a fierce glare. 

"Have fun with your little slut."

As soon as Misty was gone, Lucas grabbed a few napkins from the snack table, and with tenderness, began wiping the goopy eggnog off of Claudia's face

"I'm sorry about Misty," he said. "I don't know why she gets so damn crazy."

"She's clearly in love with you, can't you see that?"

"In love?" Lucas chuckled faintly before saying, "Naw, I don't think so."

"She acts like someone who's in love."

"Misty has been like this for as long as I can remember," Lucas said. "She's extremely clingy. Not to mention, overly paranoid and completely vindictive."

"She sounds lovely to be with," Claudia said while closing her eyes so that he could clean the remaining gunk from her eyelashes. "If she has so many undesirable qualities, why are you still with her?"

"Because if I leave her right now, I'll feel like an absolute jerk." Now wiping the eggy liquid from her hair, he continued, "And I'd really rather not be a completely heartless asshole."

Her curiosity now piqued, Claudia found herself wanting to find out more behind Lucas's hesitancy to leave Misty. But she never got the chance to ask, because Kimi and Tristan suddenly walked into the kitchen.

"Oh my God, what happened to you?" Kimi's mouth fell open as she saw that Claudia's previously voluminous curls had been reduced to wet, goopy strings that hung limply down her back. 

"Got a cup of eggnog dumped over my head," she said with an almost air of nonchalance. 

Rather than continue to stare in shock, Kimi's gaze drifted downward to take in Claudia's crop top, and as she noticed that it was also coated with the thick, pudding-like drink, her eyes went hard and cold. Zeroing in on the bowl of eggnog, Kimi hastily made her way towards it, and after retrieving one of the red plastic cups, she ladled it full of the beverage. Her attention then shifted to Claudia's face, and in a voice that had an edge to it, she made a firm request.

"Point me in the direction of that bitch, and I'll get her back for you."

"Forget it, Kimi. I don't want you to retaliate."

"Why?"

"Because we don't need to stoop to her level."

"Oh hell no! She needs to be taught a lesson."

Claudia opened her mouth to voice some words in disagreement, but it was too late. Kimi was already walking away from her and heading out of the kitchen.

"Kimi, no." Tristan tried to grab her hand, but she effectively dodged him, then continued along her way into the living room. 

Turning her head to look at Lucas, Claudia saw that he was rubbing the bridge of his nose. The heavy sigh he let out told Claudia that he was preparing for the worst, but rather than stick around and watch his anxiety heighten, she hurried out of the kitchen, tracing the path that Kimi had taken into the living room. 

Following close on her heels was Tristan, but they barely made it into the pot scented living room before an enraged scream filled the air. Loud enough to cut through the blaring music like a fin through a wave, Misty's wail had arrested the attention of everyone in the living room, and after squeezing their way to the front of the crowd, Claudia and Tristan were finally granted the opportunity of seeing what everyone else was staring at. 




Lost Girl Ch. 09



Just as Claudia herself had been slimed, Misty was now wearing a mask of eggnog, which dripped down her face and chin onto the already stained rug. For a moment she just stood there with jaw slack and eyes widened, but her moment of disbelief quickly transformed into one of anger.

"You bitch!" 

"You fuck with my friend, you fuck with me," Kimi said before turning on her heel, and then she was off and heading toward the front door. 

In a fit of rage, Misty started toward Kimi, but was effectively thwarted by Lucas, who restrained her from going any further. 

"Let go of me!" Misty screamed while trying to loosen his arms from her waist. "Why are you protecting her?"

"Let it go, Misty," Lucas gently demanded. "Cut it out and just let her leave."

On her way to the door, Kimi spotted Claudia and Tristan, and with a gesture of her hand, gave the signal that they were leaving. After retrieving their coats from the pile near the door, Kimi and Claudia stepped out into the cool night air. Tristan walked beside them as they made their way toward the car, and for awhile they were all dead silent. That was, until, Claudia finally broke the silence.

"I can't believe you just did that." Her breath clouded in the frosty December air and she tightened her coat around her. "That was... - "

"Awesome?" Kimi's voice held a note of pride.

"Well, yes." Slowly, a smile began creeping across Claudia's face until it finally became a full-blown grin. "I was going to say completely unexpected, but it *was* pretty damn awesome, as well." 

"You're my best friend," Kimi said. "And I can't have nobody messing with my best friend."

Claudia's smile widened. "Did you just call me your best friend?"

"I did indeed," Kimi said. "Because that's what we are."

"Awww...It's the first time you said those words." 

"December 20th," Kimi said. "Remember the date, because that's our anniversary."

Rather than smile along, Tristan only watched them with an expression which was unreadable, but very intent.

"Tristan, we're joking," Kimi said on noticing his face. "We're not actually that weird, we're just being goofy."

"Oh. Yeah. I kinda figured that," Tristan said a little too quickly.

Just briefly, Kimi and Claudia shared a smile, and as they reached Tristan's Lincoln Continental, he opened the passenger door so that Kimi could slide in. Once she was comfortably seated, he closed the door behind her.

Claudia tugged on the handle of the Lincoln's rear door so that she could climb in as well, but Tristan came to her aid, holding the door open so that she could get in. A 'thank you' passed her lips as well as a soft smile, and as she slid into the backseat, he shut the door behind her. 

A few moments later, Tristan was maneuvering the huge vehicle away from the curb, guiding it down a dirt path, and into the night.



Lost Girl Ch. 10



It was two days shy of Christmas Eve when Mona, Big John, and Claudia all piled into his mid-eighties Chevy Blazer, and after buckling themselves in, Big John put the SUV into gear and pulled onto the road. Although it was nearly thirty years old, the interior of the Blazer was in remarkable condition, and had a backseat that was large enough to seat four. 

Currently occupying one of those back seats, Claudia stared out at the landscape, which consisted of snow covered terrain and trees with bare, spindly branches that stretched up into an endlessly beautiful blue sky. 

If ever there was a day that the mountain state truly deserved its nickname of "big sky country," it was that particularly cold, yet cloudless December morning. 

Although it was just barely past eight a.m., Big John and Mona were already engaged in an animated conversation, which consisted of the route they were going to take in order to reach the town they were heading to, as well as deciding on a list of stores that they planned to hit up for Christmas shopping.

Ordinarily, Claudia would have been less than thrilled to tag along with her mother and boyfriend on a shopping trip, but this particular outing was going to involve not only Tristan and his parents, but also Kimi and her brother, Tyler, whose house they were currently en route to. 

Having never been to Kimi's house before, Claudia found herself eager to see what it looked like, and as they pulled up in front of it, she hastily unbuckled her seatbelt. 

"Back in a bit," she said to Mona and Big John, and after climbing down from the Blazer, she headed for Kimi's front door. 

Located on a plot of land with patchy grass and overgrown weeds, Kimi's domicile was an aging mobile home with a cream body and brown trim. Towards the side of the house were a few rusting old cars that sat on blocks, as well as a broken down washing machine that dated back to the 70's. 

Situated in front of the house was a pile of balding tires that were stacked as high as her head, but it was the old, dusty mattress that was laying in the middle of the front yard that made her do a double take. It wasn't until she got closer that she realized someone had spray painted the words SLEEP WITH ME on it, and so captivated by the utterly strange sight, she tripped over the steps which led up to Kimi's house.

Once she was fully on her feet again, Claudia made her way to the door, and upon reaching it, she knocked against it a few times. The sound of voices – one which was clearly Kimi's, and the other which belonged to a fully grown man, could clearly be heard, followed by the unmistakable sound of approaching footsteps. 

As Kimi opened the door, the two girls exchanged pleasantries and a hug, but Kimi didn't even get the chance to step outside before Claudia noticed a middle-aged man with a beer belly approach Kimi from behind.

"Get back inside. You're not going anywhere." He reached out to grab Kimi's shoulder, but before it could make contact, she slapped his hand away.

"You little bitch, you hit me!" He yelled out.

"I told you to keep your hands off of me," Kimi snapped. 

"Why would I want to touch you?" He asked. "You're a whore, just like your mother." 

"And you're a fat loser. Go to hell, Andy."

Grasping Tyler's hand, she gently pulled him outside, and along with Claudia, they quickly made their way down the stairs and towards Big John's car. As soon as the three teens were all inside and strapped into their seats, Big John eased the car away from the curb, then accelerated down the snowy pathway.

"Hello, Kimi," Mona said as she maneuvered her body so that her attention was focused on the backseat, and after shifting her gaze to Tyler, she asked, "I'm guessing this is your brother?" 

"Yes, it is." She used her hands to sign out some words to him, to which he in turn signed right back.

"Tyler says hello, and he wants me to tell both you and Big John that he's pleased to meet you."

"We're pleased to meet him as well," Mona said. "And please tell him that we're happy to have him along."

Kimi did, and after exchanging a smile with Mona, Tyler began to sign with Claudia.

[It's good to see you too,] she signed back, and after chatting with him a bit longer, she looked at Kimi. 

"You okay?" There was concern in Claudia's eyes as she studied her friend's face.

"Yeah, I'm fine." 

Claudia wanted to say more, but with her mother and Big John in the car, she was uncertain whether Kimi would be okay with openly discussing what had just happened. Luckily Mona and her boyfriend soon fell into conservation, and that was when Claudia took the opportunity to question her friend.

"Does he abuse you?" Speaking in a lowered voice that was barely louder than a whisper, Claudia looked deep into Kimi's eyes. "You know who I'm talking about, right?"

Kimi nodded, and after shifting her attention to the front of the car where Mona and Big John sat, she leaned in closer towards Claudia. "Not anymore. But when I was little, he hurt me a lot." 

"Physically?" 

Kimi nodded.

"What about sexually?"

Once again, Kimi's eyes darted towards the front of the car, and only after making certain that the conversation she and Claudia were having was confidential, she finally gave a response.

"Yes."

"Oh my God." Simultaneously stunned and saddened, she reached out to take her friend's hand. "Kimi, that's horrible. I'm so sorry...."

She lightly shrugged, then began to play with the multiple rings that adorned her slim fingers. "Yeah, well, It's over now. He hasn't tried to touch me in that way since I was thirteen."

"It might seem like I'm prying," Claudia said while keeping her voice low, "but what made him stop?"

"He ended up going to jail for a couple of years," she said. "By the time he got out, I was older and able to defend myself. Tyler had grown, too, so Andy knew better than to even try and start things up again."

Allowing her gaze to drift in Tyler's direction, Claudia saw that he was looking out of the window. With his rail thin frame, Claudia found it difficult to believe that he was capable of taking on Kimi's father, who most likely outweighed him by at least eighty pounds. But appearances could be deceiving, so she guessed that anything was possible.

"Does your mom know?"

Kimi nodded.

"And she's still with him?"

"My mom has a lot of issues, Claude. Along with being in complete denial, she's been a battered wife for over 18 years now. Her mother and father died when she was young, and she doesn't have any siblings. She has no other options except to stay with Andy."

"I notice that you keep calling him Andy," Claudia said. "Is he your real father, or just a step-dad?"

"He's my birth father," she said. "But I won't call him dad, because he doesn't deserve the title."

"I really think you should report him," Claudia said. "You're probably still within the time frame for filing charges."

"Nope." Kimi shook her head. "I've tried several times, but tribal police told me that without iron clad evidence, they won't be able to prosecute him."

"So there's nothing you can do?"

A sad look crossed Kimi's face. "This sort of thing happens all the time on the reservation, Claude. It Isn't the first time, and it won't be the last."

There were no words that Claudia could speak to take the sadness out of Kimi's eyes, but she did at least convey her compassion by lightly squeezing, and tenderly rubbing the back of Kimi's hand. Kimi squeezed Claudia's back in response, then smiled thinly before glancing out of the window.

"So, this is where Tristan lives, huh?"

Noticing that they had arrived at his house, Claudia saw that Tristan and his parents were standing next to a grey Toyota which was parked in their driveway.

"It is." Claudia unbuckled her seatbelt before adding, "Let's get out and say hi."

Along with Mona and Big John, Claudia, Kimi, and Tyler made their way across the front yard of the Whitefeather residence. Their booted feet left prints in the snow as they crunched their way across the powdery downfall, which up until that point, had been completely undisturbed. 

"You guys ready to hit the road?" Big John called out to the family.

"Been ready for half an hour now," Tristan's father, Ray, said with a grin. "What took you so long, big brother?"

"It's only eight thirty."

"Yeah, but It's a two hour drive out to Big Fork. Gotta get there early if we wanna beat the crowds." Ray's eyes suddenly shifted to Kimi, and with a smile on his lips, he said, "You must be Claudia's friend."

"I am." As he offered his hand for her to shake, she took it. "I'm Kimi."

"Yes, I know. Tristan's spoken of you before."

Allowing her eyes to drift Tristan's way, Kimi gave him a smile, to which he in return offered one of his own.

"You two have been talking on the phone quite a bit these past few weeks," Ray said. "Besides Claudia, you're the only other person that he ever seems to talk to."

The two girls exchanged a quick smile before focusing their gazes on Tristan, who seemed to be growing more uncomfortable by the minute.

"When Tristan told me he wanted to come along on this shopping trip, I didn't understand why. But now It's all starting to come together."

"Ray, stop," Winona said while playfully swatting him on the arm. "You're embarrassing your son."

"Ahh, he knows I'm just giving him a hard time. Right, Tristan?" He winked at his offspring, then opened the driver's side door before sliding behind the wheel.

As Winona walked around to the passenger's side, Tristan opened the rear door of the Toyota. But before he could get inside, Kimi called out to him.

"Why don't you ride with us, Tristan? There's plenty of room in the backseat." 

Clearly not having expected Kimi to offer this suggestion, Tristan turned to look at her. He then glanced at Claudia, who gave him a nod and a smile before finally giving a response.

"Okay." He closed the rear door of the vehicle, and after glancing at his father who was giving him an enthusiastic thumbs up, he followed Kimi, Claudia, and Tyler towards Big John's Chevy Blazer.

Kimi got in first, followed by Tristan who was trailed by Claudia. Last to enter was Kimi's brother, and once they were all buckled in, Big John steered the Blazer onto the road. 

"It's good to see you again, Tristan," Kimi said.

"Good to see you, too." A smile touched his lips as he continued, "How's everything going?"

"Not too bad." Silence ensued as she nervously rotated one of her rings. 

"You sure?" He asked. "You seem a little sad."

Claudia and Kimi exchanged a look that was brief, but just long enough for Tristan to notice.

"Something's wrong," he said while still looking at Kimi. "I can tell."

"Tristan, I'm fine. *Really*," she said perhaps just a little too firmly. "Now can you please just get off my back?"

Tristan blinked, then averted his gaze so that he was looking out of the window. But the touch of Kimi's hand against his own brought his attention right back to her. 

"I shouldn't have shouted at you. That was wrong."

"It's fine," Tristan said. 

"But It's not, and that's why I want to apologize."

"You don't have to apologize."

"But I want to." 

A moment of awkwardness ensued, during which none of the four teens in the backseat seemed to know how to break. As a few seconds turned into half a minute, Claudia began wracking her brain for a subject that would dissipate the uncomfortable vibe that was pervading the backseat. But her brain never got the chance to do much work, because a loud, powerful fart suddenly ripped through the air. 

For a moment, everyone in the car was completely silent. But as Kimi began to snicker, so did Claudia, followed by Tristan, who couldn't help cracking a smile. The only person who wasn't laughing was Tyler, but Claudia did notice that he had a smirk on his face.

"Okay, who was that?" Kimi asked through hearty giggles.

"Why are you looking at me?" Claudia asked. "I'm not the culprit."

"Wasn't me either," Mona said from her seat up front.

"Well it certainly wasn't me!" Kimi stated.

"Why do women never admit to farting?" Big John asked as he pulled onto the highway. "Is it because you're too embarrassed to admit that you aren't flawless, or is it because you think that it makes you unladylike?"

"We don't fart, we let out unwanted air," Mona said.

"Good answer, mom." A wide grin crossed Claudia's face.

"That was a *really* loud fart, though," Kimi said. "Like loud enough to break the decibel meter."

"It was one of those wet farts, too," Claudia said. "Sounded like it was underwater."

"Oh, God, stop," Kimi said while clutching her stomach with laughter.

"A diarrhea fart," Tristan said with a grin.

"Eww, gross," Kimi stated while letting loose a hearty chuckle.

"So I guess no one's gonna fess up to it," Claudia said, but as she turned her gaze on Tyler, she began to sign out some words. [It wasn't you, wasn't it?]

[What?]

[The fart,] she signed back.

[Somebody farted?]

[Yeah, didn't you feel the vibration?]

[Nope.]

"So basically the only two people who have yet to deny farting are Big John and Tristan," Kimi said. "Would either of you gentlemen like to fess up?"

"No, I would not," Tristan said with a smile.

"I plead the fifth on that question," Big John said.

"Okay, so one of you is clearly the one who did it," Kimi said. "And the other is being cryptic just for the heck of it."

Everyone in the car laughed.

"Ah, well. Some mysteries are just better left unsolved," Claudia stated.

"The curious case of who let one rip," Kimi said. 

With the mood considerably lightened, Kimi, Tristan, Claudia, and Tyler began to converse through sign language. Along with animated gestures, they moved their hands enthusiastically to convey their interest in the conversation they were having. 

Only halfway paying attention, Claudia's eyes were continually drawn to Tristan's lips, which were curled into a cute little smile that she couldn't help but find adorable.

It wasn't often that she got to see Tristan smile, and as she continued to notice the way that his lips were softly upturned, she found that it didn't just make her feel good, it made her feel happy.

* * * *

At six a.m. on New Years Eve, while most people were still cozily tucked into bed beneath heavy comforters, Tristan was making a path between a dense thicket of trees. There was something special about the stillness of early morning, a pervading peacefulness that always put him at ease, and as he cut through a semi-wooded area that led along a stream, the earthy scent of rotting leaves and damp soil was carried along by the wind. 

Having walked the same path countless times, he was all too familiar with the thick tree roots that snaked up from beneath the ground, creating ripples that would have easily tripped up a person who was less knowledgeable of the territory. Even though it was overcast, a few rays of early morning light filtered through the trees, and with the soles of his high top converse leaving imprints in the soil, he approached a rotting footbridge. 

Due to the fact that several planks were missing, few dared to cross the old wooden contraption. The stream below it wasn't very deep, but there were a number of jagged rocks that broke the flow of the water. 

Carefully, yet with the confidence of one who had done it many times before, Tristan started across the creaky bridge. Every so often he adjusted the width of his steps to make up for the planks that had rotted away, but once he was across the bridge and back on soil, he continued along, venturing deeper into an area that was so secluded, the debris beneath his feet was completely untrampled. Now less than twenty paces away, Tristan ventured further, until finally he spotted the old, abandoned camper that stood amidst the thick underbrush.

The body of the gutted camper was white, while the trim was a cherry red that had been faded by time. Rust stains from rain streaked the trailer's siding, and bullet holes riddled the curve of the entry door, as if somebody had used it for target practice. Upon reaching the long-disused mobile home, Tristan wrenched open the rusty door and stepped into the cold, mildewy interior.

With each step that he took, the warped floorboards creaked beneath him, shifting as they gave beneath the weight of his body. The sweet, pungent odor of decaying wood was thick in the air, but there was something else beneath it, a slightly musky odor that reminded him a little of mildew. 

Everytime a sharp wind blew outside, the camper would creak and groan, but it was the soft, scuttling noises that came from above his head that caused Tristan to train his gaze upward. 

As he did, some of the material from the caved-in roof sprinkled down on his head, and he blinked a few times to shield his eyes. Although it had been weeks since he'd last come for a visit, he was surprised to see that there were no longer just a few rats, but nearly a dozen who had decided to make their home in the dilapidated space. 

It made no difference to him, though. He meant the rodents no harm, and he knew they meant him none as well. As if responding to his inner thoughts, the rats squeaked a few times, then scuttled off in a flurry of brown fur and pink tails.

Casting his gaze towards a particular section of the floorboard, Tristan stepped closer towards it, and on reaching the spot which was marked by a pile of bricks, he lowered himself to the ground so that his knees were resting against it. After retrieving a Swiss army knife from his back pocket, he slipped the sharp blade between the crack in the floorboards. 

Once they were fully loosened, he popped them up, and after setting them aside, he slipped his hand into the cool, empty space. As his palm clasped around the small, leather case, Tristan pulled it out, then dusted off the calfskin cover before unzipping it. 

Lined with black felt, the case held a wickedly sharp razor that glinted ominously in the dim light which filtered through the trailer's filthy windows. The sight of it alone caused Tristan's heart to beat a little quicker, and knowing that he shouldn't, yet not able to resist, he slid the pad of his finger along the cold surface of the razor. Nearly two months had passed since it had last been put to use, but the urge to cut was still there.

Rather than resist temptation, Tristan pulled the razor loose from the slot which held it securely in place. He slowly lifted the blade so that the flat surface rested against his nostrils, and with a deep inhale, he took in its scent. 

Surprised to find that the metallic smell of blood still clung to the razor, Tristan gave it an almost curious look. He fiddled with the cutting instrument, tilting it from right to left so that the faint rays of sun bounced off of its stainless steel surface. Then slowly, and with a considerable amount of pressure, he ran the edge of the sharp blade against the soft pad of his thumb. 

The trail of blood that seeped from the cut provided a sharp contrast against his pale fingertips, and with a morbid sort of fascination, he watched as the line of blood trickled over the edge of his fingernail. His eyes followed the single crimson bead as it fell from his thumb, dripping onto the warped floorboard beneath him. 

It was just one drop of blood, an iota of the five or six quarts that he was carrying around in his body, and yet he already felt a sense of relief. Almost immediately, the tightness in his chest began to lessen, and for the first time in the past three hours, he was able to breathe without forcibly pushing the breaths out. 

Although brief, the alleviation he felt was noticeable, and wanting to increase the sensation of lightness that he felt, Tristan placed the razor against the middle of his hand. As the cutting instrument sunk in, he readied himself for the pain that would follow, but before he could drag the razor's edge across the flesh of his palm, a prickling sensation began to travel along the arm which was connected to the hand that held the blade.




Lost Girl Ch. 10



Rather than cooperate with his brain, his fingers had decided to go completely numb. Still pinched between his thumb and forefinger, the razor was poised and strategically angled to produce a deep cut, but his fingers were as good as dead, so Tristan had no choice but to drop the bladed tool. 

The urge to cut was still overwhelming, and for minute he thought of making another go at it. But his fingers were so frozen that he couldn't wiggle one single digit, let along pick up the razor which now lay useless on the rotted floorboards beneath him. 

"I'm not addicted to cutting anymore." Tristan's voice came out echoey in the gutted trailer. "I was just going to do it one more time, that's all." 

The wind whistled through the shattered glass of the abandoned trailer, but the voice he was waiting to hear never spoke back to him. 

"I can feel you here, Ahanu," Tristan loudly stated. "Why are you hiding from me?" 

The aluminum framework of the dilapidated camper creaked and groaned, swaying lightly with the gusty wind, but still no response from the otherworldly presence which had chosen to keep itself hidden from Tristan's eyes. Several minutes passed, then a few more before he finally rose to his feet, and with fingers that were still numb and tingly, he headed for the old rusted door. 

As soon as the soles of his Converse touched dirt, a strong gust of wind hit him, cutting right through the jeans and hooded sweatshirt that covered his lanky frame. Rather than blow right past Tristan, the wind wrapped itself around him, cloaking his body so tightly it felt as if he were receiving a hug. 

Logic told him that he should have felt cold. But instead, he only felt shielded. 

* * * *

While Christmas day had been fairly mild, New Years Eve was bitterly cold, but the sky was completely clear and illuminated by a big, round moon that had a yellowish tint to it. 

Still adorned with Christmas lights, the Whitefeather house was a simple, one-story clapboard home with a shingle roof. With her mother and Big John at her side, Claudia walked up the short path that led to the front door, and on reaching the wooden barrier she lifted her hand to ring the doorbell.

The sound of footsteps approaching the door came first, followed by the lock disengaging, before the door opened to reveal Winona, who was outfitted in a sequin wrap dress with wide, capped shoulders.

"Hello, and Happy New Year." Her red lips pulled back into a smile. "Come on in and join the party."

Mona entered first, followed by Claudia, who was then trailed by Big John.

"We come bearing gifts." He passed her the bottle of wine and assorted cheesecake platter that was in his hands. 

"Cheesecake *and* wine?" Flashing another smile, she happily accepted the treats before placing them on a table that was filled with an arrangement of snacks. "I knew there was a reason you were my favorite brother."

"I thought that was Henry." A smile crossed his face before he asked, "Where is he, anyways?"

"In the kitchen helping Martha prepare the stuffing." 

"I think I'll go say hello." Holding Mona's hand in his, Big John pulled her along with him towards the kitchen.

"Cute dress, Claudia." Winona's gaze swept downward to take in the silver spaghetti strap mini dress that was layered beneath her beaded evening jacket.

"Thanks. According to my mom, this is the dress she was wearing when she first met my father."

"Seriously?" Mona lifted her brows. "Wow, I never would have guessed it was that old. It looks so modern."

"She almost threw it out a few weeks ago, but I figured it still had some potential, so I decided to revamp it."

"Well, you did a great job." Gesturing to the snack table, she added, "We've got a couple of hot dishes that are still being prepared, but you're more than welcome to help yourself to anything that's already out."

"Think I'll just have a soda for now," she said while grabbing a plastic cup and a bottle of Cherry Coke. "Is Tristan around?"

"He's in his room. I knocked on his door about half an hour ago and he said he was coming out, but he's still holed up in there."

"I'm guessing he'll probably wait until the very last minute." Claudia's lips tilted into a small smile.

"Yeah, well...you know how he is." Winona returned Claudia's smile before saying, "His room is down the hall and to the left."

"Right. I'll see if I can't pull him out of there." And with two cups of Cherry Coke in hand, she headed toward the hallway.

On reaching his door, she maneuvered her elbow to knock against it, but as it slowly pushed inward, she realized that it was already slightly ajar.

"Tristan?" She took a few steps into the room, then several more before realizing that she was standing in one of the untidiest rooms she had ever seen. 

Little more than an explosion of clothes, underwear, textbooks, and several pairs of well-worn Converse, Tristan's room was in dire of need of a clean-up. Everywhere she looked, there were piles of clothes that seemed to consist of both clean and dirty items, and there were even a few empty chip bags and crumpled candy bar wrappers, but she didn't have long to dwell on the bedroom's chaotic state of disarray, because her attention suddenly shifted to Tristan, who was standing half-naked in front of his closet. 

Rather than take note of Claudia's presence, he continued to stand with his back to her, head bobbing to the loud rock music that could be heard through his DJ-style headphones. 

Since he had nothing more than a pair of boxer briefs on, Claudia could clearly see the outline of his cute little ass, and took no shame whatsoever in getting in a nice, leisurely look. Her gaze then shifted upwards to take in the lean muscles of his firm, smooth back before finally coming to rest on his shoulders, which were just beginning to widen and take on a more masculine look. 

Although she had always known that Tristan wasn't a runt, she hadn't expected him to look *that* good without his clothes on, and in response, her heart beat quicker. It was at that very moment that Tristan's body suddenly stiffened, and before she had time to avert her gaze, he quickly turned to face her. Like a deer in the headlights she froze, face growing hot as she realized that she had been totally busted. 

A few beats passed, then several more before her gaze dipped lower, and then was when she saw the scars. Consisting of thin, pink lines that criss-crossed over each other, the strange patterns stretched from his left nipple down to the v-shaped outline of his hipbone. 

Although most of the markings were faint, Claudia could see that a few of the scars were raised, and struck by the number of healed cuts that marred the left side of his torso, she stared even harder. Perhaps noting where her eyes were focused, Tristan turned bright red, then quickly procured a clean looking T-shirt from a pile of clothes next to his closet. 

"Sorry. I didn't mean to bust in on you like this." Claudia cleared her throat, then lifted her gaze back to his face before quickly adding, "I tried to knock, but you didn't answer."

Only half-listening, Tristan was now slipping into a pair of jeans, which he promptly zipped and buttoned before taking off his headphones. 

"Uh...I think your shirt is on backwards," Claudia said. "You might wanna turn it around."

No longer just red on his face, but also his ears and his neck, Tristan adjusted the T-shirt so that it was on the right way, then combed his fingers through his hair before asking, "How long have you been standing there watching me?"

"Not long. Half a minute, maybe a little more." Suddenly remembering that she was holding two plastic cups in her hand, she offered one to Tristan. "Cherry Coke?"

"Thanks." He took a long sip, then sat on his bed so that his back was resting against the headboard. "You wanna sit down?"

Aside from Tristan's bed, there was only a computer chair and a beanbag on which she could seat herself, but since they were both currently occupied by stacks of books, she realized that the only place she could actually relax was on his bed.

"Have you heard from Kimi?" He asked before taking another sip of his Coke.

"Yep. She says her mom's going to give her a lift over here, so it shouldn't be too much longer before she shows up.

"Cool." He stretched out his long legs, then crossed them at the ankles.

"So I know this might seem totally nosy of me," Claudia started. "But how did you get those scars on your chest?"

Rather than offer an immediate response, Tristan averted his gaze to a point over her shoulder. He took a sip of his Coke before placing the cup on his bedside table. Then shifting his eyes so that they were back on Claudia's face, he questioned her in a lowered voice.

"Why do you want to know?" 

"Because I'm curious. And I noticed that only the left side of your chest is marked up, so I was just wondering how it happened."

"I'm a cutter," Tristan stated. "Or at least I was, until today."

"Oh." Not having expected him to be so forthright, she blinked in surprise while studying his face. "Wow. I never would have guessed that you did that sort of thing."

"Well my parents don't know either, so I guess I've done a pretty good job of hiding it."

"You kept this a secret from your parents?"

"Of course," he said. "You think I want them to know that I've been mutilating my body?"

"Well, no...." As Claudia's voice drifted off, her chest began to tighten. "I can understand you not wanting your parents to find out, but this is serious, Tristan. I really think you need to get help." 

"I don't need help, because I'm not cutting anymore. Didn't you just hear me say that?" 

"But you could go back to it," Claudia said. 

"No, actually I can't. He's pretty much blocked me from harming myself."

"Who?"

"Ahanu."

"Who's Ahanu?"

"My spirit guide."

"And he's blocking you from cutting..."

"Yes."

"Okay." She allowed a few moments of silence to pass before adding, "Well even if you have truly stopped, I still think it might be good for you to get some counseling."

"Right. Like I have money to go to a professional therapist."

"The counselors at school are free. And I'm sure they would be willing to keep your sessions confidential from your parents."

"Yeah, right. The counselor will probably think I'm suicidal and call my mom and dad behind my back."

"I really don't think they would."

"Well I do," Tristan said. "So speaking to a counselor Isn't something I feel comfortable with."

If the tone of his voice wasn't enough to get his point entirely across, the look on his face definitely was. She could tell by the stiffness in his body that he was feeling uneasy, and the way he crossed his arms in front of his chest told her that he was closing himself off from her. 

"All right, forget the counselor." Hoping that it would help him relax, she grabbed his hand so that it was clasped tenderly in hers. "I'm just worried about you, Tristan. And I want you to be well."

"You don't have to be worried about me," he said. "I'm fine. *Really*."

The way his eyes looked into hers made it clear that he was trying to reassure her, but Claudia wasn't quite ready to brush off the situation just yet. 

"Why do you cut yourself, Tristan?" Her voice came out soft, and completely non-confrontational. 

"The same reason why people get drunk, or do drugs, or have a lot of sex," he said. "It's a coping mechanism.

"What are you trying to cope with?" Her eyes gazed deep into his dark brown ones. "Is it all of the negative energy that you pick up from people at school?" 

"No."

"Then what?"

He lightly shrugged before saying, "I don't really wanna talk about it."

"Why not?" She asked.

"Because It's heavy. And heavy things make me feel really bad."

"Okay." She briefly lowered her eyes, then looked back up at him before stroking her thumb against the back of his hand.

With palms still clasped, they sat in stillness. If it wasn't for the sound of laughter and constant chatter that came from the guests in the living room, they would have been completely cloaked in silence. Several more minutes elapsed and still neither spoke a word. But Claudia could see that Tristan's body had become less rigid, and that was definitely a good thing. 

"I started cutting because of my uncle." 

As his voice broke the quietness, Claudia rested her eyes intently on his face.

"Which uncle?" Claudia asked. "You're not talking about Big John, are you?"

"No, not Big John, Tristan said. "I mean the uncle on my mother's side."

"What's his name?" 

"Rodney."

"And he's the reason you started cutting?"

Tristan nodded.

"What did he do to you?" Now it was Claudia's body that suddenly went rigid. 

"He didn't do anything to me. It's what he did to himself that's been haunting me for the past year."

The silence that followed Tristan's words pervaded every inch of space that surrounded them.

"He committed suicide. And I was the one who found his body."

"Oh my God." Her mouth temporarily slackened before once again closing. "And this happened a year ago?"

He nodded, then swallowed back the dryness that had built in his throat. 

"I'll never forget the way he looked when I found him." Tristan swallowed again, then eased out a shaky sigh before continuing on. "I guess the blast from the shotgun hollowed out his head, because the wall behind him was covered with blood and brains."

"Oh God, that's horrible." The mere thought caused a sudden coldness to hit Claudia at the core, and her heart clenched at the way Tristan's face had gone slack with sadness. 

"That image is forever burned into my eyelids," he said in a flat, monotone voice. "And the emotional pain he left behind was so strong..." Tristan's shoulders sagged, face turning downwards as he stared at his lap. "I didn't want to take on his pain, but I couldn't help it.....it felt as if someone had cut open my stomach and poured acid in the wound." 

Claudia lightly stroked Tristan's forearm while looking at his face. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that. What a horrible thing to have in your memory."

"Worst pain I've ever felt in my entire life." The nasal sigh he eased out came from deep down in the pit of his stomach. "Anyways, that's the whole reason I started cutting. Because ever since the day I found his body, I've been dealing with that pain he left behind. And to this day, I have recurring nightmares of his bloody and destroyed face."

"So the cutting helps you to release the pain," Claudia said. "Is that how it works?"

"Yes. And it also allows me to deal with the guilt that I carry around."

"Guilt from what?"

Lifting his gaze from his lap, Tristan turned his head to look into Claudia's eyes. 

"From the part that I played in his suicide. I knew he was hurting, and I didn't do anything to help him. I should have helped him, Claude. He needed me."

"It's not your fault, Tristan. You can't blame yourself for his actions."

"He was family. I was the only one who could feel what he was going through, and instead of reaching out to him, I just let him deal with it on his own."

"You can't beat yourself up over that," Claudia said. "Even if you had helped him deal with it, who's to say that things would have turned out any different?"

"They might have," Tristan responded. "But I'll never know, will I?"

"No. I suppose you won't." 

The absence of words that followed settled heavily between them. But it gave them each a moment to sort through their individual thoughts. 

"Have you seen or talked to him since?" Claudia asked. 

If anyone besides Tristan had been sitting beside her, the question would have seemed utterly strange and off the wall. But Tristan was cut from a cloth that was entirely different from anyone else she had ever met. 

"He came to visit me a couple of times, and he told me how sorry he is about me being the one to find him." A brief pause intercepted his next words. "He wasn't quite as sad as I remembered, but he was still carrying around a lot of the pain."

"Did he make it to the other side?" Claudia asked. "Or is he caught in some sort of purgatory?"

"He's stuck at the in-between place." A flash of sadness crossed his face as the words left his mouth. "Which basically means there are some things he has to finish before crossing over into the light."

"But It's been a year. How long will it take before he's forgiven?"

"There is nothing to forgive," Tristan stated. "There is only acceptance and love waiting for him. But until he realizes that and decides to accept the invitation to move on, he'll be caught in a place where he doesn't belong."

"How sad." Claudia's heart gave a tug at the thought of Tristan's uncle caught in limbo. "I hope he makes it to a better place."

"He will," Tristan said. "I just have to keep reassuring him that there's nothing bad waiting for him on the other side."

The sound of silverware clinking against dishes mingled with the lively chatter which drifted down the hallway and through the thin walls of Tristan's bedroom. 

"About me being a cutter," Tristan said. "Don't tell anyone, all right? You're the only person who knows."

"I'll keep it a secret. Promise." She squeezed his hand in reassurance. "But please don't start cutting again."

"I won't," he said. "I'm done with the razor. For good."

"This will probably sound totally weird, and I completely understand if you're not comfortable with it, but could I see your scars again?"

Tristan stared at her for a few moments before lowering his gaze, then rubbed the back of his neck before finally offering a response. "Why? They're ugly."

"I'm just curious," she said. "I've never seen cutting scars before."

Clearly hesitant, he regarded her in silence for a few more moments before finally touching the hem of his T-shirt.

You want me to lift up my shirt?"

"Well, yeah. I mean that's the only way I would be able to see them, right?" A hint of a smile touched her lips.

"Uh....okay." 

With slow, nervous movement, he guided the hem of his garment up until his torso was exposed, and with eyes that were fixed on Claudia, he watched as she focused on the scars. 

For awhile she just stared, studying the thin, pink lines that stretched from his left nipple down to his hipbone. While most of the scars were vertical, there were a few horizontal lines as well, which created a pattern that was similar to tally marks. 

The majority of the marks were completely smooth, but others were slightly raised, which signaled to Claudia that those particular cuts had been especially deep. Curious as to why he had only marked up the left side of his torso, Claudia contemplated asking him why. But she could tell that he was ashamed of the imperfections, so she decided against questioning him. 

"Your scars aren't ugly," she finally said. "They're just a symbol of the emotional pain that you're currently trying to overcome."

"They are ugly," he rebutted. "And the only thing they symbolize are my stupidity."

"You're not stupid. You're just going through a difficult time."

Directing his attention to his chest, Tristan gave his scars a long, hard look before pushing his eyebrows together in a frown.

"I already have trouble getting girls as it is," he said. "Now who's gonna want me?"

"The scars don't take away from your attractiveness," she firmly stated. You're just as handsome with your shirt off as you are with it on."

"Yeah, right. You're only saying that because you're my friend."

"No, I'm saying it because It's the truth."

The conviction with which she spoke the words must have convinced Tristan that she was telling the truth, because the crease between his brows began to gradually smooth out.




Lost Girl Ch. 10



"You can feel my honesty, Tristan. You *know* that I'm telling the truth."

"Maybe It's the truth for you," he said. "But not everyone sees me like you do."

"Well if the girls you meet can't look beyond your scars, then they don't deserve to be with you." As if to punctuate the words, her mouth set into a thin, straight line.

Their eyes locked, and for Claudia it seemed as if time had begun to slow down. She didn't whether it was Tristan's bare chest, or the beauty of his deep brown eyes, but she was suddenly focusing on him in a very intent way. Unlike Tristan, she wasn't tuned into other people's thoughts, so she couldn't be exactly sure of what he was thinking. 

But as he averted his eyes to look down at the hands that were resting in his lap, she realized that he was beginning to feel awkward.

"What's wrong?" She asked. 

"Nothing." He lowered his shirt so that the scars were once again concealed.

"I'm not making you nervous, am I?"

"No. Why?"

"You just seem a little flustered."

He lightly shrugged, then forced himself to look back at her. "It's just that prolonged eye contact makes me feel a bit uncomfortable."

"Why?" 

"Because when I stare into people's eyes, I start reading them. And the things I pick up while reading a person can sometimes be difficult to handle."

"What are you picking up from me?" Claudia asked.

"Nothing bad, Tristan said. "You've always had great energy, so..." He smoothed his palms against his legs a legs a few times before finally continuing on. "It's just that I.....well, I get this feeling that..."

"That what?" There was an eagerness in Claudia's voice. "Tell me, Tristan. I want to know." 

"That there are some feelings you have.....for me..." Although he knew that the words he spoke were indeed true, he stared deep into her eyes for confirmation. 

Although she wasn't exactly embarrassed, Claudia's face did become warm, and now it was her turn to look down at the hands that were resting in her lap.

"Guess I should have known you'd pick up on that," she said. "I keep forgetting that you can sense other people's emotions."

"Sorry if it seems like I'm being invasive," he said. "It's not something I can really help. It just sorta happens, whether I want it to or not."

"You don't have to apologize, Tristan." A soft smile crossed her lips. "It's who you are, and I'm totally cool with that."

"Yeah." His eyes softened as he added, "You've always accepted me, and I appreciate that."

The glance they shared was affectionate, and filled with a warmth that could be keenly felt by Claudia. That feeling of warmth, however, gradually increased as she noticed the small patch of skin that was exposed just below the hem of Tristan's T-shirt. 

Unable to resist, she allowed her eyes to trail along the faint line of hair that stretched from his belly button to the pubic area that was concealed by his jeans. Although just barely visible, it was obvious enough to make her pulse quicken, and without even realizing it, she began to imagine just how far down it traveled before it came to an end. 

She was just beginning to indulge in the power of her imagination when she suddenly became aware of Tristan's gaze, and shifting her attention so that it was back on his face, she saw that a hot red blush had worked its way deep into his cheeks. 

With a clear of her throat, Claudia quickly looked away, focusing instead on a movie poster that featured the silhouette of a leather-clad Brandon Lee with a crow on his shoulder. She didn't have long to stare at the poster, however, before Tristan's voice broke through her concentration. 

"So, you got any New Year's resolutions?"

"Several," Claudia said. "Get my driver's license, finish high school with a 3.5 GPA, and do something fun for my eighteenth birthday.

"When do you turn 18?"

"February 17th," she said. "What about you? 

"February 20th."

"We're only three days apart."

"Yep."

"Pisces, right?"

"Yeah."

"I'm an Aquarius."

"So that makes you air," he replied.

"And you're water."

Tristan nodded. 

"I should have known you were a Pisces," Claudia said.

The question mark in Tristan's eyes encouraged her to elaborate.

"You've got this nice, soft energy... it always puts me at peace. And you have this spiritual way about you -- It's like you're an old soul, or something." 

The gentle smile that tugged at Tristan's lips made Claudia's own mouth curl upwards in response. 

"Anyways, It's really nice to be around someone like that. So I just thought I'd let you know."

"Thanks, Claude. You always say nice stuff like that about me, and I appreciate it."

"Just speaking the truth." She drank the rest of her Cherry Coke, then rose to her feet. "I think I'll go check out the snack table. You wanna tag along?"

"Think I'd rather hang out here, instead. But thanks for the offer."

She nodded, then started for the door before turning the knob.

"Claudia?"

With a turn on her heels, she was once again facing him.

"Will you be coming back?"

"Most definitely. I'll only be gone for a little while."

"Okay, cool." He gave her a soft smile before adding, "See you in a bit."

And with the feel of Tristan's gaze still on her, Claudia stepped out of his room and headed towards the festively decorated living room.

************

At ten minutes to midnight, with glasses of champagne in hand, everyone gathered in the living room to watch the New Year's countdown on TV. Along with Mona, Big John, Claudia, and Kimi, several of Tristan's aunts of uncles were in attendance, as well as coworkers that Tristan's parents had invited from their respective jobs. 

While some of the guests sat on couches or chairs, others stood while chatting and nibbling on slices of cheesecake. With Tristan and Kimi on one side of her, and her mother and Big John on the other, Claudia continued to watch the screen, which was transmitting images of bustling Times Square. 

There was anticipation in the air, as well as a sense of excitement that made the already festive atmosphere seem even more upbeat, and as the countdown clock ticked on, Kimi slung an arm around both Tristan and Claudia's shoulders.

"Five more minutes until 2015, guys. Any last minute resolutions?"

"Nope. I'm pretty much set," Claudia said.

"I have the same resolutions as last year," Tristan said. "So I think I'd better just stick with those."

"I didn't make any resolutions," Kimi said. "Instead I made a list of five things that I want to accomplish by the end of the year."

"That's a good idea," Claudia said. "It's probably more fulfilling to make a list, rather than just say that you're going to do something."

"Yeah, we'll see how it works out." She finished the remainder of her cheesecake, then set aside the disposable saucer before turning her attention on Claudia. "So, Claude. I've got this idea that I want to run by you."

"Okay. What is it?" 

Kimi leaned in close to whisper in her ear, and as Claudia listened on, a slow smile began to take over her face. Clearly curious, Tristan focused his eyes intently on them, brows lightly furrowing as he tried to pick up on the energy behind their hushed words. 

It wasn't until Kimi pulled back from Claudia's ear that he was finally given the opportunity to offer her a questioning look, but all Kimi gave him in response was a crooked little smile. As the ball began to drop on TV, everyone began to countdown, and with knowing smiles on both Kimi and Claudia's lips, they readied themselves. 

With Claudia on one side of Tristan, and Kimi on the other, he was strategically sandwiched between them. Five seconds passed, then seven, before the glittery Times Square ball continued its descent down the flagpole.

It was only three seconds until the stroke of midnight when Tristan realized what was happening, but by that time both Kimi and Claudia were already lifting themselves onto the balls of their feet, and in perfect synchronization, they gave Tristan a soft kiss on each of his cheeks. Almost immediately, his cheeks turned red, but the smile that followed gave his face a radiant glow.

"Happy New Year's, Tristan," Claudia said, and after giving him a hug, she pulled back to let Kimi offer him one as well. 

"Have a wonderful New Year's," Kimi said while embracing Tristan. "I hope that this year brings you everything you want."

"Thanks." The soft smile was still on his lips. "I hope you two have a great New Year's, as well."

All around them, people were kissing and hugging and offering New Year's greetings, but the threesome just stood there smiling at one another, as if sharing a secret that only they were privy to. 

After awhile, people began drifting outside to the porch, and as Kimi, Claudia, and Tristan headed out into the cold night air, they were greeted by a loud, booming noise that made them glance upward into the endlessly dark sky.

A burst of blues and yellows came first, followed by an explosion of purple and bright pink that cast a glow on its awestruck spectators. With both the sight and sound of the fireworks display commanding her attention, Claudia entirely missed the sound of her ringtone going off. She did, however, feel the vibration of her phone as it alerted her that she had received a text message. 

Retrieving her mobileNe from the pocket of her evening jacket, she glanced down at the display screen. And with the light from the fireworks going off above her head, she saw that the message was from Lucas. Her heart gave a squeeze as she opened it, and with eagerness, she began to read the text.

~ Hey, lost girl. Just wanted to wish you a Happy New Years. Hope you're having fun wherever you are. Sorry I wasn't there to give you a kiss, but you know I'll make it up to you, right? ;) Be safe, and I'll talk to you tomorrow. x ~

Turning her face upwards, Claudia watched as fireworks continued to invade the sky. A new year had begun, and she found herself wondering what it would bring. And with a lightness in her chest, she pondered all of the possibilities that lay before her.



Lost Girl Ch. 11



It was one-thirty in the afternoon when Claudia heard Lucas's old pickup truck pull into the driveway, its motor grumbling lowly as it came to a stop. With her hair and makeup already done, all she had left to do was grab her fringe purse, and after looping it over her shoulder, she headed out of her bedroom and down the hallway toward the front door. 

"Catch you later, mom," she said while passing Mona, who was sitting on the couch with a magazine in hand. "I should be back in a few hours."

"Are you two actually going to the library?" Mona's brow lifted as she lowered the magazine that was in front of her face. 

"Yes, we're going to the library," Claudia said. "What, you think he's taking me to his house, or something?"

"Well it would make more sense than the library." She rose to her feet and headed into the kitchen, where she parted the curtains so that she was able to peek outside. "I mean, he doesn't exactly seem like the reading type, does he?" 

"I told you, he asked me to tag along so that I could help him with some research." 

Claudia glanced over her mother's shoulder and out of the window, where she saw that Lucas was climbing out of his pickup, which as always, seemed to be in need of a good wash.

"Research with what?"

"His hunting rifle and hand drum were confiscated by a police officer a few weeks ago. And from the way he described it, it was totally unwarranted."

"So you're helping him brush up on the law, huh?" A small smile crossed Mona's lips. "That should be an interesting experience."

"Yeah, I guess." Only halfway paying attention to what her mother was saying, Claudia was glossing her lips with a tube of cherry scent lip shine.

"Easy on the lipgloss, Claude. You don't want to look overdone, do you?"

Realizing that her lips did feel especially sticky, Claudia rooted around for a tissue in her purse, but Mona retrieved a napkin from the counter and held it out in front of her face. 

"Purse your lips so I can blot them."

Following her mother's request, Claudia poked her lips out, allowing her mother to dab them with the napkin. 

"You want to look effortlessly, not over the top," Mona said. "So go easy on the makeup, all right?"

Claudia nodded, but at the sound of a knock on the door, her eyes immediately shifted towards it. Before Claudia could even take a step forward, Mona was already heading for the door, and after unlocking it, she pulled it open.

"Hello, Ms. Strauss." Lucas's voice drifted into the kitchen, where Claudia was currently out of his line of sight. "I came to pick up Claudia. Is she around?"

"She certainly is." Mona turned her head to look at her daughter, who was fluffing her soft, shiny ringlets with her hand. "Claudia, Lucas is here."

Doing her best to ignore the knowing smile on her mother's face, Claudia exited the kitchen and headed for the door, where Lucas was waiting for her on the porch.

"Hey, Claudia." As their eyes met, his lips stretched into a broad smile.

"Hi, Lucas." Her mouth curled upwards as well.

"So you'll be back in a couple of hours..." As Mona's voice drifted off, she looked at Claudia, then Lucas, who nodded his head. 

"Yep. I'll have her back by no later than four."

"Sounds good." Mona stepped aside so that Claudia could step out onto the porch. "Have a good time, sugar plum."

"I will." 

Claudia made her way down the porch steps and towards Lucas's old Chevy, where he pulled open the door so that she could get inside. After giving a thank you, she climbed up into the passenger seat and buckled herself in. A few moments later Lucas slid behind the wheel, and after bringing the engine to life, he backed out of the driveway and maneuvered the pickup down the street.

"Thanks for coming along." He gave her a quick smile before turning his attention back on the road. 

"No problem. Glad I could help." Noticing that there was a fishy scent in the car, she sniffed the air a few times before posing a question. "Did you go fishing recently?"

"Yep. A few days ago."

"You catch another salmon?"

"No salmon this time. Only trout."

She lightly nodded, then gazed out of the window.

"Speaking of fish, how'd you like that salmon I gave you?"

"I wouldn't know," she said while looking at him. "I didn't eat any of it."

"Oh." A stony expression crossed his face. "Can't say I blame you. I *was* being an ass that day."

Claudia's silence only reinforced his words.

"By the way, I wanna apologize for calling you a cock tease and a skank. It wasn't right, and I shouldn't have done it."

"Apology accepted," she flatly said.

"So you forgive me?" 

"I agreed to go to the library with you, didn't I?"

"Yes, you did." He gave her a soft smile, and after turning off a dirt road and onto a paved one, he restarted the conversation. "What did you do for New Year's?"

"Went to my friend Tristan's house. His parents were giving a party, so I hung out there for the night."

"Tristan..." His voice trailed off, as if he were trying to connect the name with a face. "Oh, you mean the weird kid. The one that never talks."

"He's not weird and he talks plenty," Claudia said. 

"Okay." Lucas's expression conveyed his surprise at the curtness of her tone. "So he talks. I just never heard him do it at school."

Rather than give a response, Claudia remained silent, focusing her attention on the view beyond the streaked windshield.

"You guys are pretty good friends, huh?"

"Yeah, we are," Claudia said.

"That's cool." 

A silence settled between them as they traveled the last block toward the library, and after maneuvering the pickup into a parking space, Lucas killed the engine and they both got out. Along with being modestly sized, Browning Public Library had a small-town feel to it, and smelled strongly of old carpet and aging books. With Lucas beside her, Claudia led him to the circulation counter, where a young librarian was sorting through a stack of books that had been returned. 

After being pointed in the direction where all of the law books were located, Claudia and Lucas made their way towards the section, and with the hum of buzzing fluorescents above them, began thumbing their way through the shelves. 

"So what kind of book are we looking for again?" Lucas asked. "There's a certain name for it, right?"

"It's a law handbook," Claudia responded. "And it gives a thorough explanation of police confiscation procedures in Montana."

"Confiscation, that's it," Lucas said. "I knew it started with a 'c'."

A soft smile tugged at the corners of Claudia's lips, but as her eyes came to rest on a particular title, she stretched her arm upward to tug it off of the shelf. Lucas, however, possessed the extra height that she didn't, and with barely any effort at all, removed the book from the tall stack that was housing it.

"Thanks." Claudia accepted it from him with a smile, then led the way towards a long table with wooden chairs that creaked loudly as they sat down on them. "So, this cop who took your stuff..." She cracked open the book, thumbing through a few pages before reaching the table of contents. "You said his jurisdiction is in Whitefish, right?"

"Uh, yeah...I guess." He briefly paused before asking, "What's jurisdiction?"

"It's his area of authority." Noting the slight crinkle of his brow, she continued, "The particular area where he has the power to enforce the law."

"Oh, right. Yeah, in Whitefish."

Claudia flipped through the pages of the law handbook, and upon locating the particular chapter she'd been searching for, she allowed her eyes to scan the paragraphs. 

"You should have received a voucher specifying where your items were taken."

"Never got any voucher," Lucas said. "Didn't even know I was supposed to get one."

"Yeah, I kinda figured that," Claudia said. "So I guess your best option is to drive out to Whitefish and speak with the property officer at the police department."

"So I just go out there and that's it?" Lucas asked. "Will I have to fill out some forms, or will they let me take my stuff home that same day?"

With her eyes still focused on the book, Claudia responded, "More than likely, you'll have to fill out some forms before they'll give it back. But since you told me that the cop accused you of hiding drugs in your hand drum, I have a pretty good feeling he'll end up declaring your property as forfeited."

"So that means he can keep it forever..."

"According to this book, if the police confiscate an item that is presumed to have facilitated a crime, the officer is entirely within his rights to keep the items for several months, or even years until your case wraps up."

"My case?"

She looked up from the book in front of her. "That's *if* you decide to file a lawsuit against them. Which you're entirely able to do, if it turns out that they refuse to give you your hand drum back."

"Okay." A long, low sigh was eased out as he took a moment to think over what she'd just said. "But if I file a lawsuit, I'll need money to hire a lawyer, right?"

"Well yeah, most likely." She flipped to the index, and after locating the item she was searching for, turned to the corresponding page. "But there are three associations in Montana that offer free legal aid." She tapped her finger against the page. "Get online, check out their websites, and start sending some emails."

Lucas gave a nod, and as she slid the book across the table so that it was directly in front of him, he said, "Sounds like I've got my work cut out for me."

"Don't let that discourage you," Claudia said. "It may take some time and energy to get the ball rolling, but It's better than just giving in and letting them keep your stuff, right?"

He nodded, then retrieved a pad of paper and a short yellow pencil from the center of the table so that he could copy the website addresses from the book. 

"You're a leftie?" Claudia's gaze followed the movement of the pencil as Lucas wrote down the information. 

"Actually, I'm ambidextrous." 

"Really." She focused more intently on his hands. "So that means you're in the one percent."

"Guess so." 

"I've never met an ambidextrous person before," she said while watching him scribble away. "Which hand do you prefer?"

"Depends on what I'm doing." A hint of a smile touched Lucas's lips.

"Right." Her lips curled upward. "I should have known you were going to bring sex into the conversation."

"Speak for yourself," Lucas said. "I never mentioned sex at all."

"Not directly, but I can tell by the smirk on your face that you're referring to something naughty."

"Is that right?" He was now wearing one of his trademark grins. "So tell me, what is this naughty thing I'm referring to?"

"Like you don't know."

"No, I'm afraid I don't."

Although there wasn't a single person in close enough proximity to eavesdrop, Claudia lowered her voice. "Using your hands to do certain things..."

"You're gonna have to elaborate," Lucas said. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

A playful roll of the eyes preceded her response. "Your know...masturbation."

His already impossibly wide grin grew even wider. "Mmm. I just love hearing you talk dirty."

The undignified snort that left her mouth echoed loudly in the quiet library, and in the process, caused Lucas to side eye her. 

"You okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine." 

"No, seriously." His eyes twinkled with amusement. "I've never heard a girl snort so loudly before."

"Oh, shut up!" She playfully swatted his shoulder.

They were just sharing a laugh when a pair of boys approached the table where they were sitting, and as Lucas caught sight of them, he acknowledged each of them with a nod. 

"Hey, Rob...Joey."

"What's up, Lucas?" Clad in a pair of jeans and a wrestling team jacket, the taller boy, Rob, gave Lucas a crooked smile. "What you doing in the library, man?"

"Research." Lucas gestured to the book that was resting on the table in front of him.

"Oh yeah?" He leaned over the table, and after closing the book so that the cover was exposed, he cracked a few chuckles. "You're reading a law book?" 

"Seriously?" Just like Rob, Joey was wearing a wrestling team jacket, but instead of jeans, he had on a pair of track pants. "You trying to become a lawyer, or something?" 

While one of the boys smirked, the other loudly snickered, which caused Lucas's brows to draw sharply together.

"Yeah, laugh it up, you stupid pricks."

This only heightened their amusement, and with Lucas watching on, they broke out into chuckles.

"Not that It's any of your business," Lucas angrily started, "but my hunting rifle and hand drum was taken away by a cop."

"Seriously?" Although still smirking, Joey's chuckles had tapered off. 

"Oh man, that's fucked up." No longer cracking even the slightest smile, Rob's brows had lowered. "I remember when your grandfather made you that drum."

"Yeah, well now It's gone," Lucas said.

"That's real messed up, man. Sorry for laughing, I didn't know."

"Yeah, sorry." Joey's expression had grown serious. "I hope you get your stuff back."

"Thanks," Lucas said. 

A nod was exchanged between the three boys, and after Joey and Rob walked away, Lucas turned his gaze on Claudia. 

"You wanna get out of here and do something?" 

"Like what?" She asked.

"Take a drive somewhere, maybe stop off and pick up some fast food on the way," he said before adding, "My treat, of course."

"Sure. That'd be nice."

Side by side, they made their way to the circulation desk, and after checking out the book, they headed outside to Lucas's car. 

"So, did you make any New Year's resolutions?" He asked while putting the truck into drive. 

"A few," she responded. "One is to get my driver's license."

"You don't know how to drive?" 

She shook her head.

"What about your parents? Hasn't either of them tried to teach you yet?"

"My dad was supposed to teach me this past summer, but he died before we got the chance."

"Oh." Silence settled between them for a few moments before Lucas spoke again. "Sorry to hear that."

"I'm sorry about it, too," she said while looking down at her hands. "But I know he's still with me, so I don't feel quite as sad as I used to."

Now traveling along a lonely stretch of highway that led away from the reservation, Lucas and Claudia both fell quiet. Glancing beyond the passenger window, Claudia saw an endless expanse of grass that stretched as far as the eye could see. Along with a herd of antelope, there were also a small group of cattle that dotted the landscape. 

Vast, open, and desolate, it was all too easy for her to lose herself in the beauty of the open prairie. But as Lucas swerved sharply onto the shoulder of the road, her posture went rigid with uncertainty. She barely had to time to give him a questioning look before he put the car in park, and with eyes turned her way, he offered a suggestion. 

"Your first driving lesson starts now, if you want it."

"Seriously?" 

"Yeah, seriously." He smiled, got out of the car, and walked around to her side of the vehicle.

By the time he opened the door for her to get out, she had already unbuckled her seatbelt, and with Lucas's help, climbed down from the cab of the truck. On reaching his side of the car, Claudia got up into the driver's seat, and after buckling herself in, placed her hand on the stick shift. 

"You might wanna adjust the seat first, babe," he said while pointing to her shoes. "Your feet aren't anywhere near those pedals."

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that." She cracked a smile before pulling a lever so that her seat slid forward. 

"Better?" Lucas asked.

"Much." 

"Now the next thing you wanna do is adjust the rearview mirror. I'm a lot taller than you, so you'll probably have to tilt it down a few inches."

Following his advice, she maneuvered the piece of glass.

"Now the thing about stick shifts is, they're tricky to learn. Might take some time for you to grasp the basics, but once you get the hang of it, you'll always remember how."

Listening intently as he continued on, Claudia watched as he demonstrated by moving the stick into different gears. Since the pickup was forty years old, she had difficulty maneuvering the stubborn gear shift around, but with a bit of practice and plenty of patience, she eventually got the hang of it. 

It took a quite bit of perseverance, however, before she figured out how to shift the gears without grinding the clutch, and after nearly a dozen times of the car repeatedly stalling, she finally got the truck to move smoothly along the road. 

"That's good," Lucas said. "You're doing great. Just remember, light and steady on the accelerator."

With a nod of her head, Claudia maintained the same pressure, but somewhere along the way her excitement got the best of her. 

"Ease up a bit, Claude. You're going too fast."

She made an attempt to do exactly that, but somehow only ended up going faster.

"You're shifting into third gear," Lucas said. "You should have gone into first."

"Sorry! I thought that *was* first."

"Ease up on the gas, Claude."

"I'm trying."

"You're going faster."

"Oh, God. I'm sorry!"

"What're you doing?" His voice was tight with anxiety. "I told you to ease up, not accelerate."

"I'm trying, okay?"

"Stop the car."

"Shift to second, then first before lifting my foot off the accelerator, right?"

"Stop the car," he firmly reiterated. "Stop! Stop!"

Already nervous, her anxiety was fueled by the apprehensiveness in his voice, and instead of slowly lifting her foot off the clutch, she did it with abruptness. The car jerked sharply, causing them both to jolt forward in their seats before finally coming to a dead halt. 

"I'm sorry. I kept getting mixed up between the clutch and the brake. I don't know why I couldn't figure that out."

"It's fine," Lucas said. "You actually didn't do that terribly."

"I didn't?"

"No." 

As he leaned in to kiss her, Claudia parted her lips to allow him full access, and with ardent enthusiasm, moved her mouth against his.

"So I did okay?" She asked as they pulled back for air. 

"Yes. But you need a *lot* of practice." 

He opened the door and slid out of the passenger's seat before coming around to her side of the car, where he assisted her in climbing down from behind the wheel. Once they were both in their respective seats, he put the car into gear and took off down the highway. 

"I was thinking we could stop off somewhere and grab a bite to eat," he said. "You up for it?"

"Sure." Claudia flipped down the sun visor and checked out her reflection in the small mirror. "So, when's our second lesson?" 

A faint smile graced his lips as he briefly glanced at her, but the long, low sigh he let out perfectly conveyed his reluctance to respond. "I don't know...how about Sunday?"

"Awesome. What time?"

"I'm free in the afternoon." 

"Early afternoon, or late?" She eagerly asked.

"We'll figure it, okay?" 

"All right."

Somewhere along the way, Lucas's right hand found Claudia's left one, and as their fingers linked together, her stomach fluttered in response. Their eyes met just briefly, but it was more than long enough for Claudia to notice the way that his gaze visibly softened.

* * * *

"Thanks for helping me out with the research," Lucas said while pulling into the driveway of Claudia's house. "I really appreciate it."

"No problem." 

She unbuckled her seat belt, and with a styrofoam container of fast food leftovers in hand, she reached for the car door handle. She never got the chance to grasp it, however, because Lucas leaned over to offer some assistance.

"This door is a bit tricky to get open." He pressed down on the chrome lever, and with a mighty push against it, forced the door open.




Lost Girl Ch. 11



Before she could give thanks, Lucas's hand came to rest on her lap, sliding ever so slowly along her jean clad thigh before giving it a firm squeeze. His eyes fell to her mouth, seeming to study the pouty fullness of her lips before he finally leaned in closer. Her breath grew slow, then deepened as his mouth came flush with hers, and with a hunger that was equally matched, they indulged in an achingly tender kiss.

On pulling away, they took a moment to stare into each other's eyes, allowing the sound of the wind rustling through the tree branches to fill the silence that had grown between them. A faint sigh passed her lips as Lucas's fingers slipped through her tight curls, tangling in the softness of them, but it was the way his eyes peered intently into her own that caused her pulse to quicken.

"You busy tonight?" he asked.

"Not really. Why?"

"I wanna take you out."

"Take me out where?" As his palm cradled the back of her neck, she arched into his touch. 

"You ever had buffalo steak before?"

"Can't say I have."

"There's this nice restaurant out in Kalispell. From what I hear, they make pretty good elk lasagna, too."

"Never tasted elk, either," she said. "But I'm always open to trying new things."

"Pick you up at seven?" 

She nodded, and as their mouths sealed together one last time, she relished the soft, 

velvet-like texture of his tongue. 

"See you at seven," she breathlessly said as their wet lips pulled apart.

"Looking forward to it."

Claudia could feel his eyes watching her movement as she climbed down from the truck. A few moments later, she heard the sound of his tires rolling against the gravel driveway. With a smile on her face and a bounce in her step, she climbed the porch steps, then disappeared into the house. 

* * * *

"You almost done?" Claudia asked as Kimi put the finishing touches on her eye makeup. "Lucas will be here in five minutes."

"Just blending your eyeshadow." Gripping the tiny applicator between her thumb and forefinger, Kimi maneuvered the tip of it so that the inner corner of her eye was illuminated by a silvery color. 

"You're not adding too much, right?" She fidgeted impatiently in her seat. "Because my mom says makeup should look effortless, and not over the top."

"Just chill and trust me. Okay, Claude?" Having retrieved a tube of mascara from her makeup kit, Kimi began to slide the wand along Claudia's lashes. 

A few moments passed before Kimi recapped the mascara wand, and after applying a mocha colored shade to Claudia's lips, she coated them with just a hint of lip gloss. 

"All done." 

Now finally given the opportunity to check out her face, Claudia adjusted herself on the stool, then took a long, hard look at herself in the vanity mirror. 

"Wow. You did an *amazing* job."

A prideful smile crossed Kimi's lips. "Told you I'd make you look older."

"You're right, I do." Stunned by her flawless smoky eyes, she took a moment to admire the glamorous look that Kimi had created. "I could pass for nineteen, or maybe even twenty."

"I know, right?" Kimi said while zipping up her makeup kit. "When Lucas sees you, he's gonna be totally stunned."

"What about my dress?" Now focusing her attention on her outfit, Claudia rose to her feet, then positioned herself in front of Kimi so that she could offer her opinion. "Do you think this is the right one, or should I change?"

"It's definitely the right one." Kimi's eyes trailed along the black scoop neck dress, which fell mid-thigh and was paired with a cropped leather jacket. "It shows off your nice legs."

"Thanks." She smiled, then slipped her cell phone into the pocket of her jacket before leading the way out of her bedroom and toward the front of the house.

Even before they reached the living room, Claudia could hear her mother chatting with the company she'd invited over, and as she and Kimi came into full view of everyone, all eyes turned to look at them.

"Wow." An incredulous look spread across Winona's face as she focused her attention on Claudia. "Look at you." 

Big John, who was reclining in an overstuffed armchair, offered no response at all, but Claudia could see from the expression on his face that he was just as surprised as Winona. Mona, who looked equally as astonished as Winona and Big John, swept her gaze from Claudia's head down to her toes, which were clad in a pair of strappy metallic sandals with a low heel. 

"You look beautiful, Claude," she said while giving her daughter a smile. "But the dress is a bit short, don't you think?"

"Mom, come on. I've worn shorter skirts than this to school."

With Kimi following on her heels, Claudia strolled into the kitchen, where she pretended to busy herself by flipping the calendar to the current month.

"You're going out on a date with a teenage boy, Claude," Mona said while following the girls into the kitchen. "His hormones are raging, which means he only has one thing on his mind." 

"Your point?" Not in the mood for a lecture, she leaned against the counter, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"My point is, that I want you to be safe. And I would feel a lot better if you wore an outfit that was just a little less revealing."

"But I'm not even showing any cleavage." As if to emphasize her statement, she pointed toward her chest. "*And* I have a leather jacket on over my dress."

"My issue Isn't with your chest, It's with your legs." Mona's gaze swooped downward. "You hem needs to be a few inches longer. That's all I'm asking."

"Sorry mom, but I'm not changing my dress." 

"Claudia..." Her mother's voice held a warning.

"Come *on*. It's not even that big of a deal.

"You should listen to your mother, Claude," said Winona, who was entering the kitchen with Big John by her side.

"She just wants you to be safe," Big John piped in. "She's not trying to ruin your fun."

"Oh my God." Claudia released an exasperated sigh, then turned her gaze on Kimi, who could only offer a look of sympathy.

Knowing her mother as well as she did, Claudia could see that her mind was firmly made up. But before Mona could reiterate her request for Claudia to change, the rumble of Lucas's old pickup drifted from the yard out front. 

Clearly eager to have a peek outside, Winona parted the curtains that covered the kitchen window, and with the tip of her nose nearly touching the window pane, she stared out into the night. Although Claudia wasn't looking out of the window, she did hear a car door slam shut, followed by the unmistakable sound of shoes crunching against the gravel driveway. 

"Oh..." Still gazing out of the window, Winona's brows lifted as she watched the teenage boy approach the lit up porch. "Claudia is going out with *that* Lucas?"

"Of course," Mona said as she joined her friend at the window. "Which Lucas did you think I meant?"

"Not that one."

Perhaps noting the tone of her friend's voice, Mona gave her look, hard gaze that perfectly conveyed her wish to know more. 

"Trouble," Winona said in a voice that was firm. "He's *way* too gorgeous, and that's all I'm going to say."

And it *was* the last thing she said, because a knock on the door intercepted the conversation. With the kitchen connected to the entryway, it didn't take Mona long to reach the front door, and after undoing the locks, she pulled open the barrier.

"Hello, Lucas." 

"Hey, Ms. Strauss." Lucas's voice drifted around the half wall that separated the kitchen from the entryway. "I came to pick up Claudia."

With a nod of her head, Mona opened the door wider, then stepped aside to welcome him in. "She's waiting in the kitchen."

The hardwood floor creaked as Lucas entered the house, and after closing the door behind him, Mona ushered him into the kitchen, where everyone was eagerly waiting. Having fully expected Lucas to be wearing the two long braids that he always did, Claudia was stunned to see that his hair was worn loose, and free to flow over his wide, manly shoulders. 

Along with being incredibly shiny, his hip-length hair had a slight wave to it, which made Claudia want to run her fingers through it. Thoroughly captivated by his gorgeous locks, she could only stand there with a sort of dazed look on her face. That was, until, he finally cut through her trance with a friendly greeting. 

"Hey, Claudia. You look great." 

As his eyes dipped down to take in her dress, she was afforded the opportunity to check his outfit out, which consisted of a black blazer, untucked dress shirt, and a pair of dark jeans that seemed to have been recently purchased. It wasn't until she allowed her attention to shift to his face that she noticed his gaze had focused intently on her, and it was only then that she realized the way his eyes seemed to glimmer as he stared. 

"Thanks," she said while slipping a few fingers through her curls. "You look good, too."

He grinned at her compliment, but his attention shifted as Big John stepped forward to offer a handshake.

"I believe we've met before, but I never officially introduced myself to you."

"Big John, right?" Lucas asked while exchanging a firm handshake. "Claudia has mentioned your name before."

"Good things, I hope." He gave Claudia a brief smile, followed by a wink before looking back at Lucas. 

"*Only* good things." Lucas said before glancing at Winona, who had stepped forward to offer her own hand. 

"I'm Winona."

"You look familiar," Lucas responded. "Didn't you used to play bingo with my mom?"

"That was a long time ago," she said before adding," At least four or five years since I've been down to the bingo hall."

"You still look the same, though. Not a day older."

"You're just being nice." The blush that spread across Winona's face, however, made it clear just how flattered she was. "But thank you for the compliment."

"Good to see you, Kimi." Having finally acknowledged her presence, Lucas offered her a smile. "Been enjoying your Christmas break?"

"I have. Kind of a bummer that we only have two days of freedom left, though."

"Yeah, I'm not looking forward to going back to school, either. But hey, at least we got two weeks off."

"So, where will you be taking Claudia this evening?" Big John interjected.

"This restaurant called Caper's," Lucas said. "It's a bit of a drive to get out there, but I hear they have terrific food."

"I hope It's not too far out," Mona said. "Claudia has an eleven o'clock curfew."

"Oh. I didn't know it was that early." Disappointment crossed Lucas's face. "Would it be possible to bring her back later?" 

"Why?" Big John's eyes narrowed just slightly.

"Because it takes an hour to drive out to Kalispell, so by the time we get to the restaurant, It'll already be eight o'clock."

"Which will give you two whole hours to enjoy your meal before bringing her back home." Big John's lips set into a hard, thin line, as if daring Lucas to challenge him.

"Well, yeah..." Gazing up into the taller man's face, Lucas added, "But I was kind of hoping that Claudia and I could take a walk after dinner." 

"A walk where? It's the dead of winter, and far too cold to be strolling around."

"The Christmas lights are still on display in downtown Kalispell, and I thought it would be nice for Claudia to see them."

Rather than immediately respond, Big John crossed his arms in front of his chest. His brows dipped low, as if to convey skepticism, but he didn't have long to stare the teenage boy down, because Mona suddenly spoke up.

"Claudia is only a month away from turning eighteen, so I suppose extending her curfew wouldn't be too bad of an idea." A thoughtful look came over her face as she seemed to think things over. "You can bring her back at midnight. But no later, understand?"

"Absolutely. You have my word." Lucas gave her a smile, then tried to give her boyfriend one as well, but on noting the way that Big John was staring distrustfully at him, Lucas's lips pressed flat. 

"Well, I know you've got a long drive ahead of you, so we'll let you get on the road." Mona led the way to the door, which she held open for Claudia and Lucas to exit. "Have a good time you two, and drive safe, okay?"

"We will, Ms. Strauss."

"Later, mom. And thanks for extending my curfew."

"No problem, sugar plum. See you later this evening."

As soon as the door was shut behind them, Lucas grabbed Claudia's hand, and side by side, they walked toward his car.

"I didn't want to say it in front of your mom and her boyfriend, but you look incredibly sexy tonight." His gaze drifted from her face down to the hem of her fitted dress, which met with the bare expanse of her thighs. 

"Thanks." A flush spread through her body as he continued to check her out, undoubtedly undressing her with his eyes in the process.

By the time they reached Lucas's old Chevy, Claudia was surprised to see that it had been freshly washed. Now devoid of the thick layer of dust, the windshield was sparkling clean, and the body of the truck was no longer covered with the grit and grime it had always possessed.

"Your truck looks nice," Claudia said as Lucas opened the passenger door for her. "I almost didn't recognize it for a minute." 

"Well, I figured if we have to drive around in a broke down rez car, the least I could do is give it a good wash." 

"Rez car or not, at least you have transportation," Claudia said. 

"Guess you're right about that." He smiled, then closed the door behind her and walked around to the driver's side. 

After turning the key in the ignition, he backed out of the driveway, then pressed on the gas and maneuvered the car down the road.

"You smell wonderful, by the way," he said while briefly shifting his attention from the road. 

"Thanks. So do you."

A few moments of silence passed as the old pickup continued along its path, but as Lucas's right palm clasped with Claudia's smaller one, the attraction they felt toward one another became palpable.

"So..." Lucas started, "your stepfather doesn't like me very much, does he?"

"He's not my stepfather," Claudia said. "He's just my mom's boyfriend."

"Okay, your mom's boyfriend," he said while carefully maneuvering the car along the unlit, rural road. "He seems pretty protective of you." 

"I guess." Claudia lightly shrugged before adding, "I think he only acts that way because he's trying to impress my mom."

"No, I think he genuinely cares about you." Now turning onto the highway, Lucas pressed harder on the gas. "Seems like he's trying to take on the role of a father."

"Like I said, he's just trying to impress my mom."

Perhaps noting the tone of her voice, Lucas lightly chuckled, then changed the subject.

"I managed to contact one of those free lawyers that we researched. The guy I talked to said it was totally unwarranted of the cop to take away my hand drum. Says he might even be able to put a scare in that cop by threatening legal action."

"Good to hear you're getting the ball rolling." She gave his hand an encouraging squeeze. "Hopefully that cop will realize how serious you are and give you your stuff back." 

"If he doesn't, Dan says we'll file a discrimination lawsuit."

"Dan?"

"That's the name of the lawyer I contacted." With Lucas's left hand still resting idly on the steering wheel, he continued to guide the truck along the dark, unlit highway. "Turns out he's an Indian. Born and raised on the Fort Peck Reservation."

"Fort Peck...that's not too far from here, is it?"

"It's a five hour drive," Lucas said. "Quite a distance from Blackfeet territory."

"You ever been out there?"

"Nope. Never had a reason to visit. But from what I hear, It's not too different from our rez."

For the next forty five minutes, they conversed about a variety of topics, which included a list of movies that they wanted to see, as well as bands they were currently into. By the time they reached Kalispell, it was just after eight o'clock, and after maneuvering the car into a parking space, Lucas cut the engine and they both got out.

Possessing a façade that consisted of stacked stone walling and an arched doorway, Capers Restaurant exuded a vibe that was laid back and classy all at the same time. As if beckoning them inside, the scent of prepared food drifted from the restaurant's interior, and as Lucas held the door open for Claudia to enter first, she crossed the threshold and entered the establishment. 

With only a few couples in front of them, Claudia and Lucas soon reached the hostess booth, where a woman with sandy brown hair took down their names and seating preference. A few minutes later, they were escorted to a sleek black booth that was illuminated by pendant lighting, and after handing them each a menu, the hostess wished them a lovely evening. 

"I know I mentioned this earlier today," Lucas said as he flipped open the menu, "but I highly recommend the buffalo steak."

"I've never had buffalo before. What does it taste like?"

"Beef," he proclaimed. "But with a much stronger flavor."

Allowing her eyes to scan the other items on the menu, Claudia saw that there were also a variety of gourmet burgers, as well as a few chicken dishes that sounded pretty delicious. But chicken and burgers were far from adventurous food, so she chose instead to go with the buffalo meat. Having settled on the steak himself, Lucas gave their orders to a pimple- faced waiter, who immediately headed off to prepare their drinks.

Now left alone to enjoy each other's company, Lucas and Claudia fell into a gaze that was just as steady as it was intense. A few seconds passed, and then several more, before Claudia noticed that he was pulling her deeper into his stare, but by that time Lucas was already caressing the back of her hand with the tip of his thumb.

"We should have done this sooner," he said. "I don't know why it took us so long to reach this point."

"Oh, I can think of a few reasons." A gentle smirk crossed Claudia's lips as she recalled the argument they'd had only a few weeks prior.

"Yet here we are," Lucas said. "So I guess we truly can't stay away from each other."

"Speak for yourself." Claudia's tone was laced with playfulness. "I have more willpower than you think."

"Oh really..." Lucas wore the smile of someone who'd just been told a rather amusing joke. 

"That's right." She stared him steadily in the eyes. "It *is* possible to resist you, you know."

"I'll believe it when I see it."

"Care to make a wager on that?" One of her brows lifted, as if challenging him to accept her request.

"No, actually I wouldn't," Lucas said while languidly trailing his fingers over the back of her hand. "I like being wanted by you, Claudia. It makes me feel good."

Unable to ignore the fact that his voice had grown husky, Claudia lowered her gaze to his Adam's apple. She didn't know what it was about the bump of cartilage, but she found it quite sexy that Lucas's was so pronounced. 

With barely any effort at all, she began to imagine what it would feel like to press her lips against it. Soon after, her gaze drifted to his shiny hair, and that was when she envisioned running her fingers through the long, silky strands. 

"What are you thinking?" 

Cutting right through her thoughts, Lucas's voice was laced with curiosity.

"Just checking you out." A hint of a smile touched her lips as she said it.

Clearly amused at her honesty, a light chuckle passed Lucas's lips, but he offered no words in response. 

"What about you?" She asked. "What's going through your mind right now?"

"Do you really wanna know?" An almost mischievous twinkle came into his eyes. 

"Yes, I do."

As if preparing to tell a secret, he leaned in a bit closer, and with his fingers still laced with hers, he began to divulge his thoughts.

"I was trying to imagine what you have on beneath that dress."




Lost Girl Ch. 11



Heat flooded through her lower belly before spreading to the junction between her legs, and as Lucas's eyes locked steadily with hers, she posed a titillating question.

"If I told you I was naked, would you believe me?"

Rather than immediately respond, he lowered his gaze so that his eyes trailed along the soft outline of her breasts, which were tastefully hugged by the stretchy fabric of her dress. 

"That's not the sort of question I would expect from an innocent, virginal girl." A twinkle came into his eyes as he continued to stare at her. 

"I may be a virgin, but I'm not exactly innocent."

"Mmm, you're right." A thoughtful look came onto his face as he continued, "Innocent is the wrong word to describe you."

Noting the sly little smile that had crossed his lips, she leaned slightly forward in anticipation of what he would say. 

"You're naughty. Maybe even a little freaky, too."

"You think?"

"No, I don't think." His lips tugged higher as he said, "I *know*."

Unable to resist, she broke out into a smile, and as the waiter arrived with their drinks, she purposely took a long, leisurely sip. Lucas, however, seemed completely uninterested in his own beverage, and with eyes still focused on Claudia, watched as she sipped soda through her straw. 

Having only been feigning thirst, Claudia was eventually forced to once again meet Lucas's eyes, and that was when she noticed the way he was closely watching her.

"What?" She asked.

"What, yourself," he teased back.

"Why are you giving me that look?"

"What look?"

"You were staring at my face." 

"Would you rather I stare somewhere else?" His gaze immediately lowered to her breasts. "Because I can definitely do that, if you'd prefer."

A soft chuckle bubbled from her throat, and after taking another sip of soda, she looked intently into his deep, dark eyes. "So, what makes you think I'm freaky?"

"Well, besides the fact that you suggested not wearing any underwear beneath your dress, I get this feeling that there's another side of you just waiting to be unleashed."

"I was kidding about not wearing any underwear," she said. "I just wanted to see what your reaction would be."

"In other words, you were trying to turn me on."

"I don't *try* to do anything," she proclaimed. "I either do, or I don't."

Lucas lifted his brows at her sudden bravado. "So you admit that you were having fun with me."

"Harmless fun," she assured. "It was only done with good intentions."

"And that particular intention was to make me have an erection." 

The snort of laughter she released was promptly cut off by the palm of her hand, but as Lucas reached up to pull Claudia's hand away from her mouth, her grin was fully bared.

"You have a beautiful smile, you shouldn't hide it." 

"Thank you," she softly said.

As they settled into a comfortable silence, the hum of people talking and laughing mingled with the music that drifted softly from the in-ceiling speakers. Eventually it became nothing more than a faded noise in the background, and with his large palm still clutching her smaller one, Lucas spoke to her in a deep, smooth voice.

"Tell me something about you. Something that I wouldn't expect." 

As she gave herself a moment to think, a faraway look came into her eyes. "I hate wearing shoes. If I could walk around barefoot all the time, my life would be just about perfect." 

"That's cute," he said with a smile. "But I'm looking for something deeper...maybe embarrassing or even unusual."

"And if I share, will you reciprocate?"

"Definitely," he said, "You have my word on that."

While thinking over his question, Claudia idly stirred her drink. She took one sip, and then another before finally giving an answer.

"This will probably sound lame, but instead of shaving, I pluck my legs. It's kind of painful, but in a really satisfying way that's sort of addicting."

"So you're one of those people that enjoys pain," he said. "A sadist, right?"

"They're called masochists. Sadists enjoy giving pain while masochists get off on receiving it."

"Wow, you know the exact definition and everything." His eyes studied her with an intent sort of curiosity. "So you actually get off on that sort of stuff?"

"Nope." The astonished look on his face caused her lips to curl into a smile. "I don't enjoy any other forms of pain. Only plucking."

"Okay." 

As the smell of freshly cooked steak drifted towards their table, Claudia and Lucas turned their heads to see that the waiter was heading towards them. If the delectable scent wasn't enough to make Claudia's mouth water, the sight of the thick, juicy cut of beef definitely was. Equally famished, both Claudia and Lucas immediately dug in, slicing into the tender meat before sampling its flavor.

"So, what do you think?" Lucas asked. 

"Delicious." She swallowed the meat that was in her mouth before adding, "Sort of sweet, and not gamey at all."

"I think It's much better than beef," Lucas said between generous bites. "Has a richer flavor."

Claudia nodded, then took another bite before reinitiating their conversation. 

"So, I'm still waiting for you to share an embarrassing secret."

With a smile on his lips, Lucas had another bite of his steak. But as Claudia continued to stare him down, he released his fork and wiped off his mouth with a cloth napkin.

"All right...so the thing about my secret is, It's not really all that unusual."

"Unusual or not, I still wanna hear it. So share." 

"Sometimes...every once in awhile...I like to go fishing naked."

"Really..." She quirked an eyebrow. "So does that mean the salmon you caught for me was acquired while you were on one of your nude fishing jaunts?"

The slow, steady smile that spread across his face told her the answer.

"Oh my God." Her eyes went wide and round with surprise. "My mother and Big John totally chowed down on that salmon."

"It's not like I rubbed the fish across my privates or anything," Lucas said. "So there was nothing unsanitary about it."

"Well maybe it wasn't unsanitary, but I really don't think they would have eaten it if they'd known you caught it buck naked."

"We're all naked underneath our clothes, so I really don't see what the big deal is." He sliced off another portion of buffalo steak before popping it into his mouth. "Besides, what they don't know won't hurt them."

Claudia smirked and lightly shook her head. "You are so bad."

The remainder of their dinner was spent talking about a variety of subjects - mostly things that just popped into their head. Due to the large portion of meat that she consumed, Claudia was unable to even touch the crispy fries and sautéed veggies that came with her meal, so she had the waiter supply her with a doggy bag. In addition to their dinner leftovers, Claudia and Lucas also got a slice of cheesecake to go, and after paying the tab, they were out the door and back on the road.

With three hours still left before Claudia's curfew, they had plenty of time to take an after dinner walk in downtown Kalispell, which was still lit up with the soft glow of warm white Christmas lights. Although it was cold, they walked leisurely while holding hands, enjoying the rows of lights that adorned the small businesses which lined the charming, well-kept streets.

They traveled four blocks before heading back to the car, where Lucas put the truck in gear and maneuvered it toward the highway. Eighty miles later they arrived back in Browning, but instead of taking the road toward Claudia's house, Lucas chose instead to turn onto a path that was completely unfamiliar to Claudia.

"Where are we going?" She asked. 

"Two Medicine." 

"What's Two Medicine?" 

"A place." 

With only the headlights of his pickup to illuminate the road, Claudia had difficulty distinguishing between the overgrown road and the edge of the forest, but Lucas drove with the ease and confidence of someone who had driven the route many times before. 

Intrigued by his sudden quietness, Claudia watched as the path gradually narrowed. As the vegetation surrounding them continually thickened, she realized they were approaching wooded territory, but it wasn't until Lucas turned off the dirt path and into a man-made clearing that she saw what lay before them.



Lost Girl Ch. 12



Shimmering brightly beneath a brilliant, nearly full moon, was a large lake that was surrounded by towering pine trees. Completely serene, the lake had an energy to it that instantly put Claudia at ease. Yet there was also something mystical about it, something sacred that she instantly picked up on. 

After situating the vehicle so that the bed of the truck faced the river, Lucas cut the engine and grabbed a thick blanket from the compartment behind his seat. 

Once they were out of the car, Claudia and Lucas headed around to the rear of the pickup, where Lucas covered the truck bed with a sleeping bag. He then helped Claudia up into the cargo area, and after sitting cross legged beside her, he wrapped a blanket around their shoulders. 

"Nice place," she said while staring out at the lake that seemed to stretch endlessly before them. "It's so peaceful and quite here."

"It is a nice spot." Looping his arm around her waist, Lucas pulled her closer against him. "I started coming here when I was eight years old. Caught my first fish in this lake, and these woods that surround it are where my father taught me how to hunt."

"What was the first animal you hunted?"

"A deer." As if recalling the memory, he suddenly fell quiet. "I remember how proud my father was of me. He invited all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins to the house for dinner, just so he could brag on the deer I had caught."

A smile touched Claudia's lips at the thought, and as she turned her head to look at Lucas, she could see that his lips were faintly curled. 

"My father taught me how to stalk wildlife. Instructed me on walking without being heard, and how to see the animals that are so cleverly hidden in the bush. Everything I know about hunting, I learned from him."

"Sounds like you two are very close."

"Not really. Aside from our hunting and fishing trips, we really don't spend a whole lot of time together."

"What about your mother?" Claudia asked. "Are you close with her?"

"Very." 

"What's she like?"

Still gazing at the river, Lucas's face took on a thoughtful expression, but as he opened his mouth to speak, his face seemed to light up with pride.

"My mother is wonderful. She's a kind, gentle woman who is always doing what she can to help others."

"She sounds lovely," Claudia said. "Between you and your dad, who do you think you favor more?"

"Well, people say that I got my mom's eyes and nose, but that my dad passed on his shoulders and height, so I guess you could say I favor them both."

"They must be very good looking," Claudia said while gazing at his prominent nose and strong, chiseled jawline. "If you have a photo of either of them, I would love to see it."

"Sorry, I don't," Lucas said. "But I'm sure you'll meet them one of these days."

"Yeah?" Tinged with hope, Claudia's voice had become soft. 

"Yeah." Now staring directly into her eyes, Lucas lifted his palm so that his thumb tenderly grazed her cheek.

Besides the hoot of an owl and the sound of the wind blowing through the majestic pines, an almost palpable silence had settled between Lucas and Claudia. Very little blinking was done as they stared into each other's eyes, and with breaths that steadily grew more shallow, they leaned in for a kiss.

As soon as her lips touched his, Claudia felt Lucas tighten his grip around her waist. Soft and feminine, Claudia's body pressed flush against his, as if trying to meld with his broad, hard, chest. As her arms came up to wrap around his wide shoulders, he adjusted his head so that their kiss deepened, and in response, Claudia offered a moan.

Smoothly, and with admirable ease, Lucas maneuvered her onto her back. With his face now directly above Claudia's, his long hair fell like a curtain around her, acting as a shroud against the gentle evening breeze. 

A gentle gasp escaped her lips as he trailed kisses along her collarbone, but it was the sensation of his palm dipping beneath the hem of her dress that made her release a ragged sigh. 

Their lips met in a deep, slow kiss, tongues tangling before they pulled back to take in air. Soon after, Lucas stripped out of his shirt, revealing a chest that was just as solid as it was nice and smooth. Lightly tan with coppery undertones, his skin was completely flawless. 

Although he still smelled faintly of cologne, there was a discernibly musky scent beneath it - a smell that not only drove her crazy with desire, but made her tremble with anticipation and longing. 

Although she would have been completely content with running her hands along his masculine chest, Claudia's attention was captured by a dog tag that was hanging from a silver chain. Her curiosity piqued, Claudia captured it in her palm, and that when she realized the pendant was engraved with a red medical alert symbol.

"I have epilepsy," Lucas proclaimed. "Been awhile since my last seizure, but I still wear the necklace just in case." 

Lifting her gaze, Claudia saw that he was watching her with a calm expression.

"Does it happen very often?" She asked.

"I used to have a lot of them when I was a kid, but I haven't had an epileptic attack for three years now."

Turning the pendant over, she noticed that it had the word 'epileptic' engraved in it, as well as his name and an emergency contact number. 

"Why didn't you tell me?" She asked while looking back up at his face.

"Well, like I said, It's been three years since I've had one. As long as I keep taking my medication, it should be pretty much under control." 

"But doesn't it happen spontaneously?" A note of worry laced her tone. "What if you'd had one while driving us out to Kalispell? Or while we were in the restaurant having dinner? I wouldn't have known or understood what was going on."

"I know..." As his voice drifted off, he eased out a light sigh. "Look, I'm sorry for not telling you. But It's just sort of awkward bringing it up. I wasn't trying to hide it from you, understand?"

Still holding the pendant in her hand, she lightly nodded, then flipped it over so that the red medical alert symbol was once again visible.

"So if you have a seizure, what should I do?" She asked. "Just in case I'm around when it happens."

"There are several steps you can take," Lucas said, "and I'll share them with you later on. But right now let's just relax and enjoy the rest of our date."

His palm cupped her cheek, thumb tracing the curve of her mouth before gliding along the edge of her jaw. She didn't know what it was about the touch of his hand, but she suddenly felt like a precious piece of porcelain that he was ardently admiring. 

Rather than immediately kiss her, he used his teeth to nibble her lower lip, then glided his tongue along the soft pads before slipping it into her wet, willing mouth. Their lips connected softly at first, then pressed harder before their tongues tangled, exploring and tasting with a feverish urgency. 

He broke the oral embrace to pepper her neck with passionate kisses, and as he lightly nipped at the graceful column of her throat, she uttered a breathy moan. Clearly desiring to expose more of her flesh, Lucas eased her jacket off around her shoulders, then kissed the sensitive skin along the graceful column of her throat.

His hair, which was just as luscious and soft as she'd imagined, brushed smoothly against her skin, providing a pleasant tickling sensation as he wove kisses along her neck and shoulders. 

Yet instead of continuing on any further, he lifted his head from its lowered position, and with his long hair falling around his chiseled face, positioned his lips so that they hovered just above her own. 

Partially illuminated by moonlight, Lucas's face was cast in a silvery glow that made the sharp lines and angles of his cheekbones more prominent than ever. For a long time he just stared at her, as if she were a puzzle he was trying to figure out. Then finally, with a steady, unblinking gaze, he questioned her in a deep, smooth voice. 

"Are you sure about this, Claudia?" 

"Sure about what?" She asked.

"You and me. Kissing...touching...doing things we've never done before."

"Yes." She then quickly added, "I mean, I want to fool around, but I'm not ready to have sex tonight."

"I know you're not," he said. "But everytime we start taking things a little further, you always stop me, so I wanna make sure you're not gonna do that this time."

"I won't," she affirmed. 

"You sure?" The look he gave her doubled in intensity. "Because once you get me going, it will be very hard to stop."

"I'm sure."

The breeze that swept past them caused Lucas's hair to blow in the wind, and in the process, caused the scent of his shampoo to drift into Claudia's nostrils. Wanting to see if his skin was truly as smooth as it looked, one of her hands traveled upwards to glide along his broad chest. 

Clearly enjoying the way that her fingers were dancing across his bare skin, Lucas faintly smiled, then lowered his gaze to watch the movement of her hand as she caressed his flat abdominals. 

They flexed once, then twice beneath her gentle touch before Claudia lifted her hand to the solid musculature of his bicep. As she fed from his lips, he fed from hers, nearly overwhelming her with the need and desire behind his kisses. The solid feel of him against her made her heart race and her breath go short, but it wasn't until they pulled back to take in air, that she realized she was panting.

For a few moments it felt as if she were in a dreamlike state, and awestruck by the fact that Lucas was actually hovering above her,she stared up at him. 

"So, when's our next date?" He asked while caressing her cheek with his thumb.

"I don't know..." Her voice trailed off, only to be replaced by a faint murmur as Lucas brushed his lips against the crook of her neck. "Depends on when we both have free time." 

"I'm free next weekend. How about you?"

"I should be."

"Great. Friday night or Saturday?"

Not sure yet. But I'll let you know before the end of next week, okay?" She brought her lips to his in a brief, yet tender kiss, then pulled back to slip her leather jacket on over her shoulders. 

"Please don't play hard to get, Claudia," Lucas said while focusing his eyes on her face. "You're as into me as I am into you, so there's no reason why we need to play games anymore."

"I'm not playing games," Claudia said. "I seriously don't know whether Friday or Saturday will be the best day for me to go out."

"Will you be with Kimi?" He asked. 

"Possibly. But I might be studying, as well."

"Studying for what?"

"Exams...homework...and I also need to contact a few colleges to set up a campus tour."

"But It's only January," he said. "Can't you wait and do it a little later?"

"I could, but what's the use of putting it off?"

Lucas didn't seem to have an answer to this question, so he fell quiet.

"So you're going to college, huh?"

"Of course," she said. "Aren't you?"

"Nope." He briefly paused before adding, "Don't have the grades for it."

"There's always community college," Claudia said. "You could spend two years completing all of your general classes, then transfer to a university."

"I guess..." Lucas said. "But I've never been a good student, so I honestly don't know if that would even work out."

"You won't know unless you try." Her palm gently caressed the smooth surface of his face. "And I believe that you *can* do it, Lucas. If you really want to."

He tried to smile back, but the corners of his lips only faintly quivered.

"So six more months, huh? Then you move off the rez, go to college, and forget all about me." 

"No, that's not true," Claudia said. "I could never forget about you."

"People forget," Lucas said as he stared deep into Claudia's eyes. "They meet new people and they forget all about the ones they left behind."

"Well *I* won't forget," Claudia stated. "And no matter how far away I move for school, I will always be back for visits."

And how often will that be...two, maybe three times a year?" He eased out a nasal sigh, then turned his eyes from Claudia so he could focus on the moonlit lake.

"It's better than nothing," she said.

"No." He shook his head in disagreement. "It wouldn't be better than nothing."

"So you would rather I move away and never come back to the reservation?" A pained look took over her features. "You would actually be okay with us never seeing each other again for the rest of our lives..."

Rather than respond, he only stared at the lake, which was a deep blue color beneath the inky night sky. 

"Lucas?"

His jaw flexed, lips setting into a thin, hard line. But as the seconds passed, he remained uncharacteristically quiet.

"What's the matter with you?" She asked. "Why are you acting so weird all of a sudden?"

"I'm not acting weird."

"Yes, you are." Studying his face, Claudia noticed that he was purposely avoiding eye contact. "Did I do something to upset you?"

"No."

"Then what's wrong?" A brief pause intercepted her words. "Talk to me, Lucas. Don't just leaving me wondering."

Frustratingly, he didn't talk. But he did cross his arms in front of his broad chest before releasing a heavy sigh. 

"Well if you want to ignore me, then fine," she said. "But I'm due home in the next half hour, so you may as well drive me back."

Easing herself down from the bed of the truck, Claudia made her way towards the front of the car, where she climbed up into the cab and slammed the door behind her. Several minutes passed before she heard the sound of Lucas's footsteps, and a few moments later, he was behind the wheel and turning the key in the ignition. The engine came to life with a whiny sputter and clicking noise, but before it could ease into a grumble, Lucas turned off the ignition. 

Puzzled as to the reason behind it, Claudia turned her head to give him a look. Rather than look back at her, Lucas stared straight ahead through the pitted windshield. Rather than focus on something in particular, he seemed to stare blankly, as if he were deep in thought. Then slowly, in a voice that was filled with reluctance, he began to speak. 

"I don't want you to go, Claude." 

"Go where?" She asked.

"To college." No sooner had the words left his mouth did he seem to realize how they sounded, and he quickly tacked onto his statement. "I mean of course I want you to go, because you're smart and you deserve to live a good life, but I don't want you to leave me."

Her features softened at the sound of his words, but before she could respond, he spoke again.

"I care about you," he said.

"I care about you, too." 

"No, I mean I *really* care about you. In a way that I didn't before."

She felt her heart quicken at his words, but remained quiet so he could continue on. 

"I won't lie," he started. "When we first met, it was purely sexual on my end. I wasn't interested in having a relationship, or even a long term thing with you. I just figured I would get you into bed, and then that would be the end of it."

Although it came as no surprise to her, Claudia's lips pulled tight at his confession. 

"Yeah, I know. Makes me sound like a complete dick, but that's what I was planning to do." 

He briefly glanced out of the window at the thicket of trees which surrounded the pathway that led back onto the main road. 

"Anyways, I was so busy trying to get with you before another guy could, I kind of lost sight of the whole getting to know you thing." There was regret in his voice as he spoke the next words. "Now here we are, less than six months away from graduation, and I'm wishing I hadn't wasted so much damn time."

Finding it cute that a faint crinkle had formed between Lucas's eyes, Claudia smiled, then reached out to take his hand so that their palms were clasped. 

"I think It's sweet that you're telling me this," Claudia said, "And I know It's not easy to be so honest with your feelings. So thank you for opening up and sharing with me." 

With fingers linked, they gazed deep into each other's eyes, and in no time at all, Claudia was lost in the beauty of Lucas's angular face.

"So...this thing between you and me..." His fingers slid into her thick curls, languidly slipping through the strands as he steadily held her gaze. "I want it to become more regular."

"What do you mean by regular?"

"We hang out more...go out on dates... spend time afterschool...that sort of thing."

"You mean like a relationship?"

He smiled, then stroked the back of her hand before saying, "Yeah. Like a relationship."

"I love spending time with you," Claudia said. "And I'd like to spend more, but what about you and Misty?"

"What about us?" He asked.

"She hates me. And she doesn't like me hanging out with you, so how are we supposed to have a relationship when you still have ties to her?"

"Things aren't great between us," he said. "And she knows this, which is why she's been so out of control."

"But you're still sleeping with her, right?"

"Not regularly," he said. "But every now and again, we hook up."

"You sound reluctant to officially break up with her, though," Claudia said. "Which makes me wonder what's really going on."

"She's been going through a difficult time," he said. "Her mom died six months ago, so she's the only one to take care of her little brother. Then a few months back, I discovered that they had been sleeping in her car."

"Why?" Claudia asked. "Did she get kicked out of her house?"

"Nope. Turns out she couldn't pay the electric bill, so the heat got turned off. Guess she figured since her car had a heater, she and her little brother could keep warm there. So that's what they did." 

"Didn't she have anyone she could stay with?" 

"Yes, but Misty has always been very prideful. She doesn't like asking anyone for help, not even her relatives."

"So what ended up happening, is she still living in her car?"

"No, that ended a month ago. Once I found out, I gave her the money to get the electricity turned back on. Things are okay for now, but she's under a lot of pressure, so It's sort of an awkward time to end things between us."

"Yeah, I guess it would be." Now thoughtful, Claudia found herself thinking about Misty, and couldn't help feeling bad about the rotten circumstances that had befallen her rival. "No wonder she's so attached to you."

"What, you mean my looks aren't enough?"

"Whatever." A wide grin stretched across her face before she said, "You just *know* you look good, don't you?"

He lightly chuckled, but didn't say anything in response. 

"By the way, I think It's really nice that you helped her out." 

"Well, her relatives are dealing with problems of their own, so I figured the least I could do is step in and give her some assistance."

"That's good of you, Lucas." She lightly squeezed his hand. "I'm really glad we had this talk." 

"Yeah, so am I." 

As she gazed at him, he gazed right back, and with a languidness that made it clear what he was intending, he leaned in toward her face. Their lips came together in a kiss that was soft and wet, yet full of a passion that they could ardently feel. Charged with a tangible energy, the air around them became thick with arousal, and soon they were engaged in a full-on makeout session. 

As if on a mission, Lucas's fingers slipped beneath the hem of her dress, but before they could reach their target, a text alert came through Claudia's phone. Although Lucas was eager to continue on, Claudia wasn't, and just barely was able to extricate her lips from the hot suction of his mouth. 

Pulling back from the kiss, Claudia retrieved her mobile from her clutch, and on seeing that the sender was none other than her mother, she clicked open the message. 

~ You're twenty minutes late. Where are you? Call or text IMMEDIATELY. ~




Lost Girl Ch. 12



"You'd better get me home," she said to Lucas while typing in her response to Mona. "It's nearly half an hour past my curfew."

"Seriously?" Retrieving his phone from his pocket, he saw that it was. "Wow, that time went quick."

He turned the key in the ignition, and as customary, the engine offered a whiny noise as the starter tried to catch. But instead of easing into a steady grumble, the whine only grew lower before finally dying out. Lucas gave it a second go, and then a third before finally getting out of the car, and after popping the hood of the classic Chevy, he got to work at figuring out the problem. 

Several minutes later, and with hands that were black with old motor grease, Lucas slipped behind the wheel. Before turning the key in the ignition, Lucas pumped his foot against the gas a few times, but just as before, the engine only gave a few sorry whines before it promptly died out.

"Well, it looks like we're stuck." Slipping his cell phone out of his pants, he began searching through his list of contacts. "I can call a friend of mine and see if he'll pick us up."

"Why don't I just call my mom?" Claudia asked. "She definitely wouldn't mind giving us a lift."

"Uh, I kinda would rather if she didn't," Lucas said. 

"Why not?"

"It's our first date, Claudia. How lame would it be if we ended the night being picked up by your *mother*?"

"Well, I guess you've kind of got a point..."

"And besides, you know she's going to bring Big John with her, and It's pretty clear the guy hates me. So I'd really rather not spend the entire ride to your house being grilled by him."

"All right." Seeing that he was clearly uncomfortable with the idea, Claudia slipped her phone back into her clutch. "Give your friend a call and see if he can come out."

Lucas did, but after several attempts of reaching his friend, he gave up and dialed in another number. This time his call was answered, but from what Claudia could tell by Lucas's end of the conversation, the person on the other end of the line was currently engaged in an activity that involved the opposite sex. 

"So, it looks like Joey Isn't answering my calls, and Rob is busy getting laid. I've got a couple of other friends I could try and contact, but I'm pretty sure they're at some house party, which means they're probably drunk. So, It's a no-go for them as well." 

Easing out a frustrated sigh, Lucas tapped his fingers against the steering wheel before turning his gaze back on Claudia.

"You wouldn't happen to know anyone that has a car and would be willing to pick us up, would you?"

"Yeah, actually I do." In a quick, fluid movement, she retrieved her mobile from her clutch. "My friend Tristan has a car, and I'm sure he would be totally willing to help us out."

"The weird kid?" The look that Lucas gave her seemed to say, *seriously?*, but he made no attempts at stopping her from putting through the call. 

With the receiver against her ear, Claudia anxiously waited, listening to the line ring once, twice, and then a third time before Tristan finally answered.

"Hey Claudia, what's up?" 

"Hey you. What you up to?" Happy to hear his voice, her lips curled into a smile. 

"Nothing much. Just watching a movie and waiting for your call."

"You knew I was going to call?" As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized how foolish they sounded. "Of *course* you did. That was like the most obvious question ever."

"So, what's up?" Tristan asked. "Is everything okay?"

"Not exactly." She briefly paused before saying, "Lucas's car broke down and we don't have a way back home, so I was wondering if you could swing by and pick us up?"

"Sure. Just give me the address, and I'll head right out."

"There isn't an address," she said. "The only info I can give you is that we're parked in front of Two Medicine Lake."

"Did you take the main road that leads all the way to the shoreline? 

"Yep. There's a picnic table out here and a couple of large signs that point towards a hiking trail." 

"So you're at the eastern side," Tristan affirmed. "I know exactly where that is. Give me fifteen minutes, and I'll pick you guys up."

"Great. Thank you *so much* Tristan. You're a lifesaver."

"No problem. See you in a bit."

She slipped her phone back into her clutch, then looked at Lucas, who was watching her with an unreadable expression.

"He's on his way. Shouldn't be more than fifteen minutes"

"Cool." He reached for her hand so that their fingers were linked together, then focused his eyes on her face in a very intent way. "Any ideas on how we can pass the time?"

"I should have known that was coming." She crookedly smiled before saying, "We keep up all this kissing, and we're both going to have some pretty chapped lips."

"Can't blame me for wanting more." His broad palm tenderly cupped her face, thumb gliding over the plumpness of her lips. "You're a very good kisser." 

Deep, dark, and seeming to hold very naughty intentions, his eyes had a hypnotizing effect. The way he penetrated her with his gaze was enough to make her pulse speed up, and for a moment she thought of trying to look away. Not because she wanted, but just to see if it was possible. She did try. But like a snake that was charmed by the sound of a flute, she was unable to extract herself from his seductive stare.

"What else can these pretty lips do?" Still caressing her mouth, Lucas eased the tip of his thumb between the seal of her lips.

"I don't know..." She swiped her tongue against his finger, then lightly sucked the very tip of it before pulling her head back. "Maybe you'll find out one day."

"Mmm..." Lucas's gaze swept across the exposed skin of her chest before once again lifting to her face. "Girl, you don't know what you do to me."

"Oh, I think I have an idea." Her eyes shifted to his crotch, as if urging him to check out his own erection.

"I want you to be mine," he said while keeping his eyes straight on her. "You know that, right?" 

"I don't know...I guess." Flustered and hot, she found herself wishing that she could take off her jacket. 

"I'm willing to wait as long as it takes to have you." His eyes didn't stray from hers, not even for a second. "I don't want you with any other guys, Claudia. I want to be the only one."

And she knew what that meant. Gazing into his eyes, she could see that there was a seriousness in them, which was almost comical, because she didn't understand why he was still so obsessed with being the first guy to lay claim to taking her virginity. It almost seemed as if he were convinced that there were diamonds hidden inside of her, because he was just as intensely into her as the first day that they had spoken. 

Yet although he still clearly lusted after her, there was a visible difference in the way he looked at her now, versus four months ago. His eyes held a certain softness, and there was a gentleness in his tone that she hadn't noticed before. She could have gone on looking at him for a whole lot longer, but as the headlights of a car shined right through the windshield, the spell that Lucas had cast over her was promptly broken.

"Oh cool, Tristan made it." Grasping her clutch, Claudia reached for the door handle, but Lucas beat her to it and forced it open instead. 

Joining her side, Lucas walked with her towards Tristan's car, and on reaching the 70's-era Lincoln Continental, he pulled opened the rear passenger door. 

"Uh, babe..." Claudia's own hand was touching the front passenger door which would allow her to ride shotgun. "I think we should sit up front with Tristan. Just so he doesn't feel like a chauffer."

"Is there room for the both of us?" 

"Oh yeah, there's plenty of room. It's almost as large as the backseat."

Lucas's lips pressed flat at the sound of her words, and for a reason she couldn't understand, his face took on a sullen look. But she didn't have to notice the way his jaw tensed up because she was already climbing into the car and greeting Tristan. As soon as Lucas was seated beside her, he slammed the door, and they took off down the path that lead back to the main road. 

"Thanks again for picking us up, Tristan," Claudia said. "We really appreciate it." 

"No problem." Stealing a glance at Lucas, Tristan saw that he was staring straight ahead. "I'm going to your house, right, Claude?" 

"Yep. And if you don't mind, could you drop Lucas off at his place, as well?" 

"Sure." 

For several long moments, they all sat in silence, staring at the dark, country road which was devoid of any streetlights. Claudia thought of turning the radio so that it would ease the awkwardness which was steadily mounting, but as Lucas slipped an arm around her shoulder, she shifted her attention to his face. Rather than smile he only watched her curiously, but as he allowed his eyes to drift in Tristan's direction, she noticed his face become every bit as hard as his gaze. 

"So Tristan," she said while turning her gaze back on him. "You doing anything fun these last few days before going back to school?"

"Not really. Probably just work on my art portfolio so I can start sending it off to colleges."

"Nice. Which schools are you sending it off to?"

"Montana State, University of Montana, Boston University...a few more I can't even remember."

"All of my applications are already sent off," Claudia said. Now I just have to wait and see if I got in."

"Did you apply to Montana State?" 

"Sure did."

"I wonder if Kimi did, too." A thoughtful silence intercepted Tristan's words. "Next time we talk, I'm gonna ask her."

"How cool would it be if we all got into the same school?" 

"That'd be awesome," Tristan said. "I wouldn't feel so weird about going off to college if I knew you guys would be there to hang out with me."

"Keep your fingers crossed." 

Quicker than she'd expected, they arrived at her house, and after pulling into the driveway, Tristan put the car in park. 

"So I'll see you at school on Monday," he said to Claudia.

"Yep, see you then. And thanks again for the ride."

Since Lucas was seated next to the door, she had to wait for him to get out. Once they were both on their feet, Claudia turned to give Tristan a wave, and after receiving one in return, she was accompanied by Lucas to her door. As soon as they reached the porch, the front door opened to reveal Mona, who offered both Claudia and Lucas a less than enthused expression. 

"Good to see you finally made it home." Opening the door wider, she invited Claudia to step in.

"Sorry we're late," she said. "Lucas's car broke down so we had to get a ride home with Tristan." 

Shifting her gaze to the driveway, Mona spotted Tristan's idling vehicle, and after offering a wave, she turned her eyes back on Claudia. 

"That was very nice of him," she said. "But you could have called me to pick you up."

"I know. We just didn't want to bother you, so..."

"It wouldn't have been a bother, Claudia." She allowed her eyes to then settle on Lucas, who was watching on with what seemed to be slight nervousness. "Thank you for making sure that she got home safe, Lucas. But I really wish you would have called to let us know what was going on."

"Yeah, sorry about that. It was totally my fault that we lost track of time."

"Not a huge deal, just something to remember for next time." She thinly smiled before once again addressing her daughter. "It's late, sugar plum."

"Right." She nodded her head, and with a shift of her eyes to Lucas, gave him a look that expressed her desire to kiss him.

Clearly less than eager to do it with Claudia's mother watching, he shifted on his feet, then stole a glance at her before looking back at Claudia. Instantly picking up on their desires, Mona faintly smiled. She took a step back from the doorway and started to retreat into the house, but not before leaving her daughter with some parting words.

"Sixty seconds, Claudia. Then you call it a night and come inside."

"Right." 

As soon as Mona was gone, she and Lucas stepped closer to each other. As her hands lifted to his shoulders, Lucas's came to rest on the curve of her waist. He leaned down so that his lips could join with hers, and with a skill that took her breath away, he gave her a soft, yet tender kiss. Somewhere along the way, he attempted to deepen it so that they were using tongues, but knowing that Tristan was sitting in his car watching the entire thing made Claudia feel more than a little awkward, so she pulled back before he could take it any further. 

"Sorry," he said. "Didn't mean to get carried away."

"It's fine." She shifted from one foot to the other before saying, "Thanks for dinner. I had a wonderful time."

"Good. So did I." He smiled before saying, "I'll give you a call tomorrow."

"Cool." As she backed away, so did he, but neither attempted to take their eyes off of each other. "See you at school on Monday."

"Yep. See you then." He continued to watch her until she drifted into the house and disappeared behind the barrier of the door.

He then turned and headed back towards the Lincoln Continental, where Tristan was seated behind the wheel with an unreadable expression on his face. As soon as he was buckled into the passengers seat, Tristan backed out of the driveway and steered the car onto the main road. 

"So, where am I going?" Tristan asked.

"Just keep going straight until you hit Merriweather, then make a right on Bear Paw road."

Although his house was only a ten minute drive from Claudia's, it felt more like half an hour to Lucas, who was just as reluctant to make small talk as Tristan was. But as the car traveled further along the road, Lucas found that he could no longer remain silent.

"What is this thing that you and Claudia have together?"

Although barely visible in the darkness of the car, Lucas noticed a slight crease form between Tristan's eyes. "What do you mean?"

"You hang out together," Lucas said. "And from what she told me, you're pretty close."

"Yeah..." His voice trailed off just briefly. "Of course we hang out. We're friends."

"Just friends, and nothing else?" An edge came into Lucas's voice, and he made no attempt whatsoever to restrain it. 

"We don't have anything going on," Tristan said. "It's a platonic relationship."

"I thought it was a friendship," Lucas said. "Now you're calling it a relationship?"

"It's the same thing," he said. "A friendship is a just a different form of a relationship."

"No, a relationship is between two people who have romantic feelings for each other," Lucas corrected. "A friendship is very casual, and completely non-sexual."

"I have a relationship with my mother," Tristan said. "I also have one with my father and grandparents. Does that mean I have romantic feelings for them?"

"What?" Lucas's brows knitted together. "What the hell are you even talking about?"

"Look, just forget it, okay? Can we not talk at all?"

Far beyond awkward, the silence that settled between them was undeniably thick, and filled with a tension that made the air heavy. As the Lincoln continued down the road, Lucas took not so sly glances at Tristan's face. 

He didn't know what he was looking for exactly, nor did he fully understand the reason why his stomach was beginning to harden. But as he found that his attention was repeatedly drawn in the loner kid's direction, Lucas came to the realization that he was jealous. 

Which was completely ridiculous, because what did Tristan Whitefeather have that he didn't? Lucas couldn't answer that question, but he did know that Tristan was as socially inept as they came. And if his suspicions were correct, which he was pretty darn certain they were, then Tristan was a virgin, and probably didn't have the faintest clue of what it took to get a woman off. So why would he be jealous of someone like that?

"I'm not in competition with you," Tristan said in a deep voice that cut right through Lucas's thoughts. "I just want Claudia to be happy. As long as she's in a good place, then so am I."

"Who said anything about competition?" Lucas's brows slightly knitted. "And I want her to be happy, too."

"Do you really?"

"Of course."

"Then why do you have sex with other girls?"

Although he should have been able to immediately answer, Lucas found himself stumped, and gave Tristan a long, heavy look that was filled with intensity.

"That's none of your business." 

"Maybe not," Tristan said, "But she wants a commitment from you. And until you give it to her, she's not going to trust you."

"Thanks, but I don't need advice from a guy who's never had a girlfriend."

Although it was barely noticeable, Tristan's posture slackened. His jaw set firmly and his lips pulled tight. Even in the dimness of the car, Lucas could see that a light flush had spread across his lower neck, but it was the way that Tristan's body seemed to be pulling inward that made Lucas realize he was trying to disappear.

For a moment Lucas felt bad about the harshness of his words, but as he recalled the way that the loner kid had brazenly questioned him about his sex life, any shred of sympathy he'd felt immediately dissipated. Five minutes later, and with a tension that hovered over them like a thick, poisonous fog, Tristan pulled up in front of Lucas's house. 

"Thanks for the ride," Lucas uttered before opening the passenger door, then stepped out onto the sidewalk before closing it behind him. He never got the chance to walk away from the curb, however, because Tristan suddenly called out to him. 

"Hey, Lucas."

Turning his head, Lucas saw that Tristan was watching him. For a moment it almost felt as if his very soul was being probed, but that was way too weird of a thought to even fathom, let alone wrap his mind around. Yet still, he couldn't deny the fact that Tristan's powerfully steady gaze was definitely doing *something* to him, and this was the thing that made Lucas's posture go rigid with uneasiness.

"Yeah, what is it?" He stood a little taller, as if hoping that it would somehow ward off the strange energy he was receiving from Tristan.

"Don't hurt Claudia."

Three simple words, straight to the point, and perfectly understandable. But Lucas continued to stand there on the sidewalk with a blank expression on his face.

"What?" 

"Just don't hurt her." 

Tristan held Lucas's gaze for several more moments before finally putting the Lincoln into drive, and with a visible tightness still in his jaw, he took off down the street, leaving Lucas to stand there all alone.



Lost Girl Ch. 13



"It's lopsided," Claudia said while eyeing the cake that was sitting on the counter. "It's definitely lopsided."

"Only a little." With a rubber spatula in hand, Kimi applied the frosting so that it was nice and smooth against the baked dessert. "And besides, I hardly think he's going to notice a bit of lopsidedness. It *is* a chocolate fudge cake, after all."

"And you're *sure* that chocolate is his favorite flavor?" 

"Well I didn't ask him personally because I wanted to keep this whole thing a surprise. But according to Winona, he's always loved chocolate cake, so I think It's pretty safe to say that it is."

"And he doesn't know anything about us coming over, right?"

"Nope. Doesn't have a clue." 

Once Kimi had finished applying the frosting, Claudia protected the cake with a glass dome cover. She then grabbed both her and Kimi's jacket from the coat rack next to the door. They were just bundling up when Mona walked into the kitchen, and on seeing the chocolate cake that was displayed beneath the glass dome, she eyed it admiringly.

"Looks delicious. Tristan's going to be very pleased."

"Think so?" Kimi wrapped her skull print scarf around her neck so that the tails hung loosely. 

"Definitely. What teenage boy wouldn't love receiving a handmade cake personally delivered by two pretty girls?" 

Kimi and Claudia shared a smile, and while Kimi grabbed the glass enclosed cake, Claudia retrieved a pizza box and a small bag of presents. Mona led the way to the front door, and after allowing Kimi and Claudia to exit first, she followed them out onto the porch. 

Once they were in the car, Mona pulled out onto the street, and at just past seven p.m., they were pulling in front of Tristan's house. A few seconds later they were at the front door, and after being greeted by Winona, were ushered in from the frigid February evening. 

"The cake looks wonderful." Winona's eyes went wide at the sight of the thick, fudgy cake that was displayed beneath its glass dome. 

"Pizza too?" Having sidled up next to his wife, Tristan's father assisted Claudia and Kimi in placing both the food and presents on the living room table. "Tristan is lucky to have you two as friends."

"I'm guessing he's hanging out in his room?" Claudia asked.

"As usual." A gentle smile graced Winona's lips. "I made him a special breakfast this morning, and a couple of relatives came over to give him gifts this afternoon, but ever since four o'clock, he's been holed away in there." 

"Claudia and I will get him out." Throwing a glance her friend's way, Kimi said, "Right, Claude?"

"Definitely."

Clearly amused at Claudia and Kimi's sureness, Winona, Ray, and Mona watched on as the two girls headed for Tristan's room. On reaching the closed barrier, Kimi knocked once, then lowered her hand as she waited for Tristan to open the door. 

"I'm busy," he loudly called out. "Can you come back later?"

For a moment Claudia thought of calling out to Tristan, but on remembering that she and Kimi were there to surprise him, she gestured for Kimi to open the door. Turning the knob, Kimi slowly opened the wooden barrier, and with Claudia following behind her, led the way to Tristan's bed.

"Happy Birthday, Tristan." Kimi's lips stretched wide as she saw the stunned look on his face.

"Surprised?" Claudia couldn't help smiling at the way Tristan's brows lifted as she and Kimi approached him. 

Glancing from one to the other, he asked, "What are you guys doing here?"

"Wishing you a happy eighteenth birthday, dork." Claudia hopped playfully onto the bed. 

"We figured it only right to come over and do it in person. You know, now that you're officially a man, and all," Kimi said in a voice that was purposely low and sultry.

"Oh..." Tristan's Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he gave a dry swallow. "Well thanks, that's very nice of you."

Just briefly, Claudia and Kimi shared a smirk at Tristan's adorableness. 

"Your hair looks nice," Kimi said. "Are you growing it out?"

"No. Not really," Lifting his hands to his hair, Tristan ran it along the closely shorn sides before sliding his fingers through the hair on top that was left long enough to hang messily over his eyes. "Why? Do you think I should?"

"I don't know, if you wanna." She gave a faint shrug before adding, "I really like how It's all punk rock looking, though. Makes you look sort of bad ass."

"Really?" Tristan's brows lifted at her words. "Do you seriously think that?"

"Yep."

"She's right," Claudia said while checking out Tristan's hair. "It does have a cool, unique look to it."

"Now that's not saying we would be opposed to you eventually growing it longer," Kimi stated. "Because I personally think you would look good with long hair, as well."

"You can't go wrong either way," Claudia said with a smile, then lifted herself off the bed before adding, "We brought cake, pizza, and presents. Come hang with us?" 

"Okay." Tristan rose to his feet, then followed the girls out of his bedroom and down the hallway toward the living room.

As the threesome entered, Winona, and Mona offered a smile, then resumed setting the table with plates, saucers, and hand painted coffee cups. 

"So, I guess the trick to getting you out of that room is to invite Claudia and Kimi over on a regular basis." Ray gave his son a broad grin, then winked at the two girls who were standing beside him. 

"Happy Birthday, Tristan," said Mona, who was now setting down napkins at every place setting.

"Thanks." He returned her smile with one of his own.

"We both had a pretty hard time figuring out what to get you," Kimi said while retrieving two presents from the shopping bag they'd brought along with them. "So if you absolutely hate them, we'll understand."

"What? No way. I couldn't hate anything you guys gave me." 

A faint smile touched Tristan's lips as he accepted Kimi's gift, and after tearing off the wrapping paper, he saw it was a long, skinny box made out of oak. On opening the velvet lined container, Tristan saw there was a 4-piece set of refillable sketching pens with shiny aluminum barrels. 

"The guy at the art store said they give a nice brushstroke-like effect," Kimi said. "Which I guess is a good thing..." As her voice drifted off, she seemed to implore Tristan to give her an agreeable answer.

"It's definitely good." Clearly pleased by the present, he removed one of the pens from the box so he could inspect it more closely. "This is a really nice gift, Kimi." On shifting his attention to her, Tristan's face went radiant with appreciation. 

"Glad you like it." She smiled, then embraced him in a hug before pulling back. 

"I do. A lot. Thank you so much."

"Not a problem," Kimi said before shifting her attention to Claudia, who passed Tristan a modestly sized package that was enclosed in silver wrapping paper. 

"Happy Birthday, Tristan. I hope you like it."

With ardent eagerness, Tristan tore off the decorative paper until a book-like object was revealed. "Wow, a leather bound sketching journal."

"It's made from buffalo hide," Claudia said. "And if you notice the left hand corner, you'll see It's monogrammed with your initials and birthdate."

"This is incredible." Tristan slowly coasted his hand over the buttery soft texture of the buffalo hide. "I honestly didn't expect this..."

"Yeah, I know. That's why It's called a surprise." A touch of a smile appeared on her lips.

"Must have cost you a lot." His fingers glided along the initials that were embossed in the soft leather.

"Don't worry about how much I spent on it," Claudia said. "Your mom put me in touch with a craftsperson right here on the rez, and they gave me a pretty good price. So I didn't break the bank, or anything."

"Thank you, Claudia." Having lifted his eyes to hers, he gave her a look which could only be taken as intense gratitude. "This really is an awesome gift."

"You're welcome." 

They came together for a hug, and as Tristan's arms wrapped around her waist, Claudia's looped around his shoulders. On pulling away, they offered each other a smile, and along with everyone else, drifted towards the dinner table. With three chairs lined up on each side of the table, the adults were able to sit on one side, while the teenagers sat on the other.

With sausage pizza in hand, everyone engaged in amiable chatter. Even when the pizza was gone and the cake half devoured, the teenagers remained seated at the table, listening to traditional Indian stories while sipping on cups of sweet coffee.

* * * *

Long after an intense quietness had settled over the house, Tristan lay awake in bed. His arms were behind his head and his gaze was directed towards the ceiling. Although it was nearly one a.m., he still found himself unusually energized, and nowhere near weary enough for sleep.

The day had been good, better than he had expected, and as he lay there recalling the gifts he'd received from Kimi and Claudia, a sort of lightness came into his chest. 

Having expected nothing more than commercial, insignificant gifts, he was still blown away at how meaningful both Claudia and Kimi's presents had been. They'd made him feel good. Special, even. And he couldn't remember the last time anyone outside of his family had ever done that. 

Although faint, the scent of perfume drifted into his nostrils, and on realizing that it was coming from the comforter that covered his bed, Tristan rolled onto his side. Pressing his nose against the thick blanket, he deeply inhaled, allowing the soft, flowery scent to invade his senses. 

Along with being feminine, it was slightly seductive, and made Tristan wonder whether it had been Claudia or Kimi that had left the smell behind. If he had to guess, he'd say it was Claudia, because Kimi wasn't the type to wear such a youthful, understated fragrance. A strong and bold perfume would be more her style, something that would call a room to attention and let everyone know that she was there.

Now, as he lay there thinking of Kimi, he was reminded of the dress she had worn, and the way it had slightly ridden up her thighs when she'd sat down on his bed. Now that he was thinking about it, he realized that Claudia's had as well, but he hadn't dared taken anything more than a brief glance at their exposed legs. 

Never before had two girls been in his room, let alone sat on the very bed that he slept in. As he thought back to the way that Kimi had complimented his hair, his heart swelled at her words of flattery. "Bad ass" were the words she had used to describe his haircut, and he remembered Claudia mentioning that it looked "cool and unique."

With his thoughts now turned to Claudia, he was reminded of her romantic feelings towards him. Now that she knew that he knew how she truly felt, there was this shift in energy between them. Not exactly an awkward one, as Tristan still felt more comfortable with Claudia than he ever had with another woman, but still a definite change in the way that they interacted with each other. 

Earlier that evening, when she'd presented him with his birthday present and they'd shared a brief hug, Tristan had keenly felt the attraction she had towards him. His hug with Kimi, however, hadn't been anything more than an embrace of friendship on her part, and although disappointed at her lack of interest in him, Tristan was now at the point where he'd come to terms with the fact that Kimi would never feel for him what he felt for her. 

Yet as much as it hurt him to think about that, it did make him feel good to know that Claudia liked him. And as he lay there in bed staring up at the ceiling, the hug they'd shared once again ran through his mind. 

To the casual observer, it may have seemed as if he and Claudia had shared a warm embrace that expressed their friendship for one another; and that was partially true. But the way that she had pushed her breasts against his chest as she'd flattened her body against his, had inspired a desire within him that had completely caught him off guard. 

Even now, as he lay in bed with only the memory to go on, Tristan remembered how soft her breasts had felt. Heatedly, he began to wonder what her nipples looked like. He'd never seen breasts that belonged to a girl of her color, but he guessed that her nipples would probably be a deep brown color - not too unlike the warm, cinnamon shade of her skin. 

Gradually, his hand began to drift downward, and on reaching the hardness that was concealed beneath his boxer briefs, Tristan willed himself to get his arousal under control. Yet the more that he tried to shift his thoughts elsewhere, the quicker and more effortlessly the images of Claudia came. It wasn't just the memory of her soft body pressed against his as they had hugged, but her floral scent perfume, which was now imbedded in the comforter. 

Releasing a faint sigh, Tristan adjusted his cock so that the tip of it would stop brushing against the fabric of his boxers, but in the process of trying to ease the friction, he found that his erection only grew bigger. 

He wasn't going to do it, he swore to himself. He was not going to masturbate while thinking about Claudia. Up until the present moment, he hadn't seen her as much more than a platonic friend, so why make things complicated by developing sexual feelings for her? 

As soon as he asked himself that question, he realized that along with sensual feelings, he had emotional ones as well. Deep, soul-stirring feelings that made him not only protective of Claudia, but bonded to her in a way that would only strengthen the intimate feelings which were steadily emerging. 

If he chose to give into his bodily desires, he would no longer see Claudia as just a female who was a good friend, but as a girl who he desired. And he couldn't desire her, because she was already involved with Lucas. 

Although Claudia hadn't yet gotten with Lucas in a physical way, Tristan knew that it had to happen sooner or later. And once it did, Lucas and Claudia's relationship would undoubtedly deepen. With Kimi already in a relationship and Claudia on her way to one, Tristan was beginning to feel incredibly lonely, and a little sad that he still had nobody to call his own. 

Although less stiff than it had been before, Tristan's erection was still prominent enough to tent his boxers, and knowing that it wasn't going to take care of itself, he lifted his hips and slowly brought down the thin, cotton material of his Y-front briefs. After kicking off his underwear, he retrieved a bottle of Astroglide from beneath his pillow, then squirted some into his hand before wrapping his palm around his long, thick cock. 

Sighing softly, Tristan indulged in the cool slickness of the lube, sliding it up and down his semi-hard shaft with a deliberately lazy up and down motion. Slow and easy was how he always liked to start off, but as a nice, clear image of Claudia suddenly came into his mind, he found that his imagination quickly took over. 

Effortlessly, he began to imagine the smooth brownness of her skin, and what it would feel like to have her soft, nude body pressed against his own. In his mind, her breasts were smooth and perfectly round, while her nipples were invitingly perky. He could easily imagine his tongue gliding along one of her nipples, slowly swirling around the rigid peak as she softly moaned in approval. 

Still stroking his cock with long, languid jerks, Tristan faintly groaned, imagining how amazing it would feel to have her pussy wrapped around his cock. He knew that she was a virgin, so she had to be incredibly tight. Her pussy was probably so deep, warm, and wet, that once he buried himself inside her, he wouldn't want to ever slide back out. 

Stroking his shaft at a quicker pace, Tristan imagined Claudia riding him. He could see her breasts lightly bouncing as she lifted and lowered her hips, and vividly imagined the way her face would contort as she took him fully in. As she worked herself up and down on top of him, he would gently buck his hips, pushing himself deeper into the velvety warmth of her pussy. 

Now pumping his cock at an increasingly faster rhythm, Tristan was nearing release. Heat began to pool in his lower stomach, and as his palm moved quicker against his lube-slickened shaft, his breathing grew ragged. Round and heavy, Tristan's balls were aching to be emptied, and as the wet, sloppy noises of flesh stroking flesh increased in volume, he knew he'd reached that point. 

So consumed by the sensation of his impending orgasm, he didn't even realize that he was moaning Claudia's name, and with a low, heady groan, he ejaculated. The first rope of cum sailed high into the air, and was immediately followed by half a dozen more milky ribbons. While some of the fluid landed on the bed sheets, most ended up on his chest, creating thick, long stripes that covered the flesh of his torso. 

For awhile he just lay there, indulging in the pleasurable tingling sensations that covered his body from head to toe. Then finally, he grabbed a wrinkled T-shirt from the foot of his bed, and after wiping the sticky cum off his chest, he fell back against the mattress.

Now completely relaxed, Tristan's chest rose and fell in smooth, even breaths. Eventually he reached a point where his eyes grew heavy and sleep beckoned him. But not without the scent of Claudia's perfume still lingering on the sheets. 

* * * *

Claudia's mouth was dry. A knot had begun to form in the pit of her stomach, and her heart was hammering in her chest. For the past three months, she had been eagerly waiting for this very moment. But now that it had actually arrived, she wasn't quite sure that she was ready for it. She took in a breath, then slowly eased it out before lifting the letter sized envelope. And with her eyes focused on Kimi, who sat directly across from her at the kitchen table, Claudia spoke some words.

"You ready?"

Kimi nodded and bit her lip before lowering her eyes to the envelope that was in her own hand.

"Yep. Let's go for it."

With equal enthusiasm, they tore into their respective envelopes, and on retrieving the folded piece of paper that was inside, allowed their eyes to scan the typewritten words. 

"Oh my God." Claudia's face slackened as she saw the words which regretted to inform her that she would not be attending the University of San Francisco. "I didn't get into USF." 

"Well, if It's any consolation, I didn't get into the University of Colorado," Kimi said.

"Sorry to hear that," Claudia responded. "That was your top pick, right?"

"Yep. But oh well. If I didn't get in, I didn't get in." She shrugged, set aside the slip of paper, and then reached for the next envelope in the stack. 

Mirroring the actions of Kimi, Claudia retrieved a second envelope from her own small stack, and after ripping it open, eagerly scanned the first paragraph of the letter. 

"Montana State University wants me." A broad smile crossed her face as she added, "What about you?"

A joyous smile crossed Kimi's face as she nodded. "I've been accepted, too."

"Awesome. So we both got it." 

They immediately reached for the next envelope in their stacks, tearing eagerly through the paper before pulling out their individual letters. 

"Looks like I got into Seattle University, as well." Lowering her acceptance letter, Claudia focused her gaze on Kimi. "What about you? Rejection, or acceptance?"

"Acceptance." A broad smile slowly stretched across Kimi's face. 

"To where?" Claudia asked.

"The University of British Columbia."

"Wow, congratulations." A stunned look came over her face as she added, "I didn't even know you were applying to schools in Canada."

"Originally, I wasn't going to. But then I figured, why not? May as well take advantage of the Jay Treaty."




Lost Girl Ch. 13



"Jay Treaty?" 

"It gives Natives the right to live and work in both the United States and Canada. Meaning I can register as a domestic student in a Canadian university, just the same as I would here at home. I don't even need a visa to cross the border."

"Wow, that's pretty cool." A few moments of silence intercepted her words before she finally decided to speak. "So, I guess you're going to Canada, then..."

"I don't know, maybe." Kimi bit her lip before asking, "What do you think? Should I stay in Montana and go to university here, or try things out in Canada?"

"I don't know, Kimi. That's a pretty big choice." Claudia briefly paused before adding, "I mean, I would love for you to stay here so we could go to school together. But at the same time, going to Canada could be really good for you."

"Yeah." A thoughtful expression appeared on her face. "Well, I'll give myself a few days to think it over."

"Probably a good idea," Claudia said before adding, "I can't lie, though. I was totally hoping that you, me, and Tristan would all go to university together."

"So did I," Kimi said. "Which is why I'm hesitant to move away. Apart from my brother, you guys are the most important people in my life."

"The feeling is mutual, babe." Claudia reached across the kitchen table to grab Kimi's hand. "But whatever your decision, I fully support you. You know that, right?"

Kimi nodded, then gave Claudia's hand a gentle squeeze. 

"Speaking of Tristan, I wonder which schools he got into?" 

"Hopefully Montana State. I wouldn't wanna go there all alone."

"So you've definitely decided against Seattle University?"

"Yeah, pretty much." The hesitancy in Claudia's voice, however, seemed to indicate that she was fairly unsure. "I mean on one hand, I would love to live in Seattle. But if I move to an entirely different state, It'll only put more distance between me and Lucas. And I really don't want that." 

"Aww...you don't want to leave him behind."

"Well, I sort of already am," Claudia said. "Montana State is a four hour drive from here."

"You can always drive up to visit him on weekends. It's what I'm planning to do with Tyler."

"But if you move up to Canada, you won't be able to drive out here," Claudia said. "I mean you could, but it would take way too long."

"Yeah, I know. Which is another reason I need to seriously think this through. Tyler needs someone to watch over him."

"Well if you do go to Canada, I could always check up on him during my weekend trips. And I'm sure my mother and Big John would be totally cool with looking out for him, as well." 

"You think so?" Kimi asked.

"Definitely."

"Thanks, Claude. I appreciate the support."

"Anytime." 

The girls shared a brief smile before Claudia rose from her seat and headed for the refrigerator. On opening it up, she took out a carton of milk, and after retrieving two glasses and a package of Oreos from the cabinet, retook her seat at the kitchen table. 

"So," Kimi said while pouring them each a glass of milk, "I was thinking that you, me, and Tristan could take a camping trip. 

"When?"

"How about spring break?"

Glancing at the calendar on the wall behind her, Claudia saw that the date was only two weeks away.

"Sure. Sounds like fun."

"Awesome." Kimi took a sip of milk before saying, "So, since Tristan has a car, I was thinking he could drive us out to Two Medicine. They have a really great campground out there."

"I've never been camping," Claudia said. "Always wanted to, though."

"You've never been camping?" An incredulous look crossed Kimi's face.

"Well, I once spent the night in the backyard of my friend Shauna McDowell's house in the fifth grade, but I don't think that really counts, so..."

A gentle smile crossed Kimi's lips before she said, "Definitely doesn't count. But It's cool. There's a first time for everything."

"So....spring break, huh?" Claudia turned her attention back to the calendar. "Oh my God, I just realized that we only have two months left before graduation."

"Thank God." Kimi retrieved an Oreo cookie from the package on the kitchen table, twisted it apart, and then licked the cream away. "I can't get off this rez soon enough."

Turning away from the calendar, Claudia focused her attention on Kimi. "Two more months, and we'll officially be going out into the real world."

"Actually, It's four," Kimi said. "Most campuses don't allow you to move into dorms until August, so we'll have all of June and July to prepare before we move into the city."

"I can't believe It's actually happening." A faraway look came into Claudia's eyes as she stared off into the distance. "It doesn't even seem like eight months have passed since I first got here."

"Crazy, huh?" Kimi said. "Those months just flew right by."

A thoughtful sort of silence settled between them, and for a few moments each became lost in their own thoughts.

"So..." Claudia said. "I know this is going to sound totally lame, but I'm sort of scared." 

"Of what?" Kimi asked.

"Moving away. Going into the city where we know absolutely no one, and starting this whole new life."

"I think It's exciting," Kimi said. "We'll get the chance to live on our own, as actual adults."

"It *will* be exciting," Claudia responded. "But It's going to be a huge change."

"With change comes opportunity. And I think we both could use a bit of that right now."

"Yeah. Guess you're right about that." 

Kimi gave Claudia a gentle smile, then grabbed two Oreos from the package before passing one to Claudia. Simultaneously, they twisted them open, silently dunking and munching as they allowed a comfortable silence to settle between them.

* * * *

It was just before sunrise on a chilly April morning when Tristan, Kimi, Claudia, and Lucas set out on the road. The sun still had yet to fully rise, but the first rays of light were just beginning to peek through the clouds. 

Tristan, who was seated behind the wheel and guiding his car along the highway that would take them into the city, sat directly beside Kimi, who was leafing through a college information pamphlet. Settled comfortably in the ridiculously roomy backseat were Lucas and Claudia, who were snuggled up and enjoying the warmth of each other's bodies. 

En route to a campus tour at Montana State University, Tristan's Lincoln Continental traveled smoothly over the highway asphalt. As the miles elapsed and they grew closer to reaching their destination, Claudia, Kimi and Tristan began to excitedly chatter. But Lucas, who was usually outgoing and chatty, was strangely quiet and emitting a sadness that Claudia took note of. 

It was so keen, in fact, that she averted her focus to Lucas's face, and on noting that he was staring glumly out of the passenger window, she placed her palm against his cheek so that his eyes shifted in her direction. 

"You okay?" Her eyes studied his face intently.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

A few moments passed where she said absolutely nothing, only continued to gaze at him in silence. 

"Something's up," she said. "You've hardly spoken a word since we left the reservation." 

"Just a little tired, is all." He pulled her closer against him so that she was embraced in a light squeeze.

"Thanks for coming along," she said. "I think It'll be nice for you to see the university."

"No problem. I'm happy to be here."

The words that Lucas spoke sounded true enough to Claudia's ears, but the way he had been uncharacteristically silent for the past two hours made her a little concerned. She didn't have to guess at what the reason behind it was, though. With only two months left before graduation, the time that she and Lucas had to spend together was continually ticking down. 

Once August arrived, she would be going off to college with Tristan and Kimi, but Lucas would remain behind, and it wasn't difficult to figure out that he was feeling insecure about this monumental change that was on the horizon. Hoping to lift his spirits, Claudia tenderly ran her palm along his chest, then looked up into his eyes. 

"I can drive up every weekend, you know." 

"How? You don't have a car," Lucas said.

"No, I don't. But I'm sure Tristan would be willing to take me."

Shifting his attention to the front of the car, Lucas settled his eyes on Tristan, who was seated behind the wheel and engaging in light chit chat with Kimi. Rather than conceal his dislike, Lucas seemed to openly flaunt it, and as a cold expression crossed his face, Claudia swore she could see a flicker of jealously burn hot in his eyes. 

No sooner had this happened did Tristan look into the rearview mirror, and on confirming that Lucas was staring keenly at him, he gazed back with just as much intensity. It didn't take long before a fierce sort of energy began to radiate from Tristan's direction, and that was when Claudia realized the two men were each challenging the other to look away first. 

Since Tristan was driving, clearly he should have been the one to accept defeat and shift his gaze. But to Claudia's surprise, he was somehow able to continue driving while keeping his gaze fixed steadily on the rearview mirror, which offered a reflection of Lucas in the backseat. 

Several moments passed, and then a full thirty seconds before Claudia began to wonder how Tristan was safely operating the car without glancing at the road even once. Several turns appeared along the road, and even sharp curves which came in rapid succession, yet Tristan took each one with a grace and skill that would have impressed even the most seasoned driver. 

There was an otherworldy eeriness to the way he drove entirely without the use of sight, and yet at the same time, Claudia was completely fascinated. Lucas, however, clearly was not, and in a tone that conveyed thorough uneasiness, he made a request.

"You wanna keep your eyes on the road?" Lucas angrily asked. "We're gonna end up in a ditch."

"No," Tristan said in a deep, low voice. "We won't."

No longer just perturbed, Lucas seemed downright wary, and as Tristan continued to drive without the aid of his vision, Lucas shifted his eyes to give Claudia a look that seemed to say, 'what the hell'? Rather than offer an explanation, she only shrugged, then turned her attention back on Tristan, who had finally decided to once again look at the road.

"Thanks again for driving us, Tristan," she said. 

"No problem." Just briefly, he glanced in the rearview mirror to give her a soft smile.

"Wow, this is awesome," Kimi said from the front passenger seat. "Did you know they have a golf course on the Montana State campus? They also have a garden where you can learn to grow your own food, and living learning communities where you're matched up with people who have the same interests."

"Sounds cool," Claudia said. 

"I know, right?" Kimi studied the pamphlet in her hands for a bit longer before finally speaking again. "Four more months, and we'll be off the rez and living in the city. God, I can't wait."

"Me either," Claudia said, but as soon as the words left her mouth, she instantly regretted having spoken them.

Even before she allowed her eyes to rest on Lucas's face, Claudia could feel him staring at her. The weight of his gaze was so strong that she couldn't help but shift her attention to his face, and on noting his unhappy expression, she instantly felt bad.

"That came out wrong." She spoke in a lowered voice so that only she and him were privy to what was being said. "I'm not looking forward to leaving you, of course. It's just the thought of starting off new..." 

He nodded, but his lips remained tightly drawn.

"I can always drive up to the rez and see you every weekend. Or, you can come down to visit me." She briefly paused before adding, "Either way, we'll still be able to hang out."

"I don't want to just hang out, Claude. I want us to see and be with each other everyday. A proper relationship, not just a weekend hook up." 

Taken aback by the emotion in his voice, Claudia stared at Lucas. Along with the fact that his eyes had visibly softened, she also noticed that the corners of his lips were turned downwards. 

"You're my girl, Claudia. It doesn't feel right to have you moving so far away."

"I have to go, Lucas. You know this."

Very slowly, Lucas nodded. And with a gentle sigh that he pushed out through his nostrils, he slipped his fingers through her curls and gazed deep into her eyes. 

"Sorry. I just get this terrible knot in my stomach everytime I think about you leaving the rez." 

"Yeah, babe. I know." Lifting her palm so that it cradled his face, she allowed her thumb to glide along the hard line of his jaw.

Their eyes locked, and for that moment they shared an inevitable truth. A truth that neither really wanted to face, but knew was the truth all the same. As Tristan and Kimi once again fell into light chatter, Lucas and Claudia shared a few soft, sweet kisses. Their fingers linked, palms clasping tightly as they embraced.

Every once in awhile, and with a slyness that kept him from being discovered, Tristan would allow his gaze to drift to the rearview mirror. Still snuggled against one another, Lucas and Claudia were completely ignorant to the fact that Tristan was watching them.

If either had directed their gazes towards the rearview mirror, they would have noticed 

a sullen look suddenly cross Tristan's face. But as soon it had appeared, it was suddenly gone. A few seconds later, Tristan's eyes were once again on the highway, focusing on the road that lay ahead of them.

* * * * 

At half past eight in the morning, Tristan's Lincoln Continental pulled into the huge parking lot of Montana State University. Dense with oak trees and boasting a lush green landscape, the college campus was situated on 220 acres. 

Even before she stepped out of the car, a sense of excitement began to overtake Claudia, and with an eagerness that was palpable, the four teenagers exited the vehicle and headed across the pavement of the parking lot. 

Almost immediately, Claudia, Tristan and Kimi fell into stride next to one another, amiably chatting as they walked briskly towards the large campus. Not wanting to be left out, Lucas grabbed Claudia's hand, holding her palm with a tender firmness that Claudia couldn't help but take note of. 

From the first moment that they officially stepped onto the walkways which were flanked by green grass, Claudia felt her pulse quicken, but it was the stately buildings and immaculate courtyards that made her go breathless with awe. 

Due to the size of the college campus, Claudia didn't have the faintest clue as to which direction they were supposed to be heading in, but upon consulting a map, Kimi led them towards a building that was known as Cheever Hall. 

Possessing a striking red-brown brick façade, Cheever Hall was adorned by a bell tower that only added to its stateliness. Fashioned from solid oak, the double doors that led into the grand structure had an imposing yet majestic look about them, and after climbing a broad flight of steps, the four teens passed through the entryway and into the foyer, which was teeming with a large group of high school seniors.

Standing beside a sign that read SENIOR VISIT DAY 2014, stood a woman who was dressed in a pastel skirt suit that was impeccably tailored. Coiffed in a blonde chignon, her hair perfectly complemented her face, which was creamy white and dotted with faint freckles. 

"Welcome to senior visit day," she said which handing each of them of a glossy pamphlet. "The meet and greet session will begin at nine o'clock, followed by a campus tour. A continental breakfast is currently being served, so please, enjoy it at your leisure."

With a sweep of her arm, she gestured towards an area where several long buffet tables were set up. With plenty of other high school students in attendance, Kimi, Tristan, Claudia, and Lucas should have quickly blended into the crowd. But as Claudia scanned the various faces which were crowding around the buffet table, she realized there were only a handful of Native American teens, and even fewer black ones. 

This thought did make her a bit uncomfortable, but considering that she was used to being the lone black girl on an Indian reservation, it really wasn't a huge deal. After all, it had only been eight months since she'd started living on the rez, and she was already accustomed to life there. So if she'd gotten used to living on an Indian reservation, she could surely get used to living on a university campus.

So lost in her thoughts, she barely took note of the light hip bump that Kimi gave her, and realizing they had reached the front of the line, Claudia began filling her plate with breakfast food. Once they all had food in hand, the four teens made their way towards an empty table where they promptly dug into their meals. 

"Too many white people in this school," Lucas said while cutting a sausage link in half. "There's no diversity here at all."

"It's a great university, though," Kimi said. "And from what I hear, they have an excellent Native American Cultural Center."

"Attending a university in order to learn about your own culture...." A smirk cut across Lucas's lips. "If that wasn't so damn sad, it would actually be pretty funny."

"I *know* my culture," Kimi snappily responded. "I just think It's nice they have a special building where Native students can go to socialize and talk about our traditions."

"The cultural center is a good thing," Tristan said while resting his gaze on Lucas. "Native students need to maintain a connection to each other. It's important for our identities."

"Well from what I can tell," Lucas said, "we're the only Indians in the entire room, so what good is a cultural center going to do?"

"There's an Indian guy over there." Kimi tilted her chin toward a table that was a few rows over. "So looks like we're not the only ones after all."

Following Kimi's suggestion, Lucas did turn his head, and on noticing the ponytailed boy with tawny skin, he released a faint snicker. "Doesn't count. He's an apple."

"You don't even know him," Kimi said. "How can you call him an apple?"

"Look at him," Lucas said while focusing his eyes on the Native teen. "He's sitting at a table filled with white people. You think a proud Indian would do that?"

"Besides us, there aren't any other Natives around. So what is he supposed to do? Sit all by himself?"

"I would." Lucas said it solidly and with utter conviction. "Better to be alone, than trying to fit in with all these napikowaan's."

"Since when are you against white people?" Kimi asked. "From what I hear, you've been banging some blonde girl who lives in the city. So don't give me that 'white people are devils' crap."

Rather than immediately respond, Lucas gave Kimi a long, hard stare that was just as icy as it was intimidating. 

"If you're referring to Alissa, I'm no longer banging, or even in contact with her," he angrily stated. "And I never said that white people were devils. I just don't understand why any self-respecting Indian would wanna hang around with them."

"There are good and bad people out there of every color," Tristan said. "If you got off the rez sometimes, you would realize that."

"You think I've never been off the rez?" A deep crease formed between Lucas's brows. "I've driven into the city plenty of times, and no matter where I go, seems like I'm always getting pulled over by a cop. Or talked and laughed about by racist whites for being an Indian man who Isn't afraid to wear his hair long. I might drive a broken down rez truck, but those bumper stickers on the back of my Chevy display my pride of being Native, and a lot of white men don't like that."

"Okay, well that's great and everything," Tristan said, "But when I said off the rez, I meant going away to college. Or getting a job in the city and opening yourself up to opportunities."




Lost Girl Ch. 13



"Drugs, prostitution, and crime," Lucas said. "Those are the only opportunities most Indians find in the city."

"The path one chooses to follow is entirely up to them," Tristan replied. "I'd rather take my chances and venture out, then let fear hold me back from achieving something greater."

"And once you achieve that something *greater*, will you remain in the city, or move back to the reservation and help your own people?"

"I haven't thought that far ahead, but if I find a job near the rez after college, I wouldn't mind coming back."

"Right." The smirk on Lucas's lips was promptly concealed as he took a sip from his coffee cup.

"I'm not a liar," Tristan said in a firm voice.

"Must be guilt talking, because I didn't say anything about you being a liar."

"You didn't have to say it." The set of Tristan's jaw perfectly conveyed what he was feeling. "The eyes speak what the lips don't." 

As Lucas's eyes went hard so did Tristan's, but it was the sound of Claudia's voice that cut through the tenseness of the moment.

"Looks like people are lining up for the campus tour." With purposeful quickness, she gathered her purse before rising from her seat. "We should probably join them before they leave us behind."

Encouraged by Claudia's brisk movements, Kimi also rose to her feet, followed by Lucas and Tristan. On reaching the crowd that had lined up at the door, they were all ushered outside, and with a student ambassador named Shauna leading the way, the crowd of high school teenagers embarked on the tour.

With its curved pathways and huge, sprawling oaks, the college campus had a gorgeous parklike setting. Along with pointing out the academic buildings, Shauna also allowed them to peek inside several state-of-the art classrooms. 

The dining complex, which housed nine restaurants and two coffee shops, periodically hosted farmers markets that were supplied by the campus's on-site community garden. In addition to a massage studio, the university also boasted a rock climbing center, and offered both backpacking and kayaking trips throughout the year.

They were an hour into the tour before they finally reached the residence halls, and after guiding them inside, Shauna launched into her tour script. Less concerned with being told and far more interested in actually seeing the individual dorms, Claudia tuned out most of Shauna's talking, and instead allowed her eyes to take in her current surroundings. 

Known as North Hedges Hall, the eleven-story dormitory was designed to house the males on the lower two levels, and the females on the upper ones. Judging by the heavily populated lounge area, women far outweighed the men in Craig Hall, but that didn't stop a number of male undergraduates from checking both Kimi and Claudia out.

Unsurprisingly, Kimi reveled in the attention, but Claudia found herself flustered by the brazen stares, most of which were openly lustful. As if hoping to punctuate that Claudia was his, Lucas held tighter to her hand while simultaneously throwing dirty looks in the direction of the offenders. Amused by his jealousy, Claudia lightly smirked, but as the tour guide led them past the individual sleeping quarters, she inquisitively eyed the neatly furnished rooms.

It was a quarter to noon before they finally broke for lunch, and on reaching Corbin Hall, the large group of teenagers made a beeline for the buffet tables. After stacking their plates high with lasagna and garlic bread, the foursome sat at a table to enjoy their food. 

It wasn't long, however, before a teenager – who was less of a boy and more of a man - sauntered over to where they were sitting. 

Tall, square jawed, and clearly Native American, the teen boy was wearing a hemp choker that perfectly complemented the tie-dye T-shirt and faded jeans he had on. As he came to a stop in front of their table, Kimi and Claudia offered friendly smiles, but Lucas and Tristan only stared straight-faced at him. 

"Hello." A soft smile curved the teen's lips as he greeted the foursome.

"Hi." The smile on Kimi's face widened as she took in the newcomer's handsome face and shoulder length hair, which was left loose to flow around his shoulders. "I'm Kimi."

"Ethan." He gave her a smile of his own, then turned his attention to Claudia before acknowledging her with a nod.

"I'm Claudia," she said. "And this is my boyfriend Lucas, and my friend Tristan."

"Nice to meet you all," he said before gesturing to the empty seat beside Kimi. "Mind if I sit down?"

"Not at all." Kimi's eyes dipped just briefly to take in the faint patch of hair below his bottom lip. "So, what did you think of the campus tour?" 

"It was cool." He took a sip of his Coke before adding, "Nice looking university, but I was disappointed that they didn't allow us to tour the engineering department."

"Is that what you're majoring in?"

He nodded. "At first I was thinking about civil engineering, but I think I could make a far greater impact by going into environmental."

"Have you heard about the Blackfoot tribal council leasing reservation land for oil and gas exploration?" Tristan asked.

"Yes, I have," Ethan replied. "And I think it's a really terrible idea." 

"Because of oil spills?" Kimi questioned. 

"Not only that, but they've also started drilling around a grizzly bear recovery zone. And from what I hear, the exploratory wells they're creating are being developed through hydraulic fracturing."

"What's hydraulic fracturing?" Claudia asked.

"A well stimulation process." He sliced into his lasagna and ate a large portion before continuing on. "Basically what they do is, pump a ton of chemicals into the ground so that the rocks beneath it are broken up. Once pathways are created, oil and gas deposits are drawn to the surface."

"So that's how they get gas out of the ground," Kimi said. 

"It's also how lakes and soil become contaminated." His lips drew into a straight line. "These oil companies don't give a damn about Indian people. They just want to exploit our natural resources and use it for their gain."

"So by drilling into the ground, they could be poisoning our water supply..."

"Exactly," Ethan said. "That's why these energy companies need to be stopped."

"But they won't be stopped," Tristan said. "Because the lure of money is too strong for the tribal council."

"It's not like we have a lot of other financial opportunities on the reservation," Lucas chimed in. "As long as they go about it in a respectful way, I really don't see the problem."

"But they're not being respectful," Ethan rebutted. "They're disrupting the ecosystem and endangering the grizzly bear's habitat."

"So what are you going to do about it?" Lucas asked.

Instead of immediately responding, Ethan blinked while giving Lucas a blank look. "What?"

"You're an environmental activist, right?"

"Well, I'm not sure I can rightfully call myself an activist, but I am deeply concerned about preserving the sacredness of our land."

"Then do something about it," Lucas said. "Don't just sit around bitching, get busy and make some changes."

"Why do you think I'm majoring in environmental engineering?" Ethan's nostrils slightly flared as he continued on. "I'm actively working on effecting a positive change on reservations. What are you doing to help?"

"As of right now, not a whole lot." Lucas's tone was unapologetic, face serious as he continued on. "But I'd like to think that the discrimination lawsuit I recently filed will have some positive effects. Maybe keep a few Indians from being racially profiled like I was." 

With body posture that visibly perked up, Ethan leaned forward, focusing entirely on Lucas. "This discrimination lawsuit you filed...what was the situation that led up to it?"

"Cop pulled me over while I was driving through Whitefish. He searched my car for drugs and came up empty handed, but took my hunting rifle and hand drum away. It's been nearly five months and I still haven't been able to get my possessions back, so I contacted a pro bono lawyer."

"What's this lawyer's name?" Ethan asked.

"Daniel Growing Thunder."

"No way, Dan's my uncle."

"You're joking."

"Nope. Completely serious."

"Wow." Lucas's brows gently lifted. "It really *is* a small world.

"Well, we are Indians, after all." A broad smile graced Ethan's face. "If we're not distantly related, then we're somehow connected in one way or another."

"Guess you're right about that. I can't wait to tell Dan that I met you."

"I'm sure he'll get a kick out of it." Ethan downed the rest of his soda, then took a bite of his garlic bread.

"So I'm guessing you're from Fort Peck rez, just like Dan."

"Born and raised," Ethan replied.

"Assiniboine or Sioux?" Kimi questioned.

"Assiniboine."

"You ever been up to the Blackfoot rez?" 

"Nope. Never had a reason to make my way up there, but I just might have to one of these days." 

"You totally should," Kimi said. "The next free Saturday you get, come hang with us."

"Most definitely, I'd love to." Ethan retrieved his cell phone from the pocket of his jeans, then flipped up the cover to expose the display screen. "Give me your number so I can plug it into my phone."

"Is that what that thing is?" Gaping at his mobile, she proclaimed, "I haven't seen a flip phone in *years*."

"As long as it keeps working, I'll keep using it," Ethan said. "No point in upgrading when this one works perfectly fine."

"I guess it's better for the environment too, huh? Probably a lot less waste."

"Think green, that's what I always say." He smiled, then handed his phone to Kimi so she could plug in her number. "So, have the rest of you decided on your majors, or are you still trying to narrow it down?"

"I'm leaning towards entrepreneurship," Claudia said. "Maybe start my own clothing line one day, or open an online apparel shop."

"Starting your own business is definitely the way to go," Ethan said. "Entrepreneurship is a smart major."

"I'm planning on going for illustration," Tristan said. "Ultimately I'd like to work as a video game artist, or maybe even design storyboards for films."

"Nice," Ethan said before diverting his attention elsewhere. "And what about you, Lucas?" 

"Not going to college." As if to send the message that he wasn't interested in talking, Lucas spooned a huge forkful of lasagna into his mouth.

"Why not?" Ethan studied him with a steady gaze. 

"Don't have the grades for it."

"You could always go to community college for a year, and then transfer to university."

"Maybe."

"Or you could go to technical school, where you can learn a trade."

"I guess..." 

"You can't just give up and do nothing."

"Who says I'm giving up?"

Ethan silently gazed at him before responding. "The Montana university system offers tuition waivers for Native American students. Meaning you can go to school free of charge."

"I know about the tuition waivers," Lucas said. 

"So why wouldn't you take advantage of that?" Ethan's brows pulled together just slightly. "Most people would kill for a free education."

"I'm not most people."

"Yeah, I can see that." 

With a pinched expression, Lucas let loose some harsh words. "Get off my back, all right? What I choose to do, or not do with my life is my decision. So stop riding my ass."

Ethan's lips pressed into a thin white slash, and for a moment it seemed as if he was going to offer a rebuttal. Yet instead, he averted his gaze so that it rested on Kimi, who was giving Lucas an uneasy look.

"Thanks for giving me your number," Ethan said as he accepted the flip phone from Kimi. "I'll give you a call later tonight."

"Okay. Sounds good." She slipped her fingers through her hair, then gave him a smile that was soft and flirtatious. 

For several moments, it seemed as if Ethan and Kimi were engaged in a never ending eyelock, but the appearance of a tall, slender girl dressed in a pair of jeans and a zip up hoodie caught the attention of everyone at the table.

"What the heck, Ethan?" Although clearly annoyed, the teenage girl gave him a look that displayed only mild discontent. "I've been looking all over for you."

"What do you mean?" Ethan asked. "You told me you were going to meet with that basketball coach." 

"We finished up early," she said. "I sent you like six text messages, didn't you get any of them?"

"Nope. They must be coming through delayed again."

"Seriously?" The sigh she heaved out was accompanied by a shake of the head. "You *really* need to get a new phone."

"No I don't."

"It's a *dinosaur,* Ethan."

"So because it's not an iPhone, that means I should throw it away?"

She playfully rolled her eyes, then turned her attention to Kimi, who was watching on with a faint smirk. "Hey, I'm Sierra. Ethan's sister."

"Kimi." She stretched out her hand before adding, "Nice to meet you."

"Hello." Claudia offered a smile before introducing herself, to which she received a friendly smile. 

"I'm Tristan." He acknowledged Sierra with a polite nod before gulping down the rest of his coke.

"And I'm Lucas." With his mouth full of garlic bread, he garbled out a few more words. "It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet all of you, as well," Sierra said before taking a seat next to her brother. 

"So..." Claudia's eyes briefly dipped to take in the 'Wolf Point Girls Basketball' hoodie that Sierra had on. "What position do you play in basketball?"

"Shooting guard."

"Most people just call her the scorer," Ethan said. "She shoots and she scores, that's what she's known for."

"I do all right." A humble smile crossed Sierra's lips. 

"She's being modest," Ethan stated. "Sierra got a recruitment letter from Montana State in her sophomore year, and she recently won a free spot on a five star basketball camp."

"Congratulations," Kimi said. "Sound like you've got a great athletic career ahead of you."

"I sure hope so," she replied. Can't think of anything else I'd rather do than play basketball."

"Well you've got the height and talent for it, so I'm sure that everything will work out just fine."

"Thanks. I appreciate that, Kimi." 

"Well, it looks like lunch is almost over." Ethan finished the last bit of his cranberry juice before rising to his feet. "The faculty meet and greet session is starting in fifteen minutes, so we should probably start heading over to Langford Hall."

Following his suggestion, the other five teens stood up as well, and as a group, headed out into the pleasantly mild spring afternoon. They chatted and joked while walking, enjoying the lush, green surroundings of the university campus. 

There was unmistakable enthusiasm in the air, but even more palpable was the undeniable feeling that change was on horizon. Somewhere, off in the not too distant future, it was looming; patiently waiting to weave its way through the lives of the five teens. 

It was an exciting sort of feeling, knowing that good things were waiting ahead. And yet at the same time, Claudia felt a sense of sadness. Sneaking a glance at Lucas, she saw that a sullenness had come over his face, but on noticing that her eyes were on him, he gave her a soft smile. 

Her lips tugged upward into a smile of her own, and simultaneously they clasped palms, holding hands tighter than they ever had before. 



Lost Girl Ch. 14



Stocked with garments that were fashioned from high-grade material such as satin, chiffon, and organza, Laura's bridal and tux was the sort of shop that was just upscale enough to make Claudia feel a little out of place. Kimi, however, breezed right through the aisles, stopping every so often to check out the prom dresses that were on display. 

With several gowns already looped over her left arm, she showed no signs of easing up, excitedly adding to her collection as she moved along. With Claudia there to help her, Kimi brought a total of ten dresses to the fitting room, and once inside the pleasantly wide changing room, she began to strip down. 

Only half a minute later, she was outfitted in a red satin dress with a halter neckline, and with a leg peeking through the thigh high slit, she glanced at herself in the full length mirror. 

"What do you think?" Adjusting her stance so that her back was facing the mirror, Kimi asked, "Pretty hot dress, huh?"

"Yeah, it is hot and you look absolutely phenomenal. But It's sort of ordinary, don't you think?" Noticing that the zipper was partially undone, Claudia pulled it upward, and in the process, caused the garment to hug Kimi's body even further. 

"Yeah, it is," Kimi agreed. "But there aren't a whole lot of unique dresses in this store."

"If you wanted unique, you should have told me," Claudia said. "I know how to sew, remember?"

"But aren't you making your own gown?" No longer eyeing her reflection, Kimi was now rifling through the other nine dresses that were hanging on the hook.

"Yeah. But prom is still three weeks away, so I have plenty of time to make us both a dress."

"Seriously?" 

"Sure, why not?" 

"Wow. Okay, cool." The brief silence that followed her words was broken only by the sound of adult contemporary music as it drifted softly from the overhead speakers. "So if you make me a dress, could I custom design it? Because I could totally draw it in detail, if that's what you need."

"Sure, if that's what's easiest for you. But if you describe it to me right now, we could stop off at the fabric store on the way home. And if we find the sort of fabric you're looking for, I could get a start on it this weekend."

"That would be *awesome.*" Having completely lost interest in the dresses on the rack, Kimi was gazing at Claudia with eyes that sparkled and gleamed. "Okay. So for this past year, I've had this image in my head of the *perfect* prom dress." As if preparing to tell Claudia exclusive information, Kimi gave an exaggerated pause before continuing on. "I'm thinking a skin tight silver corset, with a black tutu skirt that comes to just above my knees. And for my shoes, I'm imagining these bad ass heels all covered in skulls and sequins."

Instead of offering an opinion, Claudia softly chuckled, which caused Kimi in turn to lift one of her arched eyebrows.

"What?" She asked with a faint flush staining her cheeks. "You think It's a dumb idea?"

"Not at all," Claudia said. "It's just so totally *you.*"

"It is, Isn't it?" She lightly smiled while adding, "And I can guarantee that nobody else will have a dress nearly as cool." 

"Except for me, of course." 

"Oh, right." Her lips curved into a chagrined smile. "So, speaking of prom...have you decided whether or not you're going to do that thing that we talked about?"

"Yes, I have," Claudia said. 

"And?"

"I've decided against it."

Almost immediately, Kimi's lips twitched upwards in the beginning of a smirk before finally growing into a full fledged smile. "Poor Lucas. I can only imagine how disappointed he will be." 

"I never told him we were going to have sex on prom."

"You didn't have to tell him," Kimi said. "Guys *expect* it." 

"I just think it would be sort of cliché. I mean if I'm going to lose my virginity, why do it on prom night?"

"I guess you've got a point. That really Isn't very romantic at all." 

"Plus, where would we even do it?" Claudia asked. "In the back of his pickup truck?"

A soft snort drifted from Kimi's lips. "Well from what I hear, there's this abandoned house that people hang out in. It's like the place people go when they want to have sex." 

"Ever been there yourself?"

"No way. If a guy wants to have sex with me, he'd better have a clean place and a nice bed. I'd never do it in some cruddy old house." 

"I hear you on that," Claudia said, and with casual interest, began rifling through the prom dresses that Kimi had picked out.

Almost immediately, a strapless gown with a sequin bodice caught her eye, and with palpable excitement, she began stripping out of her clothes. Once she was down to her underwear, she slipped into the dress, then turned to face the reflection that was mirrored back to her.

"That dress looks really good on you." Kimi's eyes roved over Claudia's body with ardent admiration. "You having second thoughts about making your own dress?"

"Nope. Just figured since I'm here, I may as well try a few on." 

"Are you going short or long for prom?"

"Long. The skirt will be a flowing princess style, and the top a beaded bustier cut to just above my navel."

"So It'll be a crop top prom dress..."

"Yep."

"How totally cute. You're going to look awesome."

"Sure hope so."

"You will," Kimi said. "Most definitely."

"So, have you talked to Ethan?" Now wearing a spaghetti strap gown that was covered in rhinestones and sequins, Claudia checked herself out in the three way mirror.

"We're getting closer."

"How close?" Claudia's eyes shifted to Kimi's.

"Well, last night he called and officially asked me to be his girlfriend. But he wants to meet my parents first so he can ask my dad in person if It's okay to go steady with me."

"Wow, that's so sweet and respectful. Kinda old fashioned, too."

"He truly is a gentleman," Kimi said. "But I can't let him meet my father."

"Yeah." Claudia gently nodded before saying, "I totally get where you're coming from with that. But what are you going to tell him when he asks why not?"

"The truth." As if suddenly supporting an invisible weight, Kimi's shoulders lightly drooped. "I don't know a whole lot of guys who would continue to be interested in a girl who's been raped by her father, so I pretty much expect that he won't ever want to speak to me again."

"Oh, Kimi." Now slack with sadness, Claudia's face perfectly conveyed the sadness that she felt. "If Ethan truly likes you deep down inside, it won't even matter to him. Your father is the sick bastard, not you, and if anyone should feel guilty or bad about what happened to you as a child, It's him. It was entirely his fault, and nobody else's." 

"I know, but I can't stop wondering if Ethan will see me in a different way."

"I really don't think he will."

"Not even a little?"

Instantaneously, Claudia felt her heart soften for Kimi. It wasn't just the way her friend's tone had seemed to beg for an affirmative answer, but the slightly stooped posture that she was currently displaying. 

For as long as Claudia could remember, she had always believed that honesty was the best way to go. But Kimi didn't need the truth right now. What she needed were words that would bring her both comfort and hope. And that's just what Claudia intended to do as she finally spoke some words. 

"It's going to be fine. Ethan will continue to like you just the same as he has for these past six weeks, and he'll accept you completely." Without even thinking, Claudia reached up to smooth a palm across Kimi's smooth cheek. "Everything will be cool, you'll see."

"Thanks, you're sweet." The corners of her lips just briefly curled into a faint smile. "The reason I'm so uncertain is because Ethan comes from a really good family. His mom and dad are still very in love, and from the way he described it, his parents have a really good relationship with both him and his sister."

"Sounds like they're the exact opposite of your own family."

"Exactly. So for him to get with a girl who's from such a dysfunctional household..." As her voice temporarily drifted off, it was replaced by a low, soft sigh. "I just don't know, Claudia."

"Stay positive, Kimi. You can't let doubt work its way into your mind."

"I know, I'm trying. I really am. But he's just so perfect for me." The expression that crossed her face was undoubtedly dreamy. "He's so gentlemanly and sweet, and open with his feelings. He has a really sensitive side, but at the same time he's totally masculine. Not to mention, completely hot."

"He *is* very good looking," Claudia admitted.

"Right?" Kimi's eyes glossed over, voice lowering to a tone that was even softer than her usual one. "I *really* want him, Claudia. And not just in a physical way, but emotionally and spiritually, as well. I think I love him."

"Wow." Claudia stared at Kimi incredulously. "I had no idea your feelings were so deep for him."

"Neither did I. They just sorta snuck up on me."

"So, you think you're in love, huh?"

Kimi nodded. "This Isn't some silly infatuation like I've had for other boys. It's something a whole lot deeper."

"Well, this is definitely surprising." Claudia's brows were slightly lifted, eyes glimmering with a pleasant sort of amazement. "Have you told Ethan how you feel?"

Kimi nodded.

"And what did he say?"

"That he feels the same way. He even told me that he already considers me to be his girlfriend. He just doesn't feel It'll truly be official until he gets my dad's blessing."

"So you're in a pretty tough spot right now."

"Yeah, pretty much."

The gentle nod that Claudia gave was followed by a soft sigh. "Well, I think you should call Ethan and have a talk with him."

"Tonight?"

"Would you rather put it off another day?"

With palpable nervousness, Kimi swallowed a lump, then bit her lip before finally easing out some words. "No, I wouldn't. And it has been tearing me up to keep this a secret from Ethan, so I guess I'd better come out with it already."

"I really think It'd be for the best idea," Claudia said, and she grabbed Kimi's hand to give it a squeeze. 

"Then that's what I'll do." As she softly smiled, so did Claudia, and they both changed back into their street clothes. 

Five minutes later, they were exiting the dress shop and heading towards the wood-paneled station wagon that was owned by Claudia's mother. Not long after, they were driving away from the curb.

* * * *

Freshly showered and smelling sweetly of lilac perfume, Claudia headed down the hallway and towards the living room. Just barely brushing the floor, the ivory prom dress that hugged her figure was gorgeously slinky, and accented with tiny rhinestones that caught the light. 

Even before she entered the living room, she already sensed that all eyes were turned in her direction, and on confirming that they were, she adjusted her stride so that her feet were moving in a graceful motion. 

"Wow..." Seated on the couch with her legs stretched out across Big John's lap was Mona, who smiled proudly as Claudia did a quick turn to show off the thigh-high slit gown. "You look beautiful, Claude." 

"Thanks." She returned her mother's smile, then shifted her eyes to big John. 

"You really do look lovely, Claudia," he said. "And your hair looks so different."

"Good different or bad different," she asked?" 

No longer in tight coils that fell to her armpit, Claudia's locks were straight and smooth, reaching mid-back length.

"Oh, it looks very nice," he assured her. "Just wondering how long it took you to straighten it."

"An hour and a half, but I spent nearly thirty minutes just combing it out." 

"I was free all day," Mona said while rising to her feet. "Why didn't you ask for help?"

"Didn't need it." Now standing in front of a mirror that was on the living room wall, Claudia rubbed her lips together before lightly pursing them. 

"You wouldn't even let me help you with your makeup."

"Not true." Claudia's gaze shifted to her mother, whose image was reflected in the oval shaped mirror. "I tried to let you let know I wanted help, but you were holed up in the room with Big John."

"Only for an hour," Mona said. "You couldn't let me know after we came out?"

"I was already done by then."

"You should have sent me a text. I would have come out to help you."

"Seriously?" Claudia lifted an arched brow. "Why would I send you a text when you were obviously busy?"

"I wasn't *that* busy."

"Uh-huh, right." Her deep red lips curved into a knowing smile.

"So..." Mona started while slipping her fingers through Claudia's straightened hair. "Who's Tristan going to prom with?" 

"He's not going."

"Why not?"

"Hello, It's a school dance..." The look that crossed Claudia's face seemed to imply that the answer to Mona's question was obvious. "Tristan doesn't socialize, remember?" 

"But It's *prom* night," Mona said. "You only get one prom, and that's it."

"You know how Tristan is. He doesn't like being around a lot of people."

"I just think It's really sad he won't be there." The corners of Mona's lips turned downward. "Can you imagine how lonely he'll be? While everyone else is out having fun, he'll be at home, with no one to talk to."

"That's kind of the point," Claudia said. "He likes being alone."

"He likes being with you more," Mona rebutted.

"Maybe." A light shrug punctuated her response. 

"Not maybe, definitely." 

Rather than continue to check out her makeup in the mirror, Claudia turned to face her mother, who was giving her a serious look.

"I know he likes being with me. But what does that have to do with right now?"

The look that Mona gave Claudia said more than words ever could. 

For a brief moment, Claudia and Mona stared into each other's eyes, not speaking a word and yet still communicating through their telepathic mother-daughter bond. Uncomfortable at the steady way that her mother was eyeing her, Claudia shifted her attention to a point beyond Mona's shoulder, and in the process, made eye contact with Big John, who was still sitting on the couch. 

"You should have gone with Tristan," he stated. "He's a much better pick than Lucas."

"But Lucas is my boyfriend," Claudia said. "And besides, Tristan didn't even ask me to go to prom."

"If he had, would you have said yes?"

"I don't know...I mean no, of course not. How could I? Lucas is my boyfriend, so how could I go with Tristan?"

"I'm just saying, he would have been the better pick."

"Look, I already feel bad enough as it is," Claudia said. "So could you guys stop trying to make me feel even worse?"

"That's not what we're trying to do, sugar plum."

Almost immediately, a rebuttal began to form in Claudia's mind, but at the sound of the doorbell, all eyes shifted to the entryway. Rather than answer it herself, Claudia allowed her mother to open the door, and after greeting Lucas and inviting him in, she led him towards the living room. The moment that Claudia's eyes met with Lucas's, both broke into a wide smile, and with twin expressions of unabashed desire, they checked each other out. 

"Wow..." Lucas's gaze trailed downwards from her lips and neck to the tantalizing peek of cleavage that swelled above her corset bodice. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks." 

Claudia smiled, then lightly bit her lip as she noticed the way his suit jacket so flawlessly emphasized his broad, manly shoulders. She also couldn't help noticing the feather that was tied into his long, shiny hair, and the way his dark locks framed his strong, angular face. 

"I see you changed your hair," Lucas said while eyeing the strands which had been so meticulously straightened only hours before. "It looks good."

"Oh, thanks..." As if suddenly remembering that her hair was no longer curly, Claudia slipped her fingers through her straightened locks. "Last time I wore it straight was nearly two years ago, so I thought I'd try something different for tonight."

"Curly or straight, your hair always look gorgeous," he gushed. "Just so long as I can still run my fingers through it, I'll be happy."

She smiled, lightly blushing at the intensity of his appreciative gaze, but as she noticed Big John sidle up beside Mona, a soft sigh of irritation left Claudia's lips. 

"Claudia's curfew is one a.m.," he said while giving Lucas a critical eyeballing. "We expect her home no later, understand?" 

"Actually, honey, I had a talk with Claudia yesterday evening," Mona said while gazing up at her six-foot-seven tall boyfriend. "And we decided not to set a curfew for her tonight."

"You're kidding..." A look of astonishment spread across Big John's face.

"No, I'm not," Mona responded. "She is eighteen after all, and in the next three months she'll be moving away to college."

"Well I understand that she's technically an adult," Big John said. "But do you really think It's a good idea to let her stay out all night with someone like *him*?"

"What do you mean by someone like me?" Lucas asked. "I'm a trustworthy guy and I've always been responsible, so what's the problem?"

"Your reputation," Big John stated. "*That's* the problem."

"You don't even know who I am."

"I know enough."

"You only know lies," Lucas rebutted. "And by the way, I've changed a lot."

"No, you haven't."

"How would you know?" His upper lip curled into a disdainful sneer. "All you do is listen to lies and gossip, just like everyone else on this reservation."

"Okay guys, let's just chill out and take it easy, all right?" Mona shifted her body so that it served as a barrier between Lucas and Big John. "It's prom night, we're supposed to be happy, not fighting."

"We're not fighting, just disagreeing," Big John said. "I don't think he should be trusted to stay out with Claudia all night, but if you really feel okay with it, then I guess I have to accept that."

"I appreciate your concern, honey, but Lucas is Claudia's boyfriend. And I really think we really need to start treating them like the adults that they are."

A few seconds passed, then several more before Big John finally eased out a long nasal sigh. He slowly uncrossed his arms so they were no longer against his chest, and with a keen reluctance that was palpable, he held out his hand for Lucas to shake. 

Rather than immediately accept it, Lucas eyed it warily, as if distrusting the gesture of goodwill that Big John had initiated. A few moments passed before Lucas slowly lifted his own hand, and as it made contact with Big John's astonishingly large palm, the two men engaged in a firm handshake. 

"Take care of Claudia tonight," Big John said while staring Lucas straight in the eyes. "Don't make us regret that we're trusting you."

With a nod of his head, Lucas agreed, and as the handshake ended, he shifted his gaze to Mona.

"I *will* take good care of your daughter, I promise."

"I know you will, Lucas." She smiled, then followed the couple towards the door, but before they could make their way down the porch steps, she suddenly called out to them. "Wait, I almost forgot to take a picture!" 

While Mona rushed off to grab a camera, Lucas wrapped an arm around Claudia's waist, and just as they drew closer to one another, Claudia's mother arrived with a digital camera in tow.

"Smile big for the camera you two," she said while getting them into focus, and with the push of the shutter button, the camera flashed and immortalized the moment.

"Drive safe," Big John said as Lucas and Claudia made their way down the porch steps. "And if you need a ride for any reason at all, don't hesitate to call us." 

"And don't feel pressured to drink," Mona chimed in. "Or do anything else you aren't entirely comfortable with."

"Right, mom. We'll be fine." Claudia gave a wave over her shoulder, and after sharing a brief smirk with Lucas, continued towards his old Chevy, where he opened the door and helped her climb in. 




Lost Girl Ch. 14



After seating himself behind the wheel, Lucas turned the key in the ignition and backed out of the driveway. Seizing the opportunity to give one last wave, Claudia lifted her hand to Mona and Big John, who were watching from the modest-sized porch. A few seconds later, the Chevy was pulling onto the street and en route to Browning High School.

* * * *

Framed by a balloon arch that was created from silver and black balloons, the entrance to the gymnasium made Claudia feel as if she was stepping into a swanky banquet hall. Hanging from the walls and ceiling were cut out stars that perfectly fit the "Starry Night" theme. Along with a mirrored disco ball that was situated directly above the dance floor, there were also twinkling fairy lights, which created the perfect ambience for a romantic evening.

With Lucas by her side, Claudia was practically walking on air, but if the expression on Lucas's face was anything to judge by, he was just as proud to have her on his arm as she was to have him. Strolling side by side and with fingers linked together, they commanded openly admiring stares from both men and women. 

But it wasn't until they approached a group of guys - who were well known around the school as members of the wrestling team - that Claudia realized Lucas was preparing to show her off.

"What's up?" Lucas asked while tilting his chin upward in acknowledgment of the clustered jocks.

"Hey, Lucas." Sturdily built with broad shoulders, the jock who had offered the greeting glanced at Lucas before shifting his attention to Claudia. "Hello."

"Hi." Claudia gave him a smile, then shifted her gaze to the other two boys who were not so slyly checking out her Wonderbra-enhanced cleavage. "Rob, Joey..." She gave a slight nod before continuing on. "It's nice to see you again."

"Nice seeing you too," said Rob, who was clad in a dark blue suit.

"Hello," Joey mumbled before taking a sip from his cup.

"So, you guys come alone or do you have dates?" Lucas asked.

"I came with Ashley," Rob said while gesturing toward a group of girls who were assembled near the snack table. "And Joey's girl just headed off to the bathroom."

"What about you, Victor?" Lucas asked the broad shouldered jock. "You here with Natalie?"

"Nope. She pulled out at last minute, so I came alone."

"Ouch." A faint smirk curved Lucas's lips. "Sounds like she traded up, buddy." 

"Or maybe she just got sick," Victor angrily rebutted. "Or didn't feel like going." 

"Right." No longer sipping his punch, Joey gave a light snort. "Face the facts man, she dumped you for another guy."

"I hate to agree, but she definitely got with another dude," Rob chimed in.

"And how do you know that?" No longer just irritated, Victor was sporting a heavy frown. 

"Because she just walked in with Tristan Whitefeather."

In perfect synchronization, Victor, Joey and Lucas shifted their attention toward the entrance of the gymnasium, but it was Claudia who was wearing the most astonished expression of them all. 

Seeing, yet not entirely believing that what she was observing was real, Claudia stared in slack jawed amazement at Tristan, who wearing a well tailored suit that perfectly complemented his long, lanky body. His hair, which usually hung messily over his eyes, was parted on the side and slicked away from his forehead. 

Sporting waist length hair that had been formed into loose, bouncy curls, the girl in question was clad in a pink prom dress that was elegantly one-shouldered. Unassumingly pretty, she was nearly as tall as Tristan, and blessed with a generously curvy body that even Claudia took note of. 

"What the hell?" Victor's body went stiff as he noticed the couple stroll further into the gym. "The fuck is she doing with Whitefeather?"

"I don't know, but that's a major diss, man." No longer just smiling, Joey was now wearing a full-blown grin. 

"She's probably just using him to make you jealous," Lucas said. "I mean why else would she be with him? The guy's a complete weirdo."

"Tristan is not a weirdo," Claudia stated. "He's a really sweet guy, so give him a break, all right?" 

Rather than respond to Claudia's light scolding, Lucas pressed his lips flat, and with a barely concealed sneer, watched as Tristan and his date, Natalie, headed towards the snack table. On reaching the punch bowl, he began to ladle red liquid into a cup, and after passing it to Natalie, he poured some punch for himself. 

For several long moments, Victor simply stared at the couple, watching as they lightly chatted and drank punch. But after nearly two minutes of seething in silence, he started toward the snack table, crossing the room in hasty steps. 

Along with Rob and Joey, Claudia and Lucas watched as Victor confronted his girlfriend, but after several minutes of arguing with her, he began unleashing his anger on Tristan. Even from where she stood, Claudia could hear the sound of Victor's voice, and with each passing moment, it rose in volume. 

To Claudia's surprise, Tristan took it all in stride, but as Victor gave him a hard push against the chest, Tristan glared and flattened his lips. Perhaps sensing that the verbal argument was escalating into a physical one, several prom-goers gathered around the snack table. But no sooner had the small crowd begun to urge on a fight, did two faculty members arrive to break things up. 

While one of the teachers positioned themselves between Victor and Tristan, the other spoke to the crowd, encouraging them to disperse and return to the dance floor. After giving Victor and Tristan a stern look, the faculty members walked off. A few seconds after that, Victor huffily walked away, leaving Tristan and Natalie to stare after him. As if reading her thoughts, Lucas suggested that they get a cup of punch, and on reaching the snack table, Claudia offered a greeting to Tristan.

"Hey you, how's it going?"

"Oh, hello." Just briefly, his eyes dipped down to take in her slinky prom dress. "It's good to see you, Claude."

"Yeah, you too." As she smiled, so did he, but the moment was interrupted by Natalie, who offered a smile before extending her hand.

"Hi, I'm Natalie."

"Nice to meet you, Natalie," Claudia said while shaking her hand. "I'm Claudia, Lucas's girlfriend."

"Oh yes, I know. I've seen you two walking around the halls together." Natalie gave Lucas a smile before adding, "You make a really cute couple, by the way."

"Thanks." He gave her a smile before asking, "So, what's up with you and Victor? You decided to dump him, or what?"

"Yep, we're finished. For good this time."

"He must have messed up pretty bad." 

"I caught him kissing Sheila Hooper, which is totally laughable, because she's had sex with like every guy in the entire school. And then I found out he's been smoking again. It's been a month since he supposedly quit, but I busted him with a pack of cigarettes outside of the Qwik Stop earlier this morning."

"Damn, seriously? He told me that he had quit, too."

"Total liar, right? I mean can you *believe* him?" 

"I always did think you could do better," Lucas said. "I mean It's pretty obvious that you're way too good for him."

"Thanks, I appreciate that." A flash of dimples preceded her next words. "So, you guys wanna share a table with us, or would you rather be alone?"

"I guess we could hang out for a bit," Lucas said before glancing at Claudia. "That is unless you'd rather have me all to yourself."

"Oh, I think we'll have time for that later on." She lightly chuckled before squeezing his hand. 

"Guess you're right about that." Looping an arm around her waist, he pulled her closer against him. "We'll get plenty of alone time later tonight."

Although it was brief, the kiss that Lucas gave her was enough to send a surge of heat between her thighs. But Tristan, who was watching with lips pressed tightly together, seemed sickened by the display of affection. 

"Well allrighty, then." Natalie grinned at Lucas and Claudia, flashing white teeth in the process. "Looks like you two are already eager for the end of the night."

"I know I am," Lucas said while intently eyeing his girlfriend's face. "But I'm pretty good at waiting, so what's a few more hours, right babe?"

This earned him a gentle smile from Claudia, but the way her stomach twisted into knots completely belied the expression on her face. 

"Looks like there's a free table near the dance floor," Natalie said while gesturing towards it. "We should probably claim it before somebody else does."

With Natalie and Tristan leading the way, Lucas and Claudia trailed behind until they reached a circular table that was adorned with a cluster of tealights. Almost immediately they fell into light conversation, discussing their plans for summer and how they planned to spend their eleven weeks of freedom. They were just beginning to discuss their plans for college when Claudia spotted Kimi and Ethan, and after waving them over, encouraged them to take a seat. 

"Hey peeps, what's happening?" Outfitted in a silver corset with a black tutu style skirt, Kimi wore a smile that lit up her face. "You guys remember Ethan, right?"

"Of course," Claudia said while giving him a smile. "It's great to see you again."

"Likewise." Dressed in a black suit with a silver satin tie, Ethan's choice of attire was clearly designed to complement Kimi's dress.

"Hey Ethan, what's up?" Tristan acknowledged him with a tilt of his chin.

"Oh hey, man. I'm glad to see you here." A warm smile spread across his face, but as he shifted his attention to the other male at the table, his smile became tight. "Hello, Lucas."

"Hello." His reply was unenthusiastic, lips just barely curling upward before once again straightening into a thin line.

"Hi, I'm Natalie." With a wave of her hand, she greeted Ethan, then took a sip of her punch before glancing back at Kimi. "I love your dress, by the way. It's really unique."

"Thanks for the compliment, but all the credit goes to Claudia. She's the one who made it for me." 

"Seriously?" A look of amazement crossed Natalie's face as she shifted her attention to Claudia, who only offered a modest smile.

"Yep. But the design was Kimi's idea. I only executed what came from her imagination."

"Well you did an amazing job," Natalie exclaimed. "Did you sew your own dress, as well?"

"Sure did."

"It's gorgeous." 

"Thanks, I appreciate the compliment."

"Hey, what about us?" Ethan jokingly asked. "We put some time and thought into our outfits, as well. Don't we get any accolades?"

"You look very nice," Natalie politely said.

"That's it?" A grin stretched across Ethan's face as he coaxed her on. "Come on, you can do better than that."

"Don't give it to him, Natalie," Kimi said. "He's *always* fishing for compliments."

"I am not."

"Are too," Kimi said with a smile.

"When's the last time I asked for a compliment?"

"Earlier today."

"And what did I ask?"

"Does my hair look good loose, or would you rather have it in a ponytail?"

"That wasn't fishing for a compliment. It was a perfectly valid question."

"You asked it three times."

"Because I value your opinion."

"But you already know that I love it when you wear it loose." 

"Well, It's prom night. I thought you might want it slicked back."

"Why would I want you to ponytail it, when it looks so gorgeous down?"

"I don't know..." A sheepish smile crossed Ethan's lips.

"Just as I said, you were fishing for compliments." Amazingly, Kimi's smile widened even further. "But It's okay, because I love giving them to you."

"You're so sweet, angel." 

"You're sweeter," she responded. 

"Hard not to be, when I have a wonderful woman like you."

"Aww, honey bear..." As she leaned in, so did he, and their lips met in a brief, but tender peck. 

"My God, you two are just way too adorable," Natalie said while gently smirking.

"Angel and honey bear?" A chuckle escaped Lucas's lips as he lightly shook his head. "Those are some seriously embarrassing pet names."

"Like you don't have one for Claudia." Clearly annoyed by Lucas's teasing, Kimi narrowed her kohl-lined eyes.

"Actually, I call her babe," he responded with a self satisfied smile.

"Sounds more like a cat call than a pet name to me," Ethan chimed in.

"It's a term of endearment." Lucas's brows lowered and pressed together. 

"No, It's a thoroughly sexist term. Not to mention demeaning and condescending."

"That's feminist bullshit," Lucas said. "Babe Isn't an insult. It's an affectionate phrase."

"My mistake..." Ethan blinked a few times before speaking again. "I was under the impression that it was a chauvinistic word." 

A light snort found its way through Lucas's nostrils. "Grow some balls, dude. You're a man, not a feminist."

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

"Men are supposed to be the providers and protectors. Feminism discourages that."

"Wrong," Ethan rebutted. "It encourages women to shed the traditional roles and become more independent."

"Feminism has no place in Indian culture," Lucas said. "It supports the emasculation of warriorhood, and only encourages the assimilation of our people."

"Assimilation?" A crooked smile appeared on Ethan's face. "Feminism is about asserting differences and allowing women to define their own values."

"That might be necessary in the white man's world, but Native women play an integral part in our communities. They're highly respected and valued, not just seen as commodities."

"Perhaps traditionally," Ethan replied, "but sexual assault has become an epidemic on reservations."

"Most of those assaults are committed by non-Native men. They come onto our lands and rape our women because they know that we can't touch them. This was all part of the plan when they forced us to conform to the European lifestyle."

"You make a good point and I agree with what you're saying, but you still haven't explained why feminism has no place in Indian culture."

"Because It's not traditional. Feminism is an extension of the European mold, an offshoot of the colonialist mentality that has damaged our people. It serves no place because we already regard women as the keepers of life. And if you can't understand what a powerful role that is, then I don't know what else to say to you, brother."

Effectively silenced, Ethan could only sit there as he mulled over what was said. Along with Natalie and Tristan, Kimi and Claudia were also quiet, and seemed to be digesting what Lucas had shared. 

It didn't matter that their fellow classmates were dancing and laughing all around them, nor did they seem distracted by the loud pop music that blared from the speakers on the stage. They were all taken aback, and gazed at Lucas as if they were suddenly seeing him in a whole new light. 

"I've gotta admit, I wasn't expecting such a deep response from you." Now regarding Lucas with a newfound respect, Ethan continued on. "You held your own and made some very intelligent points, so I've gotta give you props for that."

"You seem surprised." A smile began to move slowly across Lucas's face. "Guess I'm not as stupid as you thought I was, huh?" 

"Never said you were," Ethan stated. "I just never expected you to be quite so articulate."

"That's not surprising to hear. Most people tend to underestimate me."

"Well I apologize for doing that. And I already know you've decided against it, but I really do think you should get into community college. You're obviously smart, so it wouldn't take long for you to reach university level."

"I don't know, maybe." He lightly shrugged before speaking again. "My dad knows the foreman of this lumber yard out in Billings, so I'll probably go to work there after graduation."

"Just saying, you should reconsider."

"We'll see." Lucas took a sip of his punch, then rose to his feet before offering his palm to Claudia. "Can't have you sitting here all night, can I beautiful? Would you do me the honor of giving me this dance?"

"Happily." She rose to her feet and followed him to the dance floor.

"So," he said as they gently swayed to the music, "Have I told you how absolutely stunning you look?"

"You did mention I was beautiful back at the house, but the word stunning takes your flattery to a whole other level."

"Good." A smile spread across his face as he said, "I always aim to please, so It's good to know that I'm doing that."

Although it was done very slowly, Claudia could feel Lucas's hands travel from her waistline to the small of her back, which was located just above the curve of her backside. His eyes, which gazed so deeply into hers, were full of a need and passion that was undeniable. But it was the heady scent of his cologne that got her thinking all sorts of deliciously naughty thoughts. 

To her surprise, she found herself wishing that he would allow his palms to righteously cup her backside, and as their bodies continued to move in perfect synch, she allowed the tips of her fingers to caress the back of his neck. As if jolted by an electric current, Lucas's eyes grew big, and his Adam's Apple bobbed as he gave a dry swallow. 

"Looks like I found your sweet spot," Claudia said with a gentle smile.

"*One* of my sweet spots," he corrected her. "Would you be interested in discovering my others?"

"Sure, I'm always up for a challenge."

"Oh, there's no challenge involved. My other spots are easy to find, and eager to receive your attention."

"How eager?" 

Perhaps noting the playful tone to her voice, Lucas slowly lifted a brow. "Would you truly like to know, or is this just a lead up to some sort of sadistic tease?"

"No tease," Claudia assured him. "I really do want to know."

Leaning in so that his mouth was directly next to her ear, Lucas made a confession. "I've been saving myself for you."

"Saving yourself?"

"Yes." An excited glimmer came into his eyes. "Storing up my energy."

With a question mark in her eyes, Claudia stared up at his handsome face. 

"I haven't been with another girl for three months. You're my one and only woman now, and I plan on keeping it that way."

Stunned, she could only swallow back a lump.

"I've never lied to you, Claudia. From day one I've been upfront about who I am, so you should have no reason to doubt me."

"Oh, I believe you," she said. "It's just that I've waited so long to hear you say these words..."

"Well, I'm saying them." 

With her eyes locked into his gaze, Claudia allowed her fingers to slide into his hair. Soft and silky, it smelled pleasantly of shampoo, and was an inky black color that perfectly complemented his coppery skin tone. 

Stunned by his beauty, Claudia found herself wondering if the rest of his body was as smooth and evenly toned as his chiseled face, but before she could allow her imagination to conjure an image, Lucas's voice broke through her thoughts. 

"So, what do you think?" Lucas asked. "You down for going steady, or what?"

"Sure." The lightness in her chest made it a little difficult to breathe. "I mean yeah, that'd be great. I would love to go steady."

"Cool." His lips moved closer to hers, breath ghosting against her mouth before he huskily suggested, "How about we seal it with a kiss?"

Even before she could respond with an agreeable answer, Lucas's lips were already pressing against hers, tongue slipping into the heat of her mouth as she moaned. Along with the sweet taste of punch, there was also a minty flavor which she guessed was his toothpaste, but it was the way that his hands rested against her backside that caused a wet, aching need to spread through her center.

With the material of her dress so clingy and form-fitting, the outline of Claudia's g-string could be keenly felt, and Lucas took full advantage of this by running his thumb along the length of it. With one hand now on her waist and the other at the small of her back, Lucas held Claudia in a firm, yet gentle grip. But the intensity behind his kiss made it clear that he was in full-swing primal mode. 




Lost Girl Ch. 14



"Nihta," he whispered while pulling back from her kiss swollen lips. "You make me so hot, Claudia."

"I do?" 

"Yes." Maneuvering her body so that it pressed against his, Lucas allowed his center to come flush with hers, and in the process gave her the chance to find out just how hot she truly made him. 

"Oh..." Her eyes went round, pulse quickening at the feel of his prominent erection.

"You know, nine months is a very long time to wait," he said while brushing his lips against her ear. "But It's been totally worth it."

Claudia didn't respond, only stared questioningly at him so that he would continue.

"You're not the kind of woman that a man just simply has sex with and then throws away. You're relationship material, the type of girl that a guy can be proud to show off to his friends."

Flattered by the compliment, Claudia beamed up at him.

"And I am very proud to have you as my girlfriend. You know that, right?" 

"I do." 

Good." He gave her a tender kiss on the forehead before gazing deep into her eyes. 

Gazing right back, Claudia immediately found herself lost in his stare. But as the chords to the 90's love ballad "More Than Words" began drifting from the speakers, they drew even closer to one another. With her head against his shoulder and his arms around her waist, they swayed back and forth. With each breath that Lucas took, Claudia felt his chest rise and fall. 

His cologne, which reminded her of a fresh ocean breeze, invaded her nostrils in the most delicious way, and for awhile it was the only thing she could focus on. But as her eyes caught sight of Tristan, who was slow dancing with Natalie just a few feet away, something deep inside of her was suddenly triggered. 

As if picking up on her internal reaction, Tristan gave her a long, slow wink, followed by a little smile that seemed to confirm that her suspicions were indeed correct. Curling upward in response, her lips took on a smile of their own. But not wanting to engage herself in anything further, she quickly averted her eyes. 

Had he actually been flirting with her, or just being friendly? One hand, she wanted to believe that Tristan did have a romantic interest in her, but did she not also feel guilty at even considering the prospect? She was Lucas's girl now, and had just officially accepted his request to go steady, so what difference did it make if Tristan had been flirting with her? 

She was in a relationship now, an actual real and committed one, so any feelings she had towards him would need to be put on the back burner. Sure he was special, and one of the very few people in her life whom she could talk to about anything. But he was just a friend, and could never be anything more than a platonic buddy. 

A voice inside her was just questioning this statement when the slow song came to an end, and along with several other couples, Lucas and Claudia broke apart. They never got the chance to return to their table, however, because Tristan and Natalie intercepted them on the way.

"Hi." Although Tristan seemed to be greeting Lucas as well, his gaze rested only on Claudia.

"Hello." She gave him a smile, then offered one to Natalie, who was standing by his side. "So are guys enjoying the dance so far?" 

"Yeah, It's all right," Natalie said. "The music sorta sucks, but at least they're serving good food."

"Haven't had any of it yet myself," Claudia started, "but the cold cuts and cheese platter did look pretty darn tasty."

"If you guys like sweet stuff, you should try the oreo cookie cake," Tristan chimed in. "From what I hear, It's pretty good."

"Sounds delicious," Claudia said. "I'll have to try some later on."

"Let's get a piece now," Lucas suggested. "We haven't eaten yet, so it'd probably be a good idea to get something in our stomachs."

"Actually, I was kind of hoping to borrow Claudia for a moment." With eyes resting on Lucas, Tristan gave him a polite smile. "That is unless you'd object to me sharing a slow dance with her."

With palpable hesitation, Lucas seemed to mull over Tristan's request. A few seconds passed, then several more before he shifted on his feet, and after briefly glancing at Claudia, he finally gave his assent. 

"Sure, no problem. I mean it's not like a big deal or anything. I'll just keep Natalie company while you're dancing with Claudia."

"Awesome." Tristan shifted his gaze to Natalie before asking, "You don't mind if I dance with Claudia, do you?"

"Not at all," she said with a knowing smile. "You two enjoy yourselves."

Clearly eager to do just that, Tristan grabbed Claudia's hand, and together they headed off toward an empty space on the dance floor. As he wrapped an arm around her waist, she lifted a palm to rest it against his shoulder. 

Then with fluid gracefulness, they began swaying back and forth. For the first few moments they traded sheepish smiles, but as they grew more comfortable and surrendered their bodies to the beat of the music, the space between them gradually lessened. 

"This is nice," Tristan said while giving her a very deep look. 

"Yes it is," she quietly responded.

With those few words, they were left to enjoy the following moments in silence. But what they failed to say with words, was conveyed through the power of their eye contact. Framed by lashes that were both long and thick, Tristan eyes studied Claudia's face. 

To the causal observer, it may have appeared as if he were admiring her beauty, and one wouldn't have been entirely wrong in assuming that. But knowing him as well as she did, Claudia knew that he was trying to work out what she was thinking. Or as she like to call it, "mind peeking."

"Just ask," Claudia said. "I can already tell you're trying to peek into my mind, so you may as well come out with it."

A clear of the throat preceded the dry swallow Tristan gave, and after a brief glance at Lucas - who was eyeing the dance floor with a rather pinched expression - he stated his question. 

"This thing between you and Lucas...is it pretty serious, or just a casual relationship?"

"Does it really matter?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because it just does."

"I guess it's pretty serious," Claudia said. "He asked me to go steady so that's a proper relationship, you know?"

"So you're his only girlfriend now?" 

"Yeah."

"Oh..." Tristan's face took on a sullen look.

"What's wrong?" Claudia asked.

"Nothing." 

"You sure?"

"Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be sure?"

"I don't know. Just seems like you're bothered all of a sudden."

"I'm not."

"Okay."

"I mean why would I be? You're happy with Lucas and that's a good thing, so I'm glad for you."

"Seems like you're upset," Claudia countered. "If you are, you can just be truthful about it."

"Didn't I just say I was happy for you?" 

"Yeah, but I don't think you really meant it."

"I did."

"Okay."

"I mean if you want to go steady with Lucas that's your business. I just think you could do better, that's all."

A smile touched the corners of her mouth. 

"I mean, he's not exactly the greatest catch, is he?" Tristan asked. "He's slept with nearly every girl in the school so he's probably got all these std's."

"Lucas isn't dirty," Claudia rebutted. "Yes he has slept around, but I'm sure he's used protection with every girl he's been with."

"And how do you know that? Have you actually asked him, or are you just guessing?"

"It's an assumption."

"So you don't really know."

"Well no, I don't. But he's not stupid or anything, so why wouldn't he use protection?"

"You should definitely ask him," Tristan said. "It's important to know."

"Okay, I will. Now can we talk about something else?"

"Why?" 

"Because this conversation is making me uncomfortable."

"Why is it making you uncomfortable?"

"It feels like we're talking about him behind his back."

"But we're not," Tristan stated. "I'm just asking you these questions out of concern."

"I appreciate that. But it still feels wrong to me, so can we switch the subject?"

And with that, silence fell between them. But instead of awkwardness and a tension that usually came along with such situations, there was a comfortable stillness; an easygoing vibe that kept them both feeling relaxed. 

Although the dance they were sharing was supposed to be friendly and casual, Claudia couldn't help noticing that Tristan was holding her in quite a tender way. With one hand on her lower back and the other on her hip, he embraced her with gentleness, as if she were a delicate piece of china that he was afraid of breaking. She, however, had her hands placed firmly against his shoulders and was unabashedly admiring the firm broadness of them.

"So, what's the story with you and Natalie?" Claudia asked. "You two going out, or just together for the evening?" 

"We're friends," Tristan responded. "She didn't have a date, so she asked me to go with her."

"So no interest on either of your parts?" The smile on Claudia's face was consistently growing wider. "Because I think you two would make a pretty cute couple."

"Like I said, we're friends. And besides, she's just coming off a bad breakup, so the last thing I want to do is get in the middle of that."

"That's understandable," Claudia replied, and as the Luther Vandross song came to an end, she slowly pulled away from Tristan. 

"Thanks for the dance," he said while reluctantly removing his hands from her hips. 

"No problem, it was my pleasure."

"So what's the plan after prom?" Tristan asked while walking them back to their table. "You and Lucas doing anything special, or is he just driving you home?" 

"Not sure yet. What about you and Natalie?"

"We'll probably go out for pancakes."

"Where at?"

"This place called Brownie's. It's right across from the Qwik stop out on Highway 2."

"Sounds fun."

"You should come along with us."

"Really?"

"Sure, why not? 

"That'd be awesome."

"So you'll tag along?"

"Yeah, I'd love to. But I'll have to ask Lucas first to see if he's down for it as well."

Now a mere few feet from the table, Claudia was in full sight of Lucas, who was so engaged in conversation with Ethan that he didn't even realize she was approaching. But on reaching his seat and wrapping her arms around his neck, she leaned in to give him a kiss, which he returned with equal enthusiasm.

"I missed you," he said while disengaging his lips from hers. "You left me all alone by myself."

"I was gone for less than five minutes." A smile crossed her lips as she added, "Not nearly enough time for you to actually start missing me."

"Doesn't matter if it was five minutes or twenty," he said. "I still felt lonely not having you by my side."

"You're sweet." 

"I mean it, Claude." As his hand found hers and their fingers linked together, a serious expression crossed his face. Soon you'll be off at college, and living five hours away. If I'm lucky, I'll get to see you on weekends, but other than that we won't have much contact at all."

"We'll stay connected through skype," she assured him. "And when I'm not around a computer, I can always text or call you."

"I guess," he responded. "But it won't be the same as having you here physically with me."

"There's no way around this, Lucas." Lifting a palm to his face, she ran her thumb along his cheekbone. "You know how important it is for me to go off to college, so please don't make this any harder than it has to be."

"Not trying to," he said. "It just makes me sad when I think of us growing apart."

"What do you mean growing apart?" The mere thought caused a knot to form in the pit of her stomach. "We won't grow apart, we'll stay solid. Just as we are right now."

"Promise?" With big, puppy dog eyes he implored her to give him an agreeable response.

"I can promise I'll do my best," she said. "And if you do the same, I really don't see why it won't work out for the best."

Perhaps realizing that there were no guarantees, Lucas gave an agreeable nod, but his lips remained pursed and his eyes still held a sadness.

"God, you're cute when you pout." Claudia leaned in to give him a soft, sweet kiss before stroking his cheek with her palm. "Everything will be fine, there's no need to worry."

"You're right," he said while pushing out a sigh. "Sorry for being such a downer. I just need to chill and enjoy the moment."

"Exactly," she agreed. "We only get one prom so we may as well enjoy it, right?"

Lucas nodded. 

"So, I was thinking we could go out for pancakes with Tristan and Natalie after prom. You up for it?"

"Not really."

"Why not?" 

"Because I want to be alone with you."

"Oh."

"Don't sound so excited."

"I didn't mean it like that. I just thought it would be nice to hang out with Tristan and Natalie for awhile."

"Is it really them you want to hang out with, or him?"

"What?"

"It's a straightforward question, Claude."

"This isn't about Tristan. I just feel like socializing, is all."

"Isn't that what we're doing right now?" 

"Yes."

"So why do more of it after prom?" He asked. "I'd rather spend alone time with you, than hang out with Tristan and Natalie at some dinky little coffee shop with terrible food." 

"How do you know the restaurant would be dinky?" She asked. "And who says they would have terrible food?" 

"We live in Browning, Claudia. Every business within a twenty mile radius of here is completely run down."

With no words to give in response, Claudia was left to sit there in silence. But as she mulled over what was said, she came to the realization that Lucas had a point.

"You're right. I can hang out with my friends anytime."

"But you can only hang out with me for three more months."

"Not true."

"Skyping doesn't count."

"I'll drive out to see you on weekends."

"You don't have a car."

"Tristan does."

"Of course."

"Of course, what?"

"Nothing.

"No, tell me."

"Just forget it, okay?"

"Why?"

"Because I said so." His fingers slipped into her hair, lightly fisting the strands so that her face moved closer to his. "You got any objections to that?"

"I might."

"You sound uncertain."

"And you sound bossy."

"I prefer the word uninhibited."

"I see."

"Would you really like to?" He asked. "Because I can give you the full experience."

"The full experience of what?"

"My uninhibitedness."

A grin stretched across her face.

"Is that a yes?"

"It's not a no."

"You're so indecisive," he said. Can't get a straight answer out of you, can I?"

"Is this straight enough for you?" Slipping her hand beneath the table, Claudia placed it on Lucas's thigh and without a moment's hesitation, coasted it straight towards his crotch.

As her hand made contact with that sensitive spot between his thighs, Lucas's eyes went wide. His Adam's apple bobbed as he gave a dry swallow, and with a shift in his seat, he let loose a faint moan. 

"Claudia..." His posture went rigid, muscles tightening as she caressed his erection with the flat of her palm. "What are you doing to me, girl?"

No response on her part. Instead she only squeezed his stiffness, which seemed avidly intent on freeing itself from the confines of his trousers. Unbeknowst to either of them, Kimi was watching then with a smirk on her on her lips. It wasn't until Kimi cleared her throat, however, that Claudia realized she wasn't being quite as covert as she had thought. 

"Hey, Claude," Kimi called out from across the table. "Natalie and I need to go to the bathroom. Tag along with us?"

"Uh, sure." Reluctantly, she removed her hand from Lucas's lap, then rose to her feet before saying, "Back in a bit, sweetie."

"Don't take too long," he said, and with his eyes following her movement, watched as she joined Kimi and Natalie's side. 

On reaching the bathroom, the three girls parked themselves in front of the mirror. But instead of touching up their makeup, they immediately fell into conversation.

"So, I guess someone's losing their virginity tonight." The grin on Kimi's lips was so wide it nearly split her face.

"What?" Lifting a brow, Claudia shot her a puzzled look.

"We know what you were doing under that table," Natalie said. "Pretty naughty, considering that Tristan and Ethan were sitting right across from you."

"Was it that obvious?" Her tone was laced with panic, eyes darting from Natalie to Kimi and then back again. "I mean, do you think that they knew what I was doing?"

"Probably not," Natalie replied. "They were pretty heavily engaged in conversation, so I doubt they even noticed."

"Thank God." Visibly relieved, Claudia let out a soft breath.

"So I'm super surprised you were so touchy feely with Lucas." Now leaning against one of the bathroom sinks, Kimi swept her bangs out of her eyes. "You know he's going to expect you to do it with him tonight, right?"

"What? Why? I didn't tell him I was ready for that, so how would he even get that idea?"

"You were touching his cock, weren't you?" 

"Yeah."

"Well, there you go. You were sending the signal that you're down for sex." 

"But that's not what I meant," she said. "I was just doing it to see what his reaction would be. You know, be daring and have a little fun."

"Have you ever touched him down there before tonight?" Natalie asked. "Or was this the first time you ever did it?"

"I've done it a couple of other times," she responded. "But he's never pressured me to go any further than touching."

"Yeah? Well tonight's different," Kimi said. "Most guys expect to get laid on prom night, and I can bet money that Lucas is one of them."

"Are you planning on having sex tonight?" Natalie asked. "Because if you're not, you should probably made it clear to him."

"No," she said. "I mean, at least I don't think I am. It was never in my plans to lose my virginity tonight, so I really doubt it."

"You don't sound very sure." Kimi eyed her with a steady gaze. "I mean if you aren't one hundred percent certain, that's probably a good sign that you aren't ready."

"I agree," Natalie stated. "I stupidly gave my virginity to the wrong guy, and to this day I still regret it."

"Same here," Kimi said. "If I had known that Ethan would one day be my boyfriend, I would have definitely saved it for him."

"Just don't make a mistake like we did," Natalie said. "I mean not to knock Lucas or anything, but there could be another guy out there that's completely perfect for you."

"A deserving guy." Kimi's tone was laced with purposeful firmness. "Someone who hasn't been around the block and back again."

Smirking, Natalie turned to the mirror to touch up her lipstick.

"Personally, I think you've already met him," Kimi said. "But neither of you have realized it yet, so you'll probably waste another few years dating people who are completely wrong for you."

"Lucas isn't completely wrong for me." A tightness came into her expression as she added, "And what do you mean I've already met him? Who is this him that you're talking about."

"Oh Claude, come one. It is like so obvious it's pathetic."

"She's right," Natalie said. "This guy is right in front of your face and you don't even realize it."

"Well she realizes it," Kimi corrected. "But she doesn't know that he's the one."

"You guys aren't making any sense." Now wearing a frown, Claudia toyed with her hair in the mirror.

Giving an exasperated sigh, Kimi threw Claudia an irritated look. "His name starts with a T. You want me to spell it out for you, or what?" 

"Tristan?" A twinkle of amusement came into her eyes. "First off, we're only friends. And second, I don't even know if he actually likes me that way."

"He does," Natalie and Kimi answered simultaneously, and after sharing a laugh, gave Claudia a smile.

"Okay, so let's say that he does like me." Noting that her lips could use glossing, Claudia retrieved a tube of the shiny stuff from her clutch. "I'm in a committed relationship with Lucas now, and I really do like him a lot. So what exactly am I supposed to do with this information?"




Lost Girl Ch. 15



At an hour shy of midnight, prom-goers began to disperse from the gymnasium of Browning High school. High on excitement, and eager to indulge in after-prom activities, they made a beeline for the parking lot. While some of the teens made plans to meet up at house parties, others were preparing to engage in more intimate activities. 

While Kimi and Ethan were calling it an early night and preparing to return to their respective homes, Tristan and Natalie were planning on hitting up an all-night coffee shop for some pancakes. Claudia and Lucas, who had only disclosed that they were going to spend some "alone time," were being openly eyed by the other two couples, and as a result, began to feel as if they were standing directly beneath a spotlight.

Along with Kimi and Ethan, Natalie wore a smirk that seemed to convey she knew exactly what Claudia and Lucas were planning to do that night. Tristan, however, wore a rather tight lipped expression, and warily studied Lucas as he stood silently with hands in his pockets. 

One didn't have to be a mind reader to guess that a sliver of jealousy had cut right through him, but as Claudia noticed the way his neck was stiff and strained, she realized that something deeper was going on. No sooner had this thought gone through her head, did Tristan suddenly step forward, and after taking Claudia by the hand, pulled her hastily towards his car. 

"What the heck?" Completely baffled, she gave Tristan a curious look, then threw a look over her shoulder at Lucas, who along with Kimi and Ethan, stood dumbfounded.

By the time they reached his car, she sensed that Lucas was following behind them. But before he could catch up, the twosome had already slipped into the backseat of Tristan's Lincoln Continental. A soft click was heard as Tristan locked the car door behind them, and with an urgency that caught Claudia completely off guard, he cradled her face in his hands.

Before she even knew what was happening, he leaned in to kiss her, slipping his tongue past the seal of her lips and into the wet heat of her mouth. Even if she could have stopped him, she wouldn't have, because the desire she felt was so incredibly profound. But along with desire was something else - something deeper and way more powerful than anything she'd ever experienced before. Love, perhaps? 

No, that was ridiculous. She couldn't love Tristan, because he was her friend. But as soon as the word "friend" passed through her thoughts, Tristan's tongue extended to caress the tip of her own. Instantaneously, and with the strength of an electric current, a jolt shot through her body. 

As if to confirm that their tongues were indeed the conductors, Tristan touched his wet muscle to hers once again, and on feeling a jolt that was even stronger than the first, Claudia hastily pulled back.

"So you felt it, too." A grin crossed Tristan's face.

"What was it?" 

"A sign. Isn't that obvious?"

"A sign of what?"

"I think you already know."

Dead silence passed between them. That was until a sharp rap against the window broke loudly through the stillness. Swiveling their heads in the direction of the sound, Claudia and Tristan saw that Lucas was staring right at them, and with a sharp motion of his hand, signaled for Tristan to unlock the door. Rather than heed his request, Tristan turned his attention away from the window. Then with his gaze back on Claudia, he let loose some urgent words.

"Don't go home with Lucas tonight." 

"What?"

"Don't go home with him."

"Why not?"

"I'm not exactly sure. I just have this feeling that something bad is going to happen." 

"So you're going entirely on feeling. None of this is connected to any solid proof."

"You know I don't bullshit people, Claude." He stared unblinkingly into her eyes. "When I get a sense that something is going to happen, it does."

"But you don't know what it is?"

He shook his head. 

"And It's definitely connected to Lucas..."

A nod from Tristan confirmed her words. 

"If this is about Lucas taking advantage of me, he would never do that." 

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. He's had loads of opportunities, and never once forced me to do anything I didn't want."

"Doesn't mean that he won't in the future."

"Lucas Isn't a rapist."

"I didn't say that he was."

"Okay, what is this really all about? Do you truly want to warn me about something bad, or are you just jealous that Lucas is taking me to his house?"

"I just don't feel good about you leaving here with him, all right? This isn't out of jealousy, It's out of concern."

"So you *aren't* jealous?"

"Of course I am. But I'm not trying to block you two from being together. If you want to give it up to a guy like him, then go for it. I just think it'd be a terrible waste."

"Why, because It's not you?"

"No. Because he's been with half the girls in school, Claudia. Aren't you even the slightest bit concerned about that, or do you not have any standards at all?"

"You're a dick," she said. "It's none of your business who Lucas has been with, and It's definitely not your business that I'm considering having sex with him. It's my body, and I can do what I want with it."

"So you *are* considering it." Tristan's face fell. "You honestly want Lucas to be the first guy that you have sex with?"

"I don't know. It's a possibility that it might happen someday," she admitted before adding, "And so what if I do? Why is my sex life of such importance to you? It's like you're obsessed, or something."

"I'm not obsessed, I'm concerned." 

"Well don't be," she said. "You're my friend, not my mother. So start acting like it."

There was a thick tenseness hanging in the air now, but instead of silence settling between Claudia and Tristan, there was only the unmistakable energy of a third person watching their every move. Lucas, whose face was still visible through the passenger window, stared them down with an intensity that wasn't just keen, but downright incensed. 

Unlike Tristan, who was completely unbothered by the fact that they were being observed, Claudia was extremely uneasy, and eager to leave the confines of Tristan's car. The thought of being confronted by Lucas, however, caused her to fidget in her seat.

"We shouldn't be in here," she suddenly stated. "It's wrong."

"Why?"

"Because you kissed me."

"And you kissed back," he rebutted. 

"Yeah, but I was caught off guard."

"Is that what you call it?" A gentle smirk touched the corners of his lips.

"We're *friends*," she stated. "Nothing more."

"We're more than friends. I think that's been established by the kiss we shared."

"A kiss that never should have happened." 

"But it did, and you enjoyed it."

Her deep brown complexion concealed the flush in her cheeks. "That's besides the point, I'm with someone. And for you to kiss a girl that's already taken is pretty damn bold." 

"I had to do it, Claude. It was the only way I could make you realize how compatible we are."

"I have a boyfriend."

"I know."

"Which means I'm not available."

"Not now. But you will be soon."

An incredulous look crossed Claudia's face, and for a moment she considered asking Tristan if he could see into the future. But a loud banging against the window directed her attention to Lucas, who was glaring at them through the glass of the passenger window. With a coil of anxiety in her stomach, Claudia tugged at the lock on her door, but on realizing that it wouldn't budge, she turned her head to look at Tristan.

"Can you release the power locks, please? I'd like to get out now."

"There are no power locks. This car has a manual system."

"Then why isn't the lock disengaging?"

"Because I don't want it to."

Both amazed and irritated at the same time, Claudia gave Tristan a long, hard look. Ever since they'd forged a friendship, he'd been nothing but sweet and kind, perhaps even a bit of a pushover, but suddenly she was seeing this other side of him. 

While it wasn't entirely unpleasant, it did make her wonder if he wasn't being unreasonable, not to mention completely stubborn. The Tristan she knew wouldn't even consider kissing a girl who was involved with another guy, and he certainly wouldn't keep her hostage in his car when she requested to be let out. Or would he?

While pondering this question, she came to the conclusion that everyone had two sides to them, and it was only now that a situation had arisen which allowed these character flaws to finally be unshrouded. But she didn't have the patience for this today, and certain that Lucas was growing angrier by the minute, she knew that she had to bring this situation to an end.

"Don't play around with me, Tristan. I'm really not in the mood tonight."

"Say you won't go home with him, and I'll unlock the door." Rather than request, Tristan's tone seemed to beg, his eyes growing sad as he stared into her eyes.

"I won't go home with him," Claudia responded. "It was never my intention to, anyhow."

"Do you really mean that?"

"Yes."

"What if he pressures you to do it anyways?"

"Then he does. Doesn't mean that I'll go along with it."

Instead of taking comfort in this response, Tristan only seemed to grow more uneasy. A few seconds passed, then several more before he pushed out a breath. Then with brows that were slightly wrinkled, he offered a response. 

"Have Kimi and Ethan take you home." 

"But that doesn't make any sense," Claudia said. "Why can't I just have Lucas take me home himself?"

"It's a premonition, Claudia. I really think you should heed it."

"I don't know Tristan, this is just too weird." The look she gave him was unashamedly wary. "I mean, I came to prom with Lucas, shouldn't I be leaving with him as well? And how is it going to sound when I tell him I want someone else to take me home?"

"Are you going to do it, or not?" Tristan asked. "A simple yes or no, that's all I need."

"No," she firmly said. "Now open the door and let me out."

"Fine." 

Shifting his gaze towards Claudia's passenger door, Tristan keenly focused on the engaged lock. He blinked once before the lock popped upward, and with an eagerness that was conveyed through her movements, Claudia swung the car door wide open. 

"Your lack of faith in me really hurts, Claudia." He spoke with such emotion that a waver in his voice could be heard. "I thought we had a special bond, but I guess I was wrong."

Almost immediately, her shoulders sagged with dejection. But before the tightness in her chest could become any worse, she slid out of the car and made her way towards Lucas, who stood directly behind the Lincoln with arms crossed against his solid chest. 

"What were you doing in there?" He asked in a deep tone of voice.

"Talking."

"Just talking, and nothing else?"

"It's not what you think," Claudia said. "I mean, it's not as bad as it looks."

Wearing an expression which could only be described as complete disbelief, Lucas narrowed his eyes at her. But his attention was swiftly stolen as Tristan slid out of the backseat. 

"What the fuck is your problem?" Lucas questioned.

"I don't have a problem." Now standing on his feet, Tristan maintained a confident stance. "What's yours?"

"You took my girlfriend into the backseat of your car."

"Yeah?"

"So what were you doing with her?"

"Talking."

"Bullshit. Now tell me the truth before I beat your ass."

"All right, I kissed her."

"I knew it." His nostrils flared as he bellowed, "I fucking knew you were messing around with her."

"Look, I'm not proud of myself, but I won't apologize for-"

With eerie suddenness and startling speed, Lucas landed a solid uppercut to Tristan's jaw. So shockingly strong, it knocked him right off his feet. But no sooner had he hit the ground, did Lucas advance upon him. 

He barely had time to grab Tristan by the collar before Claudia attempted to stop him from landing another punch, but so entrenched in anger, Lucas didn't even notice that she was there. It was only until Ethan stepped in that Lucas was finally restrained, and through a whole lot of effort, managed to push him away from Tristan.

"Chill," Ethan said while positioning his body in front of Lucas. "Just let it go, okay?" 

"Fuck naw." Lucas's teeth were bared, hands clenching and unclenching as he tried to evade the barrier that Ethan had created with his body. "This shitheel is going to pay."

"Come on, dude. Don't do this." Now pressing both palms against Lucas's chest, Ethan pushed against him with all of his strength. "They catch you fighting out here, you won't be allowed to walk at graduation." 

At first these words seemed to have no effect on discouraging Lucas, but as the seconds passed and Lucas's gaze shifted to Claudia, something changed in his body language. His neck, which had been corded, began to look normal once again. Gradually his breaths began to slow, and the teeth which had been so fiercely bared only a few minutes ago were now covered by his lips. 

If his hunched posture was anything to judge by, he was feeling dejected. But it was the sadness in his eyes that really tugged at Claudia's heart. He blinked a few times, as if forcing back tears, then swallowed a lump in his throat before pushing out some words.

"You want him, you can have him." 

Simple and to the point, the words hung heavy in the air. But it wasn't until Lucas turned and walked away that a heaviness filled Claudia's chest. Shocked into silence, she could only watch Lucas retreat further away. 

She wanted very badly to go after him, or perhaps even shout out that it was all a misunderstanding, but her throat muscles had suddenly locked up, and no mater how hard she tried to move her feet, they remained rooted in the spot. So lost in a fog of heartache, she didn't even realize that Kimi and Natalie were consoling her with comforting touches. But as Tristan began walking towards her, her eyes turned flinty and cold. 

"Stay away from me."

"Claudia, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen."

"I said stay away," she repeated while watching him walk even closer. "Just keep your distance, you understand?"

Those were the words that effectively halted him, and as she turned and ran in the direction of Lucas's truck, he was left to stand there with a lowered head. 

"Lucas, wait!" Claudia called out as she approached his idling Chevy. "Babe, please. You don't understand."

No longer just idling, the engine revved angrily. Tires screeched against the pavement, gravel spitting up as the car reversed. Then in a harsh jerk forward, the Chevy was off, tearing out of the parking lot with a startingly loud rumble. 

Half a minute later, she heard the sound of footsteps hurrying towards her. A few moments after that, she saw that Kimi and Natalie had arrived to console her. While one of the girls threw an arm around her shoulder, the other looped one around her waist. And with Claudia sandwiched in the middle, they made their way towards Ethan's car. 

She didn't remember being strapped into the backseat of his classic Volkswagon beetle, nor did she recall the vehicle driving away from the school and along the road that lead to her house. She vaguely recalled Kimi trying to make small talk along the way, but she did keenly recollect how terrible she felt about the night ending on such a sour note. 

At half past eleven, the vintage beetle puttered into the driveway of Claudia's house, and after squeezing out of the tiny backseat, she thanked Kimi and Ethan for the ride.

"Not a problem," Ethan said while giving her a wan smile. "Take care of yourself, okay? And I look forward to seeing you again soon."

She gave a nod, followed by a weak smile before shifting her gaze to Kimi.

"I'll be up late tonight if you wanna talk," she said. "Otherwise call me in the morning, okay?"

"All right."

Slowly, Claudia made her way towards the front porch, and only after she'd opened the door and slipped into the house, did she hear the sound of the vintage beetle driving away. For some reason she stood there listening to it die down to a faint putter, but instead of heading toward her room, she rested her back against the front door. 

She wasn't the least bit tired but it just felt right to close her eyes, so with lids lowered and a faint release of breath, she sunk down to the hardwood floor. Her eyes were still closed when the creak of footsteps approached her, and in a deep voice that was entirely fitting of his towering stature, Big John offered a greeting.

"You're home early."

Her eyes popped open, narrowing just slightly as they adjusted to the bright overhead light. "Oh, hi."

"Have a good time?"

It was okay."

"Just okay?"

She nodded.

"I can put the kettle on if you wanna talk about it."

"I don't." 

The sharpness in her tone made him flinch just slightly, causing Claudia to follow up with softer words. 

"I'm sorry. I'm just not in the mood right now."

"No problem."

"I might be up for a chat in the morning, though."

"Okay. That sounds good."

"Is my mom up?"

"Yep, she's in the bathroom."

"Late night bath?"

"Of course. It's Saturday night, Isn't it?" 

As a grin spread across his face, a faint smile crossed hers. 

"Guess I'll say hi to her before bed."

With palms planted on the ground, she lifted herself up. But she only got as far as the hallway threshold before Big John called out to her.

"Claudia?"

Turning her head, she saw that he was watching her with concern.

"You came home pretty early, so I have to ask this." He briefly paused before following up with, "Did Lucas treat you okay?" 

"Yes. He treated me just fine."

"You sure?"

She nodded. 

"If he did try anything with you, you would tell me or your mom, right?"

"Yes." 

"All right." He gently smiled before saying, "Well the next time you see him, tell him we'd like to have him over for dinner. I think it's time we got to know this boyfriend of yours a little better."

The nod that Claudia gave was just barely noticeable. And with a weighted chest that made it hard to breathe, she headed for her bedroom.

* * * *

It wasn't the scraping of tree branches against her bedroom window, but the steady tapping against the glass pane that woke Claudia from sleep. Still foggy from slumber, her mind came to the conclusion that it was only a dream. 

This thought, however, was rapidly dismissed as she glanced at the deep red letters on her digital clock. Noting that it was 1:32 a.m., she groggily sat up in bed, but as she caught sight of a familiar face behind the glass of her bedroom window, an incredulous look crossed her features.

In what seemed to be one single fluid movement, she was out of bed and unlocking the window. Having always been a little stubborn, she had to work at sliding it upward, and as the cool night air drifted into her bedroom, she stared wide-eyed at her late night visitor.

"Surprised?" Still clad in the suit he had worn to prom, Lucas gave her a friendly smile.

"Uh, yeah." As his gaze drifted to the lower part of her body, she suddenly remembered that the only thing she had on was a cropped T-shirt and a pair of boyshorts.

"So you gonna invite me in, or what?"

"I can't," she said. "My mom and her boyfriend are in the room right across the hall."

"So?"

"I don't wanna get caught."

"I can be quiet," he said before allowing his lips to tug into a grin. "But the question is, can you?"

"Lucas, we can't."

"Can't what?" He cheekily asked.

"Hang out in my room."

"Come on, Claude. I drove all the way out here to see you."

"You only live ten minutes away."

"Maybe so," he admitted. "But you owe me for kissing Tristan."

"I wasn't the one who initiated it."

"But you didn't stop him either, did you?"





Lost Girl Ch. 15



The sternness in his voice caused a pang of guilt to course through her, and she briefly averted her gaze before looking back at him.

"If you came here to start a fight, then forget it. I did nothing wrong, and that was out of my control." 

"I don't wanna fight," he responded. "But I do deserve an explanation for why you agreed to get in his car."

"Because I was curious," she said. "He seemed really bothered, so I figured it had to be something pretty serious."

"Besides kissing, what else did you two do?"

"Nothing."

"He didn't touch you?"

"No."

"Then why were you in the car for so long?"

"We were talking."

"About what?"

"He had a premonition."

"Go on."

"He said he had a feeling that something bad was going to happen if I went home with you. And he begged me to get a ride home with Ethan and Kimi."

"And you did," Lucas stated. "So the jerk got his wish."

"He seemed seriously worried, Lucas. And he said the bad thing was definitely connected to you. I don't think he was just making the whole thing up."

"Of course he was, the guy's a creep. I always knew there was something off about him."

"Tristan has spiritual gifts," Claudia said. "Everyone on the rez knows that he's special."

"He's not special, he's creepy," Lucas proclaimed. "Even back in kindergarten, I never trusted him." 

"Tristan Isn't creepy. He's just misunderstood."

"You remember that night he drove us home?" Lucas asked. "The night my car broke down after we went out to dinner?"

"Yeah."

"Well, after we dropped you off at your house and headed for mine, I got this really strange feeling from him."

"What kind of a feeling?" Claudia asked. 

"I don't know, It's hard to explain. But It's like he was probing into my soul."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. Totally weird, right? I mean, what the hell was he doing?"

"I'm sure it was nothing serious. He was probably a little jealous, that's all."

"Well I am better looking," Lucas stated. "So if I were him, I'd probably be jealous too."

With a shake of her head, Claudia lightly chuckled.

"I mean it's true, isn't it? Between the two of us, you find me more attractive..."

"Stop fishing for compliments. You're already well aware of just how handsome you are."

"Feels good to hear you say it, though."

With a smile on her lips, Claudia leaned down to give him a tender kiss. But on pulling back to gaze into his eyes, Lucas's face went all serious. 

"So now that we know Tristan is after you, I want you to stay away from him."

"Funny you should say that, because that's exactly what I told him after you guys had the fight."

"So then we're in agreement."

"Yeah. I mean at least for awhile, until I forgive him for starting this whole mess."

"Fuck forgiving him. The guy disrespected our relationship."

"He's not a bad person, just a little impulsive."

"Oh, God. You're not actually making excuses for him?"

"No. I'm just saying, he had a lapse in judgment."

"Stay away from him, Claude. Tell him that you don't want to see him again."

"I can't do that. He's my friend." 

"He's trying to bang you," Lucas loudly declared. "Does that sound like a man who's interested in friendship?"

"You wanna keep it down?" A pinched expression crossed her face. "My mother and Big John are sleeping right across the hall.

"Sorry."

"Anyways, It's like really late, so I should probably get back to sleep."

"Invite me in."

"I can't."

"Please? I'll only stay a few minutes." He gave her his best puppy dog face before adding, "I just wanna hold you in my arms."

"That's it?"

"Maybe make out a little, too."

A gentle smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and unable to resist from giving into his request, she lifted the window higher. 

"Fine. But you're going to have to be *super* quiet, because I don't wanna get busted."

"No problem, I can do that."

Aided by the strength of his biceps, Lucas effortlessly climbed up and into her bedroom window. The hardwood floor creaked beneath the soles of his shoes, and with only dim moonlight to illuminate his path, he nearly tripped over a stack of books that was on the floor. On reaching the edge of the bed, he sat down and took his shoes off, then shrugged out of his suit jacket before beckoning for Claudia to come nearer.

As soon as she reached him, he pulled her onto his lap, maneuvering her body so that they were face to face with her straddling him. His fingers threaded through the strands of her hair, gripping firmly at the roots before angling her head so that it tilted back. 

Although it was faint, the moan she released was lustful. But it wasn't until his tongue ghosted along the column of her throat, that her horniness really went into overdrive. Equally aroused, Lucas pushed out a hot breath, and with avid enthusiasm, began rolling his hips against hers. 

Even through the fabric of his pants, Claudia could feel the heat of his erection. She could also feel the tip of it jutting through his pants, and eager to caress it, she lowered her hand. Hot, heavy, and stiff, it was deliciously engorged. Although she'd seen it on several occasions, she'd never done more than stroke him with her hand. But tonight she was feeling especially horny, and was eager to show off a hidden skill that Lucas was completely unaware of.

Placing a hand against his chest, Claudia encouraged Lucas to lay on his back. Then with an eagerness that was displayed through hasty movements, she tugged at his belt. A few seconds later she had his pants open and his boxers exposed, but it wasn't until he was free and exposed for her hungry eyes, that she fully realized just how badly she wanted to suck his dick. 

Watching her with an expression that could only be described as pure glee, Lucas wiggled his hips so that his pants could be removed. Once they were discarded on the floor, Claudia brought her mouth towards his shaft, deeply inhaling the musk of his arousal. It was a sweet, rich scent, one that made her mouth water in anticipation of his flavor. 

The tip of his penis, which was wet and oozing precum, had the texture of a hard boiled egg, and as she eased him into the softness of her mouth, he let out a husky whimper. She'd only taken him halfway into her mouth when he began to ardently moan, squirming at the sensation of her silky tongue coasting along the veins of his penis.

"Oh yeah ..." His breaths came hard, chest rising and falling with every breath that he took. "Take me deeper, baby. Slide it all the way in."

More than happy to oblige him, she relaxed her throat muscles so that his shaft went further, bypassing her gag reflex and gliding into her throat. By this time Lucas was completely high on pleasure, eyes narrowed to slits as Claudia worked her mouth up and down the velvety flesh of his hard muscle. Completely entranced, he watched dazedly as she masterfully sucked him, savoring the texture and flavor of his turgid masculinity. 

Along with the soft sucking noises that came from her mouth, Claudia was stimulated by the raspy groans that Lucas was expelling. But the thing that turned her on most of all, was knowing that her mother and Big John were in the very next room, peacefully sleeping as she avidly sucked her boyfriend's cock. Oh yes, she was being *very* naughty, and loving every minute of it. 

What had once been a fire between her thighs was now an inferno. That sensitive spot between her legs was spasming with a need to be touched, and unless it got some attention soon, she would go crazy with need.

"Oh, fuck." Lucas's body tensed, abdominals flexing as she suddenly picked up the tempo. "I'm cumming...I'm cumming...oh shit, Claude. I'm gonna blow."

Spurred on by his excitement, she tightened her lips around his hardness. His moans intensified until they became incoherent, and after a few more moments of bobbing her head up and down, he pulsed a jet of hot semen into the back of her throat. 

The taste - which was a little salty and completely masculine - wasn't entirely unpleasant at all. It went down smoothly, coating her throat with its slippery warmth, and with a slow, seductive movement, she pulled his cock from the seal of her mouth. 

Completely spent of fluid, Lucas lay limply on the bed. His breaths came out heavy and his eyes were half-lidded with gratification. A lazy smile crossed his face as Claudia climbed on top of him, and for a few tender moments, they shared a deep, wet kiss.

"My god, that was amazing," he said as they broke the oral embrace. "How the hell did you learn how to deep throat?"

"Practice." A coy smile tilted her lips.

"How many guys have you practiced on?" No longer appearing pleased, Lucas was now giving her a serious look. 

"Just one. The bulk of my experience came from bananas and popsicles."

"Seriously?"

She nodded.

"How naughty," Lucas said. "And what made you start doing that?"

"I had a boyfriend at the time and was pretty clueless on how to please him, so I did some research online and found all the information I could ever need."

"Wow." A gleam of excitement had come into Lucas's eyes. "I always knew you were naughty but I never expected this."

"I had a feeling you would be surprised."

"I'm more than surprised, I'm fucking blown away. Do you know how much of a turn on it is to have a girlfriend who can deep throat?"

With a smile on her lips, she rolled over onto her side. 

"Will you lick me, now?" Eager to receive some oral attention of her own, Claudia hastily shimmied out of her boyshorts. "I really need to feel your tongue between my thighs."

"How about my cock, instead? That'd feel a whole lot better."

"Not too sure of your oral skills, are you?" She teased.

"Oh I'm *damn* good, I can assure you of that."

"Oh yeah?"

"Most definitely." 

No longer laying on his back, Lucas was now on top of Claudia, pinning her against the firm mattress. Deliciously solid, his body possessed a strength that was undeniable. Helpless to move even an inch, Claudia was effectively trapped beneath him, but rather than feel worried, she was thoroughly excited. 

"I want to make love to you." Stated in a deep tone of voice, Lucas paused before speaking again. "Is it ever going to happen, or are you just leading me on?"

"I want it to happen," Claudia said. "It's just that I'm not ready yet."

"Would you be ready for Tristan?"

Shocked into silence, Claudia could only give him a wide-eyed look.

"Did I strike a nerve?"

"No." Her mouth was dry, but she still swallowed anyway. 

"I get the feeling that you are ready to have sex. But you just don't want to have it with me."

"Yes I do. Can't you tell how attracted to you I am?"

"I know you're attracted," Lucas responded. "But you don't find me worthy of being your first."

"That's not true. You are worthy."

"Then why won't you give yourself to me?"

"I already told you, I'm not ready."

"Bullshit. If Tristan was on top of you right now, I bet you'd open your legs."

"All right, you know what? You're totally out of line for that." Lifting a palm to his chest, she tried to push him off her, but it was useless, as he wouldn't budge even an inch.

"I'm not stupid, Claudia. I can tell that something's going on."

"You're being paranoid."

"No, I'm being realistic."

"I don't want to fight with you," she said. "So if that's what you want, you can get the hell out of my house."

"It's not what I want," he hastily responded.

"Then what is it? Tell me."

"I want to know that you care for me. That you're not just biding your time until you head off to college."

"What? Of course I'm not biding my time. Why would you even think that?"

"Because people like you don't stay on reservations. They move away to college, get degrees, and never come back."

"We talked about this, Lucas. I'll drive out on weekends to spend time with you."

"Maybe at first, but you'll eventually get tired of it."

"Where's your faith in us?" Claudia pinned him with a hard stare. "If you don't believe that we'll make it, then why should I?"

Rendered speechless by her straightforward question, Lucas took a moment to ponder it. But soon the thoughtful look that came over his face was replaced by one of undeniable hope. 

"So it looks pretty certain that I'll be getting a job at the lumber mill after graduation."

"Doing what?"

"Feeding machines, sorting and stacking wood, loading it onto a truck...nothing too exciting, but it's a job."

"Sounds pretty laborous," Claudia said. "I hope they pay you well."

"Jobs aren't easy to come by on the rez, so I'll take what they give me."

Allowing her gaze to drift to the feather in his hair, Claudia noticed it had a white tip and base, while the center was black. Even in the dim light of the moon she could see how shiny it was, and wanting to see if the feather was as soft as it looked, she stretched out a finger to lightly stroke it. 

"What kind of a bird did this feather come from?" Noting that it was indeed very soft, she admired the beauty of it.

"A Harris hawk."

"And is there a reason that you wore it in your hair tonight?"

"It carries a lot of good energy," he said. "Hawk feathers symbolize strength, far-sightedness, and guardianship."

"Do you feel any different when you wear it in your hair?"

He nodded. "The spirit of the hawk this feather came from is very strong. Whatever attributes the bird used to possess are passed through its spirit and into me."

"Is the hawk your animal guide?"

"No, it's the horse."

Large and calloused, Lucas's hand came up to caress her face. Done gently and with a reverence that was indisputable, he regarded her with awe. Almost black with wanting, his dark brown eyes drank in the sight of her soft, feminine features. The energy in the air was palpable, thick with both the desire and affection that they had for one another. 

One of Claudia's hands was still embedded in his hair, fingers sliding through the silky soft strands that were waist length. But the other hand was resting directly between their bodies, and taking it in his own, he guided it towards his chest. 

"Can you feel that?" He asked while pressing her palm against his heart. "Do you feel how quickly my moskizipahpi is beating for you?"

She did indeed feel the beat of his heart, and pressed her palm even firmer against it.

"I'm falling for you, Claudia. And I don't know how to stop."

Shocked to hear these words, she found that her own heart was racing right along with Lucas's.

"Do you want to stop falling for me?" She asked him.

"No."

"Then don't."

He seemed to mull this over for a few minutes before tenderly kissing her nose. 

"Will you fall with me? Or is Tristan going to stand between us forever?"

"Lucas, I-."

"Stop." 

Effectively silenced by his fingers against her lips, Claudia stared up into his face, which was marred by a gentle frown.

"Please don't deny it, Claudia. I already know the truth, so there's no use pretending."

Blushing beneath the scrutiny of Lucas's gaze, Claudia shifted her attention to some point over his broad shoulders. He wasn't stupid of course, she'd already known that, but she hadn't expected him to so skillfully pick up on her and Tristan's interactions. 

Up until that point, she hadn't wanted to admit that her feelings for Tristan ran deeper than friendship, but it was sort of hard to deny the truth when everyone around her was pointing out how glaringly obvious it was.

Angling his head to give her a kiss her on the lips, Lucas touched his mouth ever so softly against hers. Tentatively, his tongue brushed across the seam of her lips, and as she opened her mouth to grant him entrance, he rewarded her with a deep, dizzying kiss. 

By the time he pulled back she was left feeling a little light-headed, but as he shrugged out of his dress shirt and revealed the solid torso beneath it, everything suddenly came sharply back into focus. Toned, powerful, and one hundred percent masculine, Lucas's body was a coppery hue that contrasted beautifully against Claudia's dark brown skin. 

Pressing his body to hers, he anchored her against the firm mattress. For this moment in time she was completely his - to kiss, to touch, and to lavish with attention. But not his to have just exactly as he would have liked, for if he shifted his crotch even just a few inches downward, he would slip into the velvety warmth which so cruelly beckoned him. 

Gazing deep into Claudia's eyes, he began to wonder if he shouldn't just go for it anyways. But no sooner had the idea come into his head, did he experience deep shame for even allowing the thought to exist.

Cursing the stiff organ between his legs, Lucas rolled off of her body. Only through sheer willpower was he able to force himself up and off the bed, but by the time he slipped his boxers on, he knew that he was doing the right thing. 

"Where are you going?" Shocked at this unexpected display of behavior, Claudia watched as he slipped into his boxer shorts.

"Home."

"Why?" Now sitting up, she was wearing a rather pained look. "I thought you were enjoying yourself."

"I am. Maybe a little too much."

"Please don't go. I want you to stay."

"I really don't think that's a good idea," Lucas said. "Because if I stay, I might end up doing something that I really shouldn't."

Now completely silent, Claudia watched as Lucas slipped into his pants. He was just about to put his dress shirt on, but something made him suddenly paused and turn to face her.

"You wanna know what I was thinking as I was laying there on top of you?"

The nod Claudia gave was small.

I was wondering if I shouldn't just force myself on you. You know, do the accidental slip-in and hope that you would be okay with it."

"But I wouldn't be okay with it."

"Exactly."

Before he could finish getting dressed, Claudia was off the bed and standing in front of him. Although he had a good five inches on her, Claudia was somehow able to exude an air of dominance, and with a serious look on her face, she uttered a command.

"On your knees."

"What?" A blank look spread across his face as he stared down into her eyes.

"I said get on your knees."

By this time he'd begun to get an idea of what was going on, but there was still 

an uncertainty in the way that he dropped to his knees. Now afforded the opportunity to look down on him, Claudia noticed that he was wearing a curious expression. But as she sat on the edge of the bed and stretched out her legs to rest them on his shoulders, his brows lifted high and his Adam's apple bobbed with excitement. 

"I gave you a great blowjob earlier, right?" She asked while intently eyeing him.

"Yeah."

"So return the favor."

Having taken off her panties earlier, she was already bare and ready to receive gratification. Her legs were parted wide to show that she was open and wet, wanting and needing the pleasure of his hot, silky tongue. 

Just thinking about how good it would feel made her inner muscles clench in anticipation, and she scooted slightly forward to give Lucas optimal access to her dripping wet sex. Like a dog in heat, he leaned in closer to inhale her scent, and after spreading her delicate petals to expose the hot pink interior, he dove right in and began to eat her. 

From the very first lick he had her gasping out loud, hips bucking ardently forward as she tried her hardest to force back the moans. For the past two months, Lucas had been asking to go down on her and several times she had nearly caved in. 

But for some reason she had been stupid enough to think that allowing him to eat her pussy would give him the cue that she was interested in getting fucked as well. Not only had she been wrong in assuming that, but a complete and utter fool to deny herself the pleasure of such a long and delightfully talented tongue. 




Lost Girl Ch. 15



Rather than simply lick, he lavished, savoring the unique flavor that she released. Slowly, and with an undeniable sensuousness, his wet muscle caressed the silky warmth of her sex. He moved his tongue languidly at first, probing her with a leisurely sort of rhythm. But as he went from gentle and predictable to erratic and choppy, she urged him on, letting loose a breathy moan before grabbing a fistful of his hair.

Yeah...oh yeah...baby, your tongue is so fucking amazing."

Clearly pleased by her enthusiasm, Lucas pushed out a long, hot moan, which sent a delicious vibration through the nerve endings of her vagina. Claudia responded by releasing a blissful cry, then tightened her legs around his neck so that he was effectively captured in a headlock. Rather than hinder, this only seemed to enhance his performance, and he tirelessly tongued the tight, taut hole that led the way to her most hidden place. 

Just when she was certain it couldn't get any better, he maneuvered his tongue towards her stiffened clit. It only took half a dozen lashes before she was ready to pass out from pleasure, but as he captured the fat little head between his lips and gently suckled, her moans turned to bona fide whimpers. He was still fondling her clit with his tongue when a warm gush of fluid squirted from her pussy, and with a spasm that possessed her entire body, she let out a silent scream.

Even once she'd gone limp and was laying with her back against the mattress he continued lapping away, cleaning her so thoroughly that she had to beg him to stop. Overly sensitized by the blinding orgasm, she couldn't take even so much more as a lick, so she unhooked her legs from Lucas's shoulders and weakly scooted away from his unwearied tongue. 

Shiny and slick with the clear fluid that she had ejected, Lucas's mouth looked like a glazed donut. Using his hand as a napkin, he wiped off her excitement, then rose to his feet so he could lay next to her on the bed. With their faces in such close proximity, she was able to feel the heat of his breath. 

But soon it was the heat of his mouth that engulfed her, so warm and wet and soft that she couldn't help but melt as he passionately kissed her. Their eyes locked as they pulled back for air, but several more moments passed before Lucas broke the stillness with some words. 

"Did it turn you on knowing they were in the next room?" Clearly eager to hear her response, the corners of Lucas's lips faintly quirked.

"I don't know, maybe a little."

"Naw, you loved it." His eyes studied her intently as he said, "It made you horny, didn't it? God, you're such a bad girl."

"Whatever." She playfully rolled her eyes before allowing a smile to tilt her lips. "I'll be right back, okay?"

"Where you going?" His gaze followed her to the door, where she retrieved a kimono robe from a hook and quickly slipped it on. 

"I'm thirsty," she said.

"From what?" A grin split his face as he stated, "I was the one doing all the work."

The smile on her lips widened. "I'll bring you back a can of Pepsi, okay?"

Instead of immediately walking out into the hallway, Claudia cracked the door to check for any sounds of activity. But after hearing the loud snores which drifted from beyond her mother's closed bedroom door, she realized that she was definitely in the clear. She was only able to put one foot across the threshold, however, before Lucas softly called out to her. 

"No kiss before you leave?"

"We just had a kiss a few minutes ago."

"Ouch." The pout he put on was exaggerated. "So you use me for sex, then throw me away like an old dishrag, huh? That's cool, I'm down with that." 

Now grinning, Claudia started toward the bed. "Oh stop, you're being silly."

"So long as I can make you smile, I'll be any way you want."

As she leaned over the bed to kiss him, his nose bumped against hers and they shared a light chuckle. But soon their lips were sealed, tongues clashing briefly as they shared an open mouthed kiss. If she hadn't been so damn thirsty she would have gladly forgone her trip to the kitchen, but the thought of a nice cold Pepsi was too enticing to resist. 

With the taste of him sill on her lips she pulled back and started for the bedroom door, but before she could move out of reach, he captured her palm in his.

"Hey..." 

Noting the urgency in his voice, she threw a look over her shoulder. "Yes?"

"I love you."

Her heart nearly stopped at the sound of the words, a fuzziness clouding her mind as she temporarily forgot how to string words together to make sentences. She couldn't believe he had actually said it, and for a moment she began to wonder if she wasn't just in a dream. But this was real, and it was happening, and she was going to say the words back because she felt them deep in her heart. 

"I love you too, baby."

Reluctantly, she released her hand from his, then headed away from the bed and toward the bedroom door. But as she turned her head to look back at him, she couldn't help noticing that he was watching her in a very deep way.



Lost Girl Ch. 16



It should have been a short trip to the kitchen - no longer than half a minute, maybe sixty seconds, tops. But the newly purchased six-pack of Pepsi's had been left out on the tile counter. 

Undrinkable at room temperature, the sodas had to be chilled, which mean that Claudia had to retrieve two glasses from the cabinet and fill them with cubes from the ice tray. Once she had done that, she emptied the cans of soda into the glasses, and with the fizzy sound of carbonated liquid accompanying her, she made her way toward the bedroom.

With both hands full, she had to nudge the door open with her hip. But as soon as she crossed the threshold and saw Lucas convulsing violently on the bed, she froze. A mere second later the glasses of soda slipped from her palms, crashing loudly against the floor before shattering into jagged pieces. 

For a moment she was too stunned to do anything at all, helplessly watching as he flopped around like a Mexican jumping bean. His head slammed repeatedly against the mattress, causing the headboard to bang out a frightening loud rhythm. 

His eyes had rolled back into his head and there was foam bubbling from his mouth, but as the frothy substance gave way to a crimson colored fluid, Claudia made a mad dash for her mother's bedroom. She only got as far as the hallway before she was intercepted by Big John, who was carrying a bat and had the stance of somebody who was ready to kick some ass. 

"What's going on? Did somebody smash in your window?"

A shake of her head was all she could manage before leading him into her room, where she discovered that Lucas was seizing more violently than before.

"Shit! He's having a seizure." Big John threw the bat aside, then hurried toward the bed before flipping Lucas onto his side.

No sooner had he done this, did a considerable amount of blood ooze from his mouth, pooling onto the white sheets that covered the mattress.

"That's a lotta fucking blood." Big John's eyes went round, then widened even further as he got a look inside Lucas's mouth. "He bit off part of his tongue, Claude. Call 911. Right *now*."

In her mad rush to grab her phone from the nightstand, Claudia knocked over a glass figurine. It fell to the floor with a crash, joining the shards of glass that were laying admist the spilled Pepsi. But she was so focused on getting her fingers to connect with the keypad of the phone, that a wrecking ball could have gone through her window and she wouldn't have noticed at all.

As soon as an operator came onto the line she gave a summary of what was happening, then hurriedly provided the address before pressing the call end button.

By this time Mona had come into the room, and to Claudia's surprise, had a couple of pillows in hand. With a calmness that Claudia found rather surprising, she slipped the pillows between Lucas's knees, then tilted his head so that his chin was pointed towards his chest. 

Although she was only a certified nursing assistant, Mona was a keen reader of medical textbooks, and had aspirations to one day become a practical nurse. Due to her avid interest in medical knowledge, she knew far more than the average CNA, and was well aware that Lucas was in the throes of a grand-mal. 

Since Lucas was bare chested, Mona was afforded the opportunity to check out the dog tag around his neck, which was engraved with a red medical alert symbol. It didn't take long for her to gather that he was an epileptic, and after noting the emergency number that was engraved in the dog tag, she picked up Claudia's phone and made the call.

Judging by Mona's end of the conversation, Lucas's parents were on the other end of the line. She could hear their voices pretty clearly through the receiver, and although she couldn't exactly make out their words, she could tell that their tones were laced with undeniable panic. 

Still jerking with a violent motion that was exceptionally alarming, Lucas continued to seize. Yet instead of his spasms winding down, they only seemed to be gaining in intensity. It was a frightening sight, not knowing when or if he would ever return to normal. But Claudia was inwardly praying and clutching her neck while watching her him uncontrollably twitch. 

"All right, it's getting close to five minutes now," Mona said while looking at her watch. "If he doesn't stop convulsing in the next sixty seconds, he'll be in an epilectus state.

"What's that?" Thoroughly frightened, Claudia steeled herself for the response.

"A constant state of seizure. Which means he'll be at risk for brain damage, or possibly even death."

"Oh, God." Her knees threatened to give out, legs quivering as she struggled to stay on her feet. 

"Keep it together, Claude." Mona's voice was stern, her brows deeply knitted as she continued to eye her watch. 

"How much more time?" Normally strong and sure, Big John's voice had gone wavery with panic. 

"Twenty seconds."

"Only twenty?" Claudia's muscles went tense, chest painfully constricting as she watched her boyfriend continuously writhe and flop. "Oh God, why won't he stop? He's still convulsing, mom. Why won't he stop?"

"You've gotta be strong, baby. Stay hopeful, okay?" Reaching out for her daughter's hand, Mona tightly linked their fingers.

"He's turning blue, Mona." Big John's forehead was beaded with sweat. "What the fuck are we supposed to do now? We can't let this kid die in our house." 

"It's probably his chest just seizing up," she said. "We'll wait it out for another minute and then go from there."

"No." Claudia's brows knitted, eyes growing flinty as she demanded, "We need to do something. *Now*."

Noting the seriousnesss in her daughter's tone, Mona eased out a heavy sight. But just as 

she was about to offer a suggestion to Claudia, Lucas's convulsions began to subside. 

Half a minute later his body was once again still, but the harsh gasps which came from deep in his throat told her that he was struggling to regain his breath. Taking his hand in hers, Claudia tenderly stroked the back of it, then caressed a palm against his face while offering a faint smile. 

"It's okay, babe," she lovingly said while wiping away the blood that was smeared at the corner of his mouth. "We're all here for you. It's going to be fine."

Lucas's eyes focused on her momentarily, seeing but not recognizing the features of her face. That was okay, though. Once he returned to his normal state, he would remember exactly who she was, and everything would be just as it was before. Or would it? 

Glancing at her mother, Claudia saw that she was staring worriedly at Lucas, and this in turn made Claudia all the more nervous at what was to come. Judging by the expression on Big John's face, he was also feeling uneasy, but her attention was swiftly averted as horrible wheezing noises began to come from Lucas's throat.

"What's wrong with him?" Still holding his hand in hers, she stared questioningly at Mona, who was wearing an expression of dread.

"I don't know. Sounds like there's something in his throat." Leaning in closer to Lucas, Mona gently forced his mouth open so she could inspect the dark interior. "Oh my God, he's choking on his own tongue."

"But I thought it was impossible to swallow your tongue," Claudia loudly cried out. "I know it's impossible. We learned it in health class." 

"It's a *piece* of his tongue, Claudia," Mona widened his mouth so that she could have a better look. "It must have lodged itself into the back of his throat when he bit it off."

"Shit. He's going to die, isn't he?"

"Where is that damn ambulance?" Big John shouted at no one in particular. "We have a kid who's dying here, and they can't even show up to help us."

A quick glance at the clock told Claudia that she'd dialed 911 nearly fifteen minutes ago, but as she turned her attention back on a no-longer wheezing Lucas, she could see that his body had gone completely still. 

A few minutes ago this would have greatly pleased her, as his seizure had seemed to last forever. But there was something eerie about the way he had gone so entirely motionless. His eyes were still open, so that gave her a bit of reassurance, but instead of shifting around, they only blankly stared upward.

Then suddenly it hit her - Lucas's body wasn't just still, it was absolutely stiff.

* * * *

Lucas's chest wasn't moving. No breath was coming from between his lips, and when Claudia pressed her fingers against his carotid artery, she found that his pulse was absent.

Oh God, he's dead, she thought, and in response her stomach roiled, heart racing as she struggled to accept that he had indeed stopped breathing. But with a suddenness that caught her completely off guard, she was pushed out of the way by Mona.

Clearly panicked, Mona pried open Lucas's mouth, and after a few vain moments of attempting to fish out the piece of tongue that was blocking his airway, she gave Claudia a pointed look. 

"Get me a ziploc baggie from the kitchen drawer, and a pair of chopsticks if you can find them." 

Barely managing a nod in response, Claudia sprinted out of the bedroom and towards the kitchen. Wild eyed and in a blind panic, she rummaged through the kitchen drawers. Utensils clattered to the floor, large cooking spoons being thrown aside as she sought out the item that seemed intent on evading her. Then finally, she spotted it.

Thin and tapered, the chopsticks were perfect for slipping into narrow spaces, and after retrieving a plastic baggie as well, she hurried towards her bedroom, where Mona was impatiently waiting. 

Claudia barely had time to cross the threshold before Mona snatched the chopsticks from her hand, and with carefulness and precision, grasped the piece of tongue that had lodged itself in Lucas's throat. After dropping it into a baggie that Claudia had provided, she interlaced her fingers and placed them over Lucas's breastbone. 

One chest compression, then two, before she increased the application of force on his breastbone, but when Lucas's chest failed to recoil, Big John stepped in to give her assistance. 

"Breathe, Lucas. *Now*." With tightly knitted eyebrows and a forehead that was beaded with sweat, Big John delivered compressions that were fast, hard, and forceful enough to shift Lucas's breastbone. 

As ten compressions turned into twenty, Lucas remained alarmingly wooden. Claudia, however, refused to give up hope, and with Lucas's hand clutched in her own, watched helplessly as Big John commenced rescue breathing. 

"Please don't die." Squeezing his palm tightly, Claudia stared at Lucas, who gave not even so much as a twitch on his behalf. "You've gotta wake up, babe. *Please.* If you love me, you'll wake up."

"Come on, kid," Big John said while performing another round of compressions. "Don't give up. We need you to pull through."

By this point, Claudia's lips had begun to tremble, and her heartbeat thrashed so loudly in her ears that she couldn't pick up much of anything else. But as wet gurgling noises erupted from Lucas's mouth, Claudia's eyes went wide and her breath caught in her throat. 

Something akin to hiccupping sounds bubbled up from his throat, and realizing that the teenager was on the verge of throwing up, Big John rolled Lucas onto his side. No sooner had he done that, did Lucas expel the contents of his stomach, vomiting so profusely that Claudia feared he would regurgitate a few vital organs.

Even once there was nothing left to give, he continued to dry heave, then finally settled against the pillow with an exhausted sounding sigh. 

"Oh thank God," Claudia said before uttering, "You're alive."

"What happened?"...Due to the fact that his tongue was injured and swollen, Lucas's words came out slow and thick, eyes staring dazedly at Claudia before shifting to Mona and Big John. "Why you all looking at me?"

"You had a seizure, sweetheart," Mona said in a calm, even voice that contrasted the tense expression on her face.

"Seizure?" Lucas frowned, then swallowed before easing out a heavy breath. 

"Yes." Claudia brushed away the strands of hair that were pasted to his sweaty forehead. "A really bad one."

"My tongue..." A grimace contorted his face, eyes squeezing shut at the pain that the consumed him. "What's wrong with it?"

"You bit off a piece during the seizure," Mona said. "So try not to talk, because it will only aggravate the pain."

"Your parents are on their way," Claudia said while resting a hand against Lucas's shoulder. "They should be here any minute."

"No parents." Rather than simply speak, he lisped out the words, which were more than a little difficult to pronounce with his swollen tongue. "They find out I had a seizure, they'll take my car away."

"Who cares about your car," Claudia stated. "You nearly died just a few minutes ago. Doesn't that mean anything to you at all?"

"Calm down, Claudia," Mona sternly urged. "He's been through enough, and doesn't need any more stress."

Choosing to ignore her mother, Claudia continued on in a voice that cracked and wavered. "I thought you were dead." The lump in the back of her throat was painful to swallow. "You were just laying there, completely stiff."

"But I'm fine now." Still struggling to form his lips into words, Lucas tenderly mumbled, "Don't cry." 

But she did cry. And as her chest heaved and tears slid down her cheeks, she tightened her hold on his hand. She was still holding it when Lucas's parents arrived, and only once the paramedics showed up and lifted him onto a stretcher, did she finally let go and allow him to be taken away from her.

After wheeling Lucas into the back of the ambulance, the paramedics invited Lucas's parents to ride along. Clearly eager to be with her son, Lucas's mother joined his side, lovingly caressing his face while she spoke in a hushed tone of voice. Lucas's father, however, made a beeline towards Claudia, Mona, and Big John, who were all watching a paramedic attach an oxygen mask to Lucas's face.

"Thank you." 

Caught off guard by the deep voice, their eyes shifted to Lucas's dad, who was now standing directly in front of them.

"You all were there for my boy tonight," he continued on, "and I really appreciate that."

"No need to thank us," Big John responded. "Anyone else would have done the same, in a similar situation."

"Right. Well, I'm just glad he was with you, and not out on the road, driving around in that truck of his." 

"Likewise," Mona said before sneaking a glance at Claudia's face. "I'm glad he decided to pay us a visit tonight." 

"Anyways, it looks like the paramedics are ready to take off, so I better join my wife in the ambulance. Thank you, again. Words can't express how appreciative I am."

They all nodded and gave a wan smile in response, then watched as Lucas's dad got into the back of the ambulance. 

A few seconds later, the emergency vehicle took off, blaring its sirens as it sped off down the street. Still dazed from the entire ordeal, Claudia stood there with a blank look on her face. It wasn't until she felt a hand on her shoulder that she realized her mother was coaxing her towards the house, and with Big John and Mona on either side of her, she made her way up the walkway and towards the porch.

* * * *

It was just past three p.m. on the following afternoon when Claudia arrived at the hospital. On reaching the wing where Lucas was being treated, she was directed to a nurses station, where she was told by a tired looking RN that it would be a forty-five minute wait. 

With a book in hand, Claudia was prepared to pass the time by reading a crime novel, and after seating herself in one of the hard plastic chairs, she flipped to the page that was bookmarked. 

She only got halfway into the first paragraph when someone took the seat directly across from her, and somehow, before she even lowered the book that was in front of her face, Claudia knew that she was being stared at. Rather than be sly and try to peek over the top of her book, Claudia fully lowered it, and that was when she saw the pair of kohl lined eyes that were fixed upon her. 

Misty

Almost instantly, the Native girl narrowed her eyes, and in response, Claudia flattened her lips. As if to compete, Misty wrinkled her nose, but Claudia never got the chance to respond with her own facial expression, because their non-verbal spar was intercepted by a pale, red-headed nurse.

"Are you two here to see Lucas Goodblanket?" She asked.

"Yes," Claudia said at nearly the exact same time as Misty. 

"Which one of you are his girlfriend?"

"I am," they said in perfect unison. 

Looking from one to the other and then back again, the red-headed nurse blinked.

"Well, visiting hours have been delayed," she slowly said. "The patient is currently in treatment with the doctor, so It'll be a half hour before you're allowed to see him."

"What kind of a treatment?" Claudia asked. "Is he okay?"

"He's fine." The nurse flipped through a page on her clipboard before saying, "It's routine, nothing to worry about."

"Oh. Well thanks for letting me know."

A faint nod of the head was given before the RN walked away.

With the nurse now gone, there was no longer a buffer zone to lessen the hostile energy in the air, and wearing expressions that were equally unfriendly, Misty and Claudia stared each other down.

"Why are you even here?" Misty asked. "You barely know him."

"I know him well enough to be his steady girlfriend. And in case you didn't notice, we were at prom together."

"Oh, I heard." A pinched expression crossed her face as she said, "Lucas told me you made out with Tristan the very same night. Pretty trashy, if you ask me."

"We didn't make out."

"So Lucas was lying?" 

No." Just briefly, her lips pressed into a thin, hard slash. "I mean yes we kissed, but it wasn't like we actually made out or anything. And it wasn't my fault. It just happened without me even wanting it to."

"What a lame excuse," Misty said. "You're not even faithful, so why is he with you?"

"Look, I don't want to talk with you, okay? So if we could just sit here and ignore each other, I'd like that a whole lot better."

As Claudia picked her book up and began to read, Misty continued to watch her. Claudia didn't mind, though. As far as she was concerned, Misty could stare at her forever. But it seemed that Misty was less than pleased with just staring, as she let out a heavy sigh and loudly cleared her throat. 

"So were you really there when he was having his seizure?"

Looking up from her book, Claudia focused her eyes on Misty's face. "Yes, I was.

"How bad was it?"

"Lucas didn't tell you?"

"Not really. When it comes to his seizures, he tends to downplay them."

"Well, to tell you the truth, he almost died."

The color drained from Misty's face, and her eyes went wide and round.

"Seriously? He told it me it was minor, just a few small convulsions."

"Nope." Claudia shook her head before adding, "He managed to bite off a piece of his tongue. Like all the way, so it was completely detached."

"Oh my God." 

"Then he nearly swallowed it, which led to him almost choking."

"Shit, I had no idea it was that bad."

"I thought we were going to lose him." A grave expression crossed Claudia's face at the memory. "I was scared...*really* scared."

As stillness settled over them like a blanket, both Misty and Claudia became lost in their own thoughts. All around them the hustle and bustle of the hospital continued, but for that moment in time, they could have been in their own little world. 

"So why *did* you kiss Tristan?" Misty asked while gazing at Claudia with focus. "I mean, aren't you and Lucas supposed to be in a committed relationship?" 

"Yeah." There was a bit of an edge to Claudia's voice, as if irritated that Misty would ask such a personal question. "But the thing is, I didn't initiate the kiss. Tristan was the one who just went for it."




Lost Girl Ch. 16



"But why would he just kiss you out of the blue?" Misty's brows lightly crinkled. "Usually a guy only kisses you if you give them a signal, or something."

"Tristan doesn't need a signal," Claudia responded. "He's very perceptive, he picks up on everything."

"So if he picks up on everything, then that means you *were* sending him a signal. Just a subconscious one."

Claudia blinked in surprise, digesting the words that Misty had spoken.

"Do you like Tristan?" Eager to receive the answer, Misty leaned forward just slightly. "I mean, I know it's none of my business or anything, I'm just curious."

"Maybe a little." 

Claudia didn't feel like elaborating so she left it there. But the look that Misty was giving her seemed to convey that she knew Claudia was holding back. 

"What, you expect me to spill my deepest inner secrets, or something?" Claudia crossed her arms against her chest. "I don't know you, and you don't know me, so let's not talk about personal stuff, okay?"

"If you're worried about me snitching on you to Lucas, that's not what this is about," she defensively replied. "It's just I've noticed you and Tristan together around school, and I can tell you two are pretty close." 

"Yeah..."

"I'm not implying anything. Just saying, the boy *definitely* has a crush on you."

"I guess." Claudia's arms remained crossed against her chest.

"Okay. You don't wanna talk, that's cool." She grabbed a magazine from the end table next to her chair, flipped it open, and began to casually glance through it.

With the book she'd been reading still resting on her lap, Claudia picked it back up to continue reading. But it wasn't long before she lowered the book and focused her attention on Misty.

"Okay. So I do like Tristan. A lot." As Claudia spoke the words, Misty glanced up from her magazine, brows lifting at the unexpected proclamation. "But the thing is, I really like Lucas, as well."

"Oh." Suddenly at a loss for words, it took awhile before Misty spoke again. "Well which one do you like more?"

"Hard to say," Claudia replied. "They're both really nice, just in different ways, you know?" 

"Yeah, I get what you mean."

And it seemed that Misty truly did, because as she shifted her gaze beyond Claudia's shoulder, a dreamy look came into her eyes. 

"So you and Lucas..." Unsure how she should state the next few words, Claudia took a moment to think it through. "Do you still like him? Because if you do, you can admit it. I wouldn't like hate you, or anything."

"I'm not here to get back with him, if that's what you're wondering," Misty said. "I just came to offer my support as a friend."

"Okay." 

"But if you want the honest truth, I do still have feelings for him."

"Yeah, I kinda figured that."

"I'll probably always have feelings for him. He was the first guy I ever slept with."

A silence fell, hanging between them for what seemed like minutes, rather than seconds. Not the slightest bit surprised at Misty's proclamation, Claudia just there, purposely looking off into the distance, rather than maintaining eye contact with Misty. But after nearly five minutes of the two women not speaking at all, Misty became the first to reinitiate the conversation.

"I know this is super personal to ask, but have you had sex with him yet?"

"No."

"So you're still a virgin?"

"Yeah."

"Wow. I thought he would have dumped you long ago."

Claudia side-eyed her.

"I'm sorry, that sounded horrible, didn't it? It's just I'm really surprised he hasn't moved on yet."

"Well, maybe it's because he actually likes me for who I am."

"Oh, I know he does," Misty replied. "I mean, he's been chasing after you the entire school year."

"And now here we are, almost graduating." The realization made Claudia contemplate just how quickly time had passed. "Wow, I'll never forget how nervous I was that first day of school."

"And I'll never forget how much I hated your guts."

Claudia's eyes turned cold as she stared Misty down.

"Hated, as in *past * tense," Misty clarified. "I can honestly say I've worked through those issues, and am no longer jealous of you."

"Oh." Her eyes went soft again, and the rigidity in her body instantly loosened. "Well that's good. Because I'm not jealous of you anymore, either."

"That dress you were wearing the first day of school..." Misty's voice temporarily trailed off, and a smile crept onto her face. "What did I say about it again?"

"You told me the 90's were over. And that, 'nobody dresses like that anymore'."

"Oh yeah, that's right." Her smile grew bigger as she posed the next question. "Wasn't it a velvet babydoll dress, with those big wide sleeves?"

"They're called bell sleeves," Claudia said. "And yes, that's what the dress looked like."

"When I first saw you I remember thinking, wow, what a unique dress that is. Then the next thought that popped into my mind, was that you looked like a gothic hippie."

"A gothic hippie?" Claudia lifted a brow in amusement. "Does such a thing even exist?"

"I don't know." Misty was still grinning, showing off her straight, white teeth. "But if it does, you would have definitely been it."

No longer able to hold back a smile, Claudia allowed it to spread across her face.

"I actually loved that dress," Misty confessed. "But I didn't like the way that Lucas was staring at you. So I decided to try and tear you down by making fun of it."

"Wow." Amazed at her honesty, Claudia gave Misty a thoughtful look. "I'm really surprised you're telling me all of this."

"Well like I said, I've worked through my issues, so there's no jealousy towards you anymore. Plus, we'll be graduating in the next three weeks, so it's probably time we end this feud and leave the high school shit behind us, right?"

"Yeah." A nod of agreement preceded her words. "You're right, it *is* time to grow up."

The words held more weight than Claudia had intended them to, and it seemed that both girls had been reminded that the end of an era was just on the horizon.

"Are you scared?" Misty asked, her eyes now wide with seriousness. 

"Of what, leaving high school?"

She nodded.

"Yeah. But I'm also really excited, because I'll get to move off to college and live in the city as an adult."

"That'll probably be easier for you than it will for me," Misty said. "You've already lived on the outside, so you know what it's like. All I know is rez life."

"I wouldn't worry about it," Claudia said. "It's not so scary. Will just take some getting used to, you know?"

"Yeah." 

"You going to college?"

Misty nodded. "Seattle University. What about you?"

"University of Montana."

"That's a good school."

"So is Seattle University. Congratulations on being accepted."

"Thanks, same to you."

"So I hope this isn't too personal to ask," Claudia began, "but after you lost your virginity to Lucas, did you regret it?"

"No, I was completely ready. But if I was to do it all over again, I'd have made Lucas wait a little bit longer."

"Did he treat you any differently after you gave it up?"

"Well, he wasn't quite as attentive and he did start flirting with other girls again, but overall he still treated me really well." 

"So how did you guys end up in an open relationship? Was it before or after you had sex?"

"After. And I was the one who suggested it."

"Seriously?" Completely flabbergasted, she stared at Misty. "Why would you want to have an open relationship?"

"Because I have abandonment issues. And I figured that if I allowed Lucas to have sex with other girls, I would be able to hold onto him forever."

For the first time since meeting Misty nine months ago, Claudia felt as if she was seeing her for who she truly was. No facades, no violent bursts of jealousy or snarky put-downs; those had all been shields, defense mechanisms to hide the pain that she was continually carrying around. 

Misty was a real and honest person, someone who was brave enough to admit their not so admirable qualities, and Claudia couldn't help but have respect for the girl. 

"I push people away before they can leave me," Misty continued. "That's the way it's been ever since my parents died."

"I'm sorry you lost them." Claudia's tone held genuine concern. "How long ago was it?"

"Three years."

"That isn't so long at all."

Curiosity made Claudia want to question how it happened, but Misty's eyes were becoming watery, so she decided against it.

"Anyways, that's pretty much the story of me and Lucas. He did ask me to go steady once, but I told him no. I figured he was totally okay with leaving things as they were, because he seemed to enjoy the freedom of an open relationship. But I later found out through a friend of his, that he was really disappointed I wouldn't commit to him."

"So I guess he's not so into sleeping around after all..." 

"Well he obviously enjoys the freedom that it gives him," Misty said. "But if he really falls for a girl, he's the type of guy who will commit and be with only her."

"Yeah, I'm starting to see that about him." Claudia offered a little nod in agreement of Misty's words. 

"Word of advice, though," Misty said. "When you do have sex with him, make sure you double up on protection."

Claudia's brows lifted in a questioning way.

"Oh It's not like I'm saying he's dirty or anything. I'm just mentioning it so you won't get pregnant, like I did."

"Lucas got you pregnant?"

"Yeah." 

"Why didn't you guys use a condom? And if you got pregnant, then what happened to the baby? Did you get an abortion?"

"We did use a condom," Misty stated. "But it broke, and the morning after pill failed. "I thought about getting an abortion, but Lucas begged me to keep it. Said it would bring bad medicine to the reservation, and that we as Native people needed to increase our population, not purposely diminish it."

"So you gave it up for adoption?"

"No, I miscarried."

"Oh...I'm sorry."

"Yeah, well...just wasn't meant to be," she said with a sad little smile.

For a few minutes they were both completely quiet, but soon Misty was once again engaging Claudia in conversation.

"I'm sure you have your reasons for deciding to hold off on sex with Lucas, but I just gotta say, you don't know what you're missing, girl."

Claudia's brows lifted, muscles going stiff as she looked at Misty.

"I'm sorry, I know he's your boyfriend now. I shouldn't have said that."

"No, it's okay." Claudia's posture began to loosen, and with curiosity in her voice she asked, "So what did you mean by that? Just what exactly am I missing out on?"

"Well not to give details away or anything, but a guy doesn't have sex with as many girls as Lucas has, and not have some awesome sexual techniques, know what I'm saying?"

"He's that good, huh?"

"Not good, not great, but excellent."

"Well he does know how to go down on a girl."

"That *tongue* of his." The memory of it caused a sigh to be pushed from her lips. "It's really magical, isn't it?" 

"Yep. It's definitely something."

"See, this guy I'm currently with is pretty good in bed too, but when it comes to oral sex, he's *completely* clueless."

"So teach him." A grin crossed Claudia's face before she asked, "I didn't know you were going out with someone."

"Yeah. I'm surprised you haven't seen us around school."

"Is he the guy you always sit with at lunch? Wears his hair in a short ponytail and always has that green parka jacket on?"

"Yep, that's him."

"Oh, I didn't know you guys were a couple. I never noticed you holding hands or anything, so I just figured you were friends."

"We were, up until a few days before prom. That's when he finally decided to ask me out."

"Well he seems like a nice guy, so good for you."

"Thanks, and he really is a sweetie. 

The sound of rubber soled shoes squeaking on the linoleum floor alerted Claudia and Misty that the nurse was approaching, and with clipboard in hand, she came to a stop directly in front of them.

"The patient is now ready to receive visitors, and from the sign in sheet on my clipboard, it looks like Misty Red Bird is first in line." 

"Actually, I think Claudia should go first," Misty said. "She is his girlfriend, after all."

Wait a minute." The nurse looked up from her clipboard. "Half an hour ago, when I asked you two which one of you was his girlfriend, both of you answered 'I am'."

"And she was telling the truth. I lied." The smirk on Misty's lips was faint, but still visible. "I'm actually not his girlfriend. I only said that to piss Claudia off."

The chuckle that bubbled from Claudia's throat was quickly followed by a snicker from Misty.

"So you're not his girlfriend," the nurse said while looking at Misty, "but you are," She was now focusing on Claudia for confirmation.

"That's correct."

"Okay..." The RN lifted her eyebrows, then shook her head, as if to convey that she found the entire situation ridiculous. "So which of you wants to go first?"

"Misty can go," Claudia said.

"But why? You're his girlfriend."

"I'm in a good mood, okay Misty? Now go ahead before I change my mind."

"Hey, thanks. I won't take long, promise." She retrieved a large baggie from her purse, then stood to her feet in preparation of following the nurse. 

"Wait a minute. What is that?" Focusing intently on the baggie that Misty held, the RN eyed it suspiciously, as if it contained poison. 

Equally curious, Claudia also studied the ziplock bag, which was filled with a variety of exotic looking dried herbs. It was the pungent scent, however - which reminded Claudia of vinegar and licorice - that really made her wonder just what it was.

"It's a natural remedy specially formulated to control seizures and convulsions," Misty said to the nurse.

"Do you know the exact ingredients?"

"Of course. I made it myself."

"So it's homemade."

"I'm a skilled herbalist. It's a tradition in our culture to use natural remedies as often as we can."

"Name a few of the herbs you used."

"Skullcap, hyoscyamus, passiflora incarnata ..."

Misty may as well have been speaking Greek, because a blank expression crossed the nurses face.

"Well, it will *definitely* have to be cleared by the doctor before we allow the patient to use it. But okay, you're good to go, so follow me back to Room 242."

Misty slung her purse over her shoulder, but before trailing along behind the nurse, she offered Claudia some words in parting.

"So I'm glad we talked. You're actually a pretty cool girl, and I'm sorry for anything I ever said or did to offend you."

"Hey, it's done and in the past. So as far as I'm concerned, it's history."

"Cool. Well, enjoy the rest of your weekend and I'll see you around school."

"Yep. See you."

With a spring in her step, Misty followed the nurse towards Lucas's room, but only got so far as a few steps before she halted and turned to face Claudia. 

"Oh, and I wanna apologize for pouring that egg nog on your hair at the Christmas party. It was totally wrong of me, and I shouldn't have done that."

"Forgiven." 

"Right on, thanks for being so cool about it."

As Misty gave a little wave so did Claudia. Then with a turn on her heel she was off, leaving Claudia to watch her exit the waiting room.



Lost Girl Ch. 17



Humbly sized and possessing an aged façade, Lucas's home was surrounded by a grassy patch of land that was dotted with wildflowers. Discolored and splitting in some areas, the wooden planks of the porch creaked loudly as she ascended them. 

On reaching the door, she knocked on it firmly, then patiently waited for Lucas to answer. As the door pulled back to reveal his tall, masculine frame, he gave her one of his broad smiles, then pulled her inside before closing the door behind them. 

"It's great to have you back home," she said as he pulled her into his arms. "Those three days you were in the hospital seemed to last forever."

"I know, I couldn't wait to get out," he said. "Thanks for visiting me, by the way."

"Of course, how could I not?"

"I missed you while I was in there."

"Missed you more," she responded.

"How much more?"

"Impossible to say." A grin split her face. 

"Well, maybe you can show me, then." 

He slowly lowered his face so that their lips came together, and with a passion that took her breath away, split the seam of her lips with his tongue. His mouth was hot, tongue silky and wet as it aggressively probed her, but it was the way he pressed his body against hers that made her breathing become uneven. 

"Your tongue," she softly uttered as they pulled back for air, "Still works as good as ever, huh?"

"Yep." His breath ghosted against her cheek as he added, "The doctor says the range of movement should be just as good as before I bit it off, so if you're hinting at my oral performance, there shouldn't be any problems there."

"Good to know." 

They shared another peck before Lucas led her down a short hall, and on reaching his bedroom, he ushered her inside. To Claudia's surprise, it was well-kept, and infused with a scent that reminded her of fresh greenery. 

Displayed on one of the walls was an Anthrax tapestry, as well as a framed poster with the words "American Indian Movement" on it, but it was a narrow bookcase tucked into one of the corners that captured her attention. On closer inspection, she saw that it was filled with political books, and after tugging one off the shelf, she read the title aloud.

"Red Power: The Native American Civil Rights Movement."

"Excellent reading, if you're interested in learning about AIM," Lucas said. "But in order to fully grasp what Native activism is all about, I suggest you start off with this one."

Accepting the book from his hand, Claudia noticed it featured a cover which showed a Native man with two long braids that hung over his shoulders. Titled "Where White Men Fear To Tread", it was an impressively thick book, and she found herself curious as to the subject matter that was contained between the pages. 

"It's a biography on Russell Means," Lucas said. "You ever heard of him?"

"Nope." 

"He was a Lakota activist," Lucas informed her. "And one of the most prominent members of the American Indian Movement." 

"He must have had quite a life," she said while scanning the summary on the back cover. "It says he was an actor and a musician, as well."

"A painter, too." As she continued to check out the book, he watched on. "You're free to borrow it, if you're interested."

"Thanks, I'd love to." 

Claudia's gaze drifted towards Lucas's bed, and on noticing the royal blue graduation gown that was laid out on his bed, she walked forward to have a closer look. 

"I see you got your gown," she said while smoothing her palm across the silky material of the academic garment. "You try it on yet?"

"Nope. I thought I'd wait until you arrived so you could help me out with attaching the collar."

"It's pretty easy." She lifted the gown from the bed, then handed it to Lucas so that he could slip into it. "Best thing to do is, apply the tape at the ends of the collar, that way it's completely secured."

Now zipped into the academic robe, Lucas was ready to be collared, and with Claudia's assistance, was able to secure the collar along the neck of the gown. 

"See? There's nothing to it." She smoothed out the wrinkles in his robe before handing over his square academic hat. "Try that on and see how it fits."

He did try it on, and after securing it atop his head, walked over to the mirror to have a look at his reflection.

"Kinda sad, isn't it?" She asked while joining him at the full length mirror. 

"What's sad?" He adjusted his collar so that it was less tight around his neck.

"Us graduating. I mean on one hand I'm really happy about it, because we'll finally be out of high school, but leaving you behind is really going to suck."

"What if you didn't have to leave me behind?"

"What?" Claudia's posture perked up, eyes widening with hope as she took his hand in hers. "Did you get into college after all? Oh God, please tell me you got into University of Montana. That would make my *entire* year."

"This isn't about me getting into college," Lucas said. "Because I didn't. But I did come up with a plan that I think would be good for the both of us."

"Okay, so tell me about it." With a tug on his hand, she led him towards the bed.

"I had a lot of time to think while I was in the hospital those four days, and I realized that long distance relationships are a really bad idea."

"Okay..." Bracing herself for his next words, Claudia's body stiffened. 

"So, I was thinking if you don't mind putting off college for another year, you could maybe stay with me here on the reservation."

Flabbergasted by the suggestion, Claudia gave him an incredulous look. 

"Now I know you're probably thinking I have nothing to offer you here, but the thing is, my dad is letting me move into the guesthouse. It's big enough for two, so you could definitely move in with me." A smile curled his lips as he continued on. "It'd be like our own little space. No parents breathing down our backs, just you and me, free to do whatever we wanted."

"And what exactly *would* we do?" Claudia asked. "I mean there's not a whole lot of options on the reservation for people our age."

"Well, I'm starting work at the lumber yard this weekend, so there's that. And if you wanted to get a job, I could ask around to see if there are any openings."

"And if there aren't?"

"Then you'll stay home, get pregnant, and have a bunch of my babies. That'll pass the time, huh?"

Her eyes widened, muscles locking as her body tensed up.

"It's a joke, Claudia. I was only kidding." 

"Oh..." The stiffness in her body dissipated, but that didn't stop her from watching Lucas with a wary expression.

"Seriously, though. I really want you to stay with me." His eyes shone with hope, thumb lightly stroking the back of her hand. "Once fall rolls around, I could take classes at the community college. From what I hear, I only need thirty credits to transfer out. So by this time next year, we could be leaving for university together.

"Really, only a year? I thought it'd be two at least."

"The counselor at U of M said a year, if I take classes full time." 

"Wow. I'm really impressed that you've thought this out, but I'm kind of unsure, Lucas. I mean university is pretty important to me, and I don't wanna be a year behind everyone else."

"You mean Tristan, Kimi, and Ethan."

"Yeah," she said before adding, "They're my friends. And It'd be nice for us to all graduate at the exact same time."

"What if you and I graduated together?" He asked. "Would that make up for you being a year behind your friends?" 

"Well yeah, that'd be great."

"So put school off for a year." 

"I can't."

"Why not?" 

"Because I'm already prepared to start this fall. And I'm afraid that if I don't, something will happen."

"Like what?"

"I don't know..." But a part of her did, and as she stared at Lucas, he stared back with a stony expression.

"You think I wanna trap you here?" He asked. "Knock you up, so that you'll never move on?"

"I didn't say that."

"It's what you're thinking, though."

"No, It's *not*."

Silence hung in the air, so heavy and thick it seemed to serve as a partition between them. Rather than continue to hold her hand, Lucas slowly released it, then stared at the wall in front of him with a blank look on his face.

"I'm sorry, It's nothing personal. I just don't think it'd be a good idea to put off school." 

"No need to explain," he sadly said. "I understand."

"I'm actually flattered that you even asked me." 

"Don't be." He looked at his hands, focusing intently on them before turning his attention to Claudia. "The truth of it is, I'm not actually ready for a live in girlfriend."

Sensing he would continue, Claudia remained quiet.

"I just hate the idea of being left behind. And knowing that Tristan will be going along too really pisses me off."

Anger radiated from him like molten heat, but as she placed a palm against his shoulder, his posture loosened.

"You'll be in university soon, too," Claudia said. "Twelve months from now you'll be transferring from community college, and on your way to the city."

"Of course you and Tristan will probably have hooked up by then," he said. "So it's not like I should look forward to sharing an apartment with you, or hanging around with you everyday." 

"Lucas, please..." she said while giving him a serious look. "I really don't want to get into the whole Tristan thing again, okay?"

Claudia waited for him to respond, but on noticing that he was purposely avoiding eye contact, she cupped his chin so he was forced to look into her eyes. Shocked to see that his eyes were wet, she lifted her hand to his cheek, and after smoothing her palm along it, offered a deep and thoughtful expression. 

"It's okay to show your emotions, Lucas. I won't think you're weak if you want to cry."

"I'm not crying." His jaw tightened, body going tense as she continued to caress his cheek.

"Maybe not right now, but it seems like you want to."

"I don't."

"Okay." 

Thick with silence, the air surrounding them was laced with a palpable sadness.

"So thanks for coming over to help me with my graduation gown." He swallowed a lump, then took off his square cap and tossed it onto the bed. "I've got stuff to do, so I guess I'll see you around later."

"Kicking me out already, huh?" A wan smile crossed her face, but as he stood up from the bed and made an exaggerated display of taking off his graduation gown, her lips drew into a straight line. 

"Are you mad at me?"

"No."

"Well something's wrong, so tell me."

Rather than immediately respond, Lucas stripped out of his ribbed tank top, then retrieved a can of aerosol deodorant from his nightstand.

"You going out?" Claudia asked as she watched him spray it beneath his arms.

"Yep."

"Where?"

"I don't know...to drive around and clear my head."

"Can I come with you?"

"No. I need to be alone." 

He headed past the bed and towards the closet, but with a quickness that caught him completely off guard, Claudia grabbed hold of his wrist, gently coaxing him back towards the bed.

"Don't go, Lucas. Please."

He seemed to think it over for a bit before finally taking a seat, but instead of getting comfortable on the soft, cozy bed, he sat on the very edge, as if preparing to spring off it at any moment. Noticing that his body was rigid, Claudia slung a leg over his lap, but this only seemed to make his body more wooden than ever. 

"Babe, come on," she said while smoothing a palm along his bare chest. "Please don't be mad at me." 

"I already told you, I'm not mad."

But clearly he was, and as he continued to stare at the wall in front of him, Claudia backed off just slightly to give him some space. Eventually the rigidity in his body began to lessen, and as her hand lifted to touch one of his long, waist length braids, he finally shifted his gaze from the wall. Now focusing on her face, he tenderly grabbed hold of her chin, tilting it upward so that her eyes were firmly locked on his. 

"Admit it," he softly said.

"Admit what?" Claudia asked. 

"That it's over between us." 

"What?" A pain rose in the back of her throat, heart beating quicker as she stared into his eyes.

"You're saving yourself for Tristan. He's the one you want to give yourself to, so why are you wasting your time with me?"

"Where is this coming from?" Shocked by his declaration, she stared at him dazedly.

"Am I'm wrong?" His eyes searched hers imploringly. "Because if I am, I won't bring it up again." 

Claudia tried to speak. But instead of words being discharged, she found that her mouth was dry and her tongue paralyzed.

"Look, I don't blame you, all right?" Lucas said. "I know I'm not going off to university with you guys, and I don't have anything to offer you here on the rez, so why *wouldn't* you want to be with him?"

"This has nothing to do with him going off to college," she said. "I don't think he's above you because he's going to university, and I'm definitely not saving myself for him."

Completely disregarding her response, Lucas continued to speak. "You know what really bothers me about this whole situation?" A short pause was accompanied by a flash of annoyance in his eyes. "It isn't that you and I aren't having sex, it's the fact that I'm second best to him. I don't like being second best, and none of the other girls I've been with have ever preferred another guy over me."

"I don't *prefer* him over you. If I did, I wouldn't be with you right now."

"Right." Lucas gently nodded his head, but the way he let out a long, low sigh told Claudia that he wasn't buying her statement. "When I was in the hospital these past four days, I did a lot of thinking. And I came to a couple of realizations."

"Okay." Her mouth went dry, heart beating quickly as she waited for him to continue.

"You aren't going to sleep with me. Not now, or ever." His tone was almost accusing, as if he'd been promised something that Claudia wouldn't deliver. "And once you move off to college, we'll hardly see each other at all. So let's just end this."

For a moment they did nothing more than stare at each other in silence, but as Lucas wrapped an arm around her waist and angled his head for a kiss, a question mark appeared in Claudia's eyes.

"This kiss is for closure," he said while gazing into her eyes. "I need it, and I think you do, too."

As he leaned in closer she began to wonder if it was more of a bad idea than a good one, but as Lucas's mouth pressed softly against her own, Claudia's lips parted. 

It wasn't long before their tongues began to tangle, and as the kiss deepened further, sensations began rioting through Claudia's body. What seemed like merely seconds turned out to be a full half minute, and only out of necessity did they finally pull back to take in air. 

"Why is it so hard for me to let you go?" There was puzzlement on Lucas's face, as if he were actually struggling to figure out the reason.

"Don't know," she breathily said. "But if we're serious about breaking things off, we should probably stop kissing."

"We should," he said while leaning in for another round. "But it's kinda hard to stop once you get going."

Hot, wet, and oh so gratifying, their kiss was accompanied by faint moans. Holding Claudia about the waist with his hands, Lucas eased her onto his lap. Now face to face with Claudia, Lucas's pelvis pressed against hers, as if seeking to share the heat that seared its way through his jeans, but it was the sensation of his lips against the column of her throat that made her utter a thick gasp. Closure my ass, she thought with a little smirk, and wrapped her long legs around his waist.

"Guess saying goodbye isn't so easy after all, is it?" A gentle smile quirked Lucas's lips, fingers lifting to slip through her curly strands. "I'm really gonna miss touching your hair. 

"I'm gonna miss touching yours, too." Her hands sought out his two long braids, thumbs stroking along the pattern of the plaits which led all the way down to his hipbone. "I've never dated a guy with such beautiful hair before.

A light chuckle bubbled from his throat, but as he noticed the way Claudia was toying with the bands that held the ends of his hair together, he offered a suggestion.

"You can let it loose if you want...maybe play with it for awhile, run your fingers through it..."

"You want me to play with your hair?" 

"Why not?" He said through a smile. "You know, just for old times sake."

"Well I guess I wouldn't mind." As if to give the impression that she was thinking it over, Claudia lightly bit her lip. "I mean, I always did love touching it."

"Then go for it." 

And she did, carefully undoing the narrow, perfectly formed plaits until they'd been loosened and transformed into free flowing hair. Eagerly, and with an enthusiasm that made Lucas smile, Claudia ran her fingers through his locks, admiring the way they lay against his smooth, toned chest. It wasn't just the sleek shinyness of it, but the length and softness that made her eyes go bright with adoration. 

"Your hair," she said while continuing to touch it. "It's like really soft, especially at the roots."

"That's probably the bear fat," he said. "My mom combs it through my hair when she braids it every morning."

"Oh." Her fingers worked through a small knot, attentively loosening it before continuing to caress his silky strands. "So this is kinda funny, huh? I mean we're supposed to be breaking up, and here I am running my fingers through your hair."

"I think it's nice," Lucas said. "I mean just because we're not going out anymore, doesn't mean we have to be enemies or anything. I care a lot for you Claudia, so if I can't have you as my girl, I at least want you as a friend."

"I feel the same way." No longer touching his hair, she was now caressing his face with a gentle tenderness. "You're sweet, you know that?"

"Thanks." The corners of his lips tugged upwards. 

"And just so you know, I'm not saving myself for Tristan. I mean, yes I have feelings for him, but that doesn't mean I would just lay down and immediately spread my legs."

"Okay." 

"And It's not that I never wanted to have sex with you, because I did. Like, a lot."

"Then why didn't you?" He asked with a small frown. "I don't understand how you could have been horny, yet turn me down everytime that I asked."

"Well it's kinda hard to explain, but I guess it's because I'll be moving away in a few months." She briefly paused before adding, "Sometimes with long distance relationships, things can happen - like stuff you wouldn't expect, and maybe you would meet someone else...like some other girl..." The silence that followed her statement punctuated the last few words. 

"I would never cheat on you, Claudia," he said. "The reason I asked you to go steady, is because I knew you were special and I was ready to commit."

The words melted her heart, and as she searched Lucas's face for any signs of dishonesty, she saw that his eyes had gone all soft and watery. 

"So since we're broken up now, should we still talk and text?" she asked. "Or do we cut off all communication and just go on with our lives?" 

"I'd like to remain friends," Lucas said. "What about you?"

"Yeah." She nodded in agreement.

"Good." He pulled her in closer to him, but instead of angling his mouth with her lips, he zeroed in on her neck. 

"Friends, huh?" She licked her lips, pulse quickening as his mouth touched the column of her throat. "No friend I ever had made such intimate advances on me."

"Closure," Lucas murmured as he brushed his lips against her neck. "Last chance before we say goodbye."

"I don't like goodbyes." Her fingers slipped into his hair, reveling in the silky soft smoothness of it. "It's such a final word. I mean, isn't goodbye like forever?"

A faint whisper of a word left Lucas's mouth in response, but Claudia couldn't understand what he said, because his mouth was sealed to her neck. Within moments, Claudia's eyes were half mast, nostrils lightly flaring at the clean scent of his shampoo. 




Lost Girl Ch. 17



The softness of his lips felt like heaven against her neck, mouth gentle and inviting as he lightly suckled the sensitive skin of her throat. But as the suction of his lips began to walk the line of pain, Claudia realized that he wasn't just kissing her neck, but actively working at giving her a hickey. And then, the unthinkable happened. 

"Ow!" She jerked away from him, fingers stroking the place where he'd embedded his teeth. "You *bit* me."

"I nibbled."

"No, you *bit*."

"Sorry." His eyes softened, mouth turning downward with guilt. 

"You don't just give someone a hickey, you ask first."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that," he said. "I just got carried away."

"Why would you mark me? We're not in a relationship anymore, so what was the point?" 

"There was no point, it just sort of happened."

"Yeah, right." She openly stared at him for several moments before he finally caved in and confessed.

"Okay, so maybe it wasn't a mistake. Maybe I want you to think of me everytime you look in the mirror. Is that so bad?"

"No." Her features softened as she added, "But you didn't even ask, so I wasn't prepared for it."

"I really am sorry," he said. "I just got this sudden urge to do it, so I did."

"Marking me as your territory..." Claudia slowly shook her head before saying, "I mean what's the point, when it was *you* that broke up with me?"

"I know. Look, it was totally stupid of me, and I apologize, all right?" 

Still touching the tender spot on her neck, Claudia nodded.

"So..." He cleared his throat. "I'm really gonna miss hanging out with you."

"Yeah, so will I."

"And I'll miss kissing you, too."

"Likewise."

"And I'll also miss doing the other stuff." His voice dropped an octave, becoming husky. "Especially that one thing..."

Lifting her brows, Claudia looked at him questioningly.

"You know...that *thing* that you're really good at."

A smile broke out across her face.

"So lets not be strangers, okay? Call me sometime. Let me know how you're doing."

"I'm sure we'll see each other around school," she said. "And the rez is so small, we'll probably bump into each now and again."

"Yeah." He lightly nodded before saying, "We will." 

Perhaps sensing that the time to part ways had arrived, they disengaged from their embrace, and with Lucas leading the way, headed for the front door. Bright blue with white, puffy clouds, the sky stretched out above them as they stepped onto the porch. Enveloped by a gentle breeze, Claudia and Lucas just stood there, as if both were reluctant to say goodbye. 

"Sorry I can't drive you home," Lucas said. "Parents say I can't use my truck until I'm seizure free for three months." 

"That seems reasonable."

"Yeah, it's *totally* reasonable." A half scoff, half laugh escaped his mouth. "You can't do shit around here without a car. Anywhere worth hanging out is at least a half hour drive from here." 

"You had a major seizure, Lucas." Claudia's chest tightened at the memory. "You almost *died*."

"But I'm on stronger medication now, and the doctor said it was probably induced by high doses of caffeine."

"Still better to be safe than sorry."

"Yeah, I guess." His shoulders pulled into a shrug.

"By the way," she said while looking deep into his eyes, "I'm really glad you're okay."

"Thanks, babe." He gave her a smile.

"When I say I'm really glad, it doesn't truly express how I feel, though." Her lip started to tremble, vision becoming blurred as she recalled that fateful night. "I was *so* scared, Lucas. I thought you were going to die right there in my house." 

"But I didn't die. I'm right here with you, so everything is okay now, isn't it?"

"Yeah." Her voice wavered, mascara running as big, fat tears slid down her cheeks." 

"Hey now, don't cry." Lucas pulled her against him, arms wrapping around her waist as he looked down in her eyes. "Come on, there's no need for tears. I'm all better now, you know that."

She nodded, but the tears only came faster, making a mess not only of her mascara, but the foundation she'd so carefully applied earlier that morning. 

"I'm g-going to m-m-miss you."

"Oh babe, so will I." He hugged her tightly, and as she hugged back, he gave her a tender kiss on the top of the head.

By the time they pulled away, the tears had finally stopped flowing. But the tightness in her chest hadn't eased up, not even a bit. 

"I still love you," he said. "A part of me always will."

"I feel the same way." 

"Good. That makes me happy."

Slowly, and with a look of sadness in his eyes, he leaned down to kiss her. It wasn't the softness of his lips, or even the silkiness of his tongue, but the gentle tenderness he used that made her melt right beneath his touch. Rather than pull away after a few solid seconds, they deepened the kiss, and soon Claudia felt Lucas pressing himself greedily against her body. 

Hot, wet, and long, the oral embrace felt *right*. So right, in fact, that Claudia began to wonder if they wouldn't end up back in his house. But they had to pull away sometime, and when their lips broke free to take in air, they were left standing there with sadness in their eyes. 

"So are we supposed to say something official?" Her eyes implored him, as if hoping there was a magic word to erase the anguish that she felt. 

"I think we've pretty much said all that we could." His palm lifted to cup her chin, pad of his thumb tenderly stroking the outline of her lips. "So this is goodbye."

"Goodbye sounds so final," she said. "How about we say, 'so long', instead?"

"Okay." A smile graced his lips as he gazed down at her. "So long, pretty girl."

"So long," she said through a lump in her throat. 

He slowly backed away, giving her a small smile before turning on his heel. She heard the sound of the screen door creaking as he opened it, but by that time she was already walking away. *Don't look back*, a voice inside of her said, but of course she did so anyways, and on noticing that he was still standing on the porch watching her retreat, she swallowed a lump in her throat. 

She didn't know if he planned to continue watching her until she was totally out of sight, but she couldn't look at him anymore. Seeing him stand there on the porch all alone while she walked off and left him behind was just too painful for her to bear. Her feet felt heavy, and with each step that she took, it felt as if she was actively struggling to continue on. 

It wasn't until she was crossing the street and heading to the other side that she found the courage to look back one more time. But this time the door was closed, leaving no trace of Lucas at all.



Lost Girl Ch. 18



Humbly sized and possessing an aged façade, Lucas's home was surrounded by a grassy patch of land that was dotted with wildflowers. Discolored and splitting in some areas, the wooden planks of the porch creaked loudly as she ascended them. 

On reaching the door, she knocked on it firmly, then patiently waited for Lucas to answer. As the door pulled back to reveal his tall, masculine frame, he gave her one of his broad smiles, then pulled her inside before closing the door behind them. 

"It's great to have you back home," she said as he pulled her into his arms. "Those three days you were in the hospital seemed to last forever."

"I know, I couldn't wait to get out," he said. "Thanks for visiting me, by the way."

"Of course, how could I not?"

"I missed you while I was in there."

"Missed you more," she responded.

"How much more?"

"Impossible to say." A grin split her face. 

"Well, maybe you can show me, then." 

He slowly lowered his face so that their lips came together, and with a passion that took her breath away, split the seam of her lips with his tongue. His mouth was hot, tongue silky and wet as it aggressively probed her, but it was the way he pressed his body against hers that made her breathing become uneven. 

"Your tongue," she softly uttered as they pulled back for air, "Still works as good as ever, huh?"

"Yep." His breath ghosted against her cheek as he added, "The doctor says the range of movement should be just as good as before I bit it off, so if you're hinting at my oral performance, there shouldn't be any problems there."

"Good to know." 

They shared another peck before Lucas led her down a short hall, and on reaching his bedroom, he ushered her inside. To Claudia's surprise, it was well-kept, and infused with a scent that reminded her of fresh greenery. Displayed on one of the walls was an Anthrax tapestry, as well as a framed poster with the words "American Indian Movement" on it, but it was a narrow bookcase tucked into one of the corners that captured her attention. On closer inspection, she saw that it was filled with political books, and after tugging one off the shelf, she read the title aloud.

"Red Power: The Native American Civil Rights Movement."

"Excellent reading, if you're interested in learning about AIM," Lucas said. "But in order to fully grasp what Native activism is all about, I suggest you start off with this one."

Accepting the book from his hand, Claudia noticed it featured a cover which showed a Native man with two long braids that hung over his shoulders. Titled "Where White Men Fear To Tread", it was an impressively thick book, and she found herself curious as to the subject matter that was contained between the pages. 

"It's a biography on Russell Means," Lucas said. "You ever heard of him?"

"Nope." 

"He was a Lakota activist," Lucas informed her. "And one of the most prominent members of the American Indian Movement." 

"He must have had quite a life," she said while scanning the summary on the back cover. "It says he was an actor and a musician, as well."

"A painter, too." As she continued to check out the book, he watched on. "You're free to borrow it, if you're interested."

"Thanks, I'd love to." 

Claudia's gaze drifted towards Lucas's bed, and on noticing the royal blue graduation gown that was laid out on his bed, she walked forward to have a closer look. 

"I see you got your gown," she said while smoothing her palm across the silky material of the academic garment. "You try it on yet?"

"Nope. I thought I'd wait until you arrived so you could help me out with attaching the collar."

"It's pretty easy." She lifted the gown from the bed, then handed it to Lucas so that he could slip into it. "Best thing to do is, apply the tape at the ends of the collar, that way it's completely secured."

Now zipped into the academic robe, Lucas was ready to be collared, and with Claudia's assistance, was able to secure the collar along the neck of the gown. 

"See? There's nothing to it." She smoothed out the wrinkles in his robe before handing over his square academic hat. "Try that on and see how it fits."

He did try it on, and after securing it atop his head, walked over to the mirror to have a look at his reflection.

"Kinda sad, isn't it?" She asked while joining him at the full length mirror. 

"What's sad?" He adjusted his collar so that it was less tight around his neck.

"Us graduating. I mean on one hand I'm really happy about it, because we'll finally be out of high school, but leaving you behind is really going to suck."

"What if you didn't have to leave me behind?"

"What?" Claudia's posture perked up, eyes widening with hope as she took his hand in hers. "Did you get into college after all? Oh God, please tell me you got into University of Montana. That would make my *entire* year."

"This isn't about me getting into college," Lucas said. "Because I didn't. But I did come up with a plan that I think would be good for the both of us."

"Okay, so tell me about it." With a tug on his hand, she led him towards the bed.

"I had a lot of time to think while I was in the hospital those four days, and I realized that long distance relationships are a really bad idea."

"Okay..." Bracing herself for his next words, Claudia's body stiffened. 

"So, I was thinking if you don't mind putting off college for another year, you could maybe stay with me here on the reservation."

Flabbergasted by the suggestion, Claudia gave him an incredulous look. 

"Now I know you're probably thinking I have nothing to offer you here, but the thing is, my dad is letting me move into the guesthouse. It's big enough for two, so you could definitely move in with me." A smile curled his lips as he continued on. "It'd be like our own little space. No parents breathing down our backs, just you and me, free to do whatever we wanted."

"And what exactly *would* we do?" Claudia asked. "I mean there's not a whole lot of options on the reservation for people our age."

"Well, I'm starting work at the lumber yard this weekend, so there's that. And if you wanted to get a job, I could ask around to see if there are any openings."

"And if there aren't?"

"Then you'll stay home, get pregnant, and have a bunch of my babies. That'll pass the time, huh?"

Her eyes widened, muscles locking as her body tensed up.

"It's a joke, Claudia. I was only kidding." 

"Oh..." The stiffness in her body dissipated, but that didn't stop her from watching Lucas with a wary expression.

"Seriously, though. I really want you to stay with me." His eyes shone with hope, thumb lightly stroking the back of her hand. "Once fall rolls around, I could take classes at the community college. From what I hear, I only need thirty credits to transfer out. So by this time next year, we could be leaving for university together.

"Really, only a year? I thought it'd be two at least."

"The counselor at U of M said a year, if I take classes full time." 

"Wow. I'm really impressed that you've thought this out, but I'm kind of unsure, Lucas. I mean university is pretty important to me, and I don't wanna be a year behind everyone else."

"You mean Tristan, Kimi, and Ethan."

"Yeah," she said before adding, "They're my friends. And It'd be nice for us to all graduate at the exact same time."

"What if you and I graduated together?" He asked. "Would that make up for you being a year behind your friends?" 

"Well yeah, that'd be great."

"So put school off for a year." 

"I can't."

"Why not?" 

"Because I'm already prepared to start this fall. And I'm afraid that if I don't, something will happen."

"Like what?"

"I don't know..." But a part of her did, and as she stared at Lucas, he stared back with a stony expression.

"You think I wanna trap you here?" He asked. "Knock you up, so that you'll never move on?"

"I didn't say that."

"It's what you're thinking, though."

"No, It's *not*."

Silence hung in the air, so heavy and thick it seemed to serve as a partition between them. Rather than continue to hold her hand, Lucas slowly released it, then stared at the wall in front of him with a blank look on his face.

"I'm sorry, It's nothing personal. I just don't think it'd be a good idea to put off school." 

"No need to explain," he sadly said. "I understand."

"I'm actually flattered that you even asked me." 

"Don't be." He looked at his hands, focusing intently on them before turning his attention to Claudia. "The truth of it is, I'm not actually ready for a live in girlfriend."

Sensing he would continue, Claudia remained quiet.

"I just hate the idea of being left behind. And knowing that Tristan will be going along too really pisses me off."

Anger radiated from him like molten heat, but as she placed a palm against his shoulder, his posture loosened.

"You'll be in university soon, too," Claudia said. "Twelve months from now you'll be transferring from community college, and on your way to the city."

"Of course you and Tristan will probably have hooked up by then," he said. "So it's not like I should look forward to sharing an apartment with you, or hanging around with you everyday." 

"Lucas, please..." she said while giving him a serious look. "I really don't want to get into the whole Tristan thing again, okay?"

Claudia waited for him to respond, but on noticing that he was purposely avoiding eye contact, she cupped his chin so he was forced to look into her eyes. Shocked to see that his eyes were wet, she lifted her hand to his cheek, and after smoothing her palm along it, offered a deep and thoughtful expression. 

"It's okay to show your emotions, Lucas. I won't think you're weak if you want to cry."

"I'm not crying." His jaw tightened, body going tense as she continued to caress his cheek.

"Maybe not right now, but it seems like you want to."

"I don't."

"Okay." 

Thick with silence, the air surrounding them was laced with a palpable sadness.

"So thanks for coming over to help me with my graduation gown." He swallowed a lump, then took off his square cap and tossed it onto the bed. "I've got stuff to do, so I guess I'll see you around later."

"Kicking me out already, huh?" A wan smile crossed her face, but as he stood up from the bed and made an exaggerated display of taking off his graduation gown, her lips drew into a straight line. 

"Are you mad at me?"

"No."

"Well something's wrong, so tell me."

Rather than immediately respond, Lucas stripped out of his ribbed tank top, then retrieved a can of aerosol deodorant from his nightstand.

"You going out?" Claudia asked as she watched him spray it beneath his arms.

"Yep."

"Where?"

"I don't know...to drive around and clear my head."

"Can I come with you?"

"No. I need to be alone." 

He headed past the bed and towards the closet, but with a quickness that caught him completely off guard, Claudia grabbed hold of his wrist, gently coaxing him back towards the bed.

"Don't go, Lucas. Please."

He seemed to think it over for a bit before finally taking a seat, but instead of getting comfortable on the soft, cozy bed, he sat on the very edge, as if preparing to spring off it at any moment. Noticing that his body was rigid, Claudia slung a leg over his lap, but this only seemed to make his body more wooden than ever. 

"Babe, come on," she said while smoothing a palm along his bare chest. "Please don't be mad at me." 

"I already told you, I'm not mad."

But clearly he was, and as he continued to stare at the wall in front of him, Claudia backed off just slightly to give him some space. Eventually the rigidity in his body began to lessen, and as her hand lifted to touch one of his long, waist length braids, he finally shifted his gaze from the wall. Now focusing on her face, he tenderly grabbed hold of her chin, tilting it upward so that her eyes were firmly locked on his. 

"Admit it," he softly said.

"Admit what?" Claudia asked. 

"That it's over between us." 

"What?" A pain rose in the back of her throat, heart beating quicker as she stared into his eyes.

"You're saving yourself for Tristan. He's the one you want to give yourself to, so why are you wasting your time with me?"

"Where is this coming from?" Shocked by his declaration, she stared at him dazedly.

"Am I'm wrong?" His eyes searched hers imploringly. "Because if I am, I won't bring it up again." 

Claudia tried to speak. But instead of words being discharged, she found that her mouth was dry and her tongue paralyzed.

"Look, I don't blame you, all right?" Lucas said. "I know I'm not going off to university with you guys, and I don't have anything to offer you here on the rez, so why *wouldn't* you want to be with him?"

"This has nothing to do with him going off to college," she said. "I don't think he's above you because he's going to university, and I'm definitely not saving myself for him."

Completely disregarding her response, Lucas continued to speak. "You know what really bothers me about this whole situation?" A short pause was accompanied by a flash of annoyance in his eyes. "It isn't that you and I aren't having sex, it's the fact that I'm second best to him. I don't like being second best, and none of the other girls I've been with have ever preferred another guy over me."

"I don't *prefer* him over you. If I did, I wouldn't be with you right now."

"Right." Lucas gently nodded his head, but the way he let out a long, low sigh told Claudia that he wasn't buying her statement. "When I was in the hospital these past four days, I did a lot of thinking. And I came to a couple of realizations."

"Okay." Her mouth went dry, heart beating quickly as she waited for him to continue.

"You aren't going to sleep with me. Not now, or ever." His tone was almost accusing, as if he'd been promised something that Claudia wouldn't deliver. "And once you move off to college, we'll hardly see each other at all. So let's just end this."

For a moment they did nothing more than stare at each other in silence, but as Lucas wrapped an arm around her waist and angled his head for a kiss, a question mark appeared in Claudia's eyes.

"This kiss is for closure," he said while gazing into her eyes. "I need it, and I think you do, too."

As he leaned in closer she began to wonder if it was more of a bad idea than a good one, but as Lucas's mouth pressed softly against her own, Claudia's lips parted. It wasn't long before their tongues began to tangle, and as the kiss deepened further, sensations began rioting through Claudia's body. What seemed like merely seconds turned out to be a full half minute, and only out of necessity did they finally pull back to take in air. 

"Why is it so hard for me to let you go?" There was puzzlement on Lucas's face, as if he were actually struggling to figure out the reason.

"Don't know," she breathily said. "But if we're serious about breaking things off, we should probably stop kissing."

"We should," he said while leaning in for another round. "But it's kinda hard to stop once you get going."

Hot, wet, and oh so gratifying, their kiss was accompanied by faint moans. Holding Claudia about the waist with his hands, Lucas eased her onto his lap. 

Now face to face with Claudia, Lucas's pelvis pressed against hers, as if seeking to share the heat that seared its way through his jeans, but it was the sensation of his lips against the column of her throat that made her utter a thick gasp. Closure my ass, she thought with a little smirk, and wrapped her long legs around his waist.

"Guess saying goodbye isn't so easy after all, is it?" A gentle smile quirked Lucas's lips, fingers lifting to slip through her curly strands. "I'm really gonna miss touching your hair. 

"I'm gonna miss touching yours, too." Her hands sought out his two long braids, thumbs stroking along the pattern of the plaits which led all the way down to his hipbone. "I've never dated a guy with such beautiful hair before.

A light chuckle bubbled from his throat, but as he noticed the way Claudia was toying with the bands that held the ends of his hair together, he offered a suggestion.

"You can let it loose if you want...maybe play with it for awhile, run your fingers through it..."

"You want me to play with your hair?" 

"Why not?" He said through a smile. "You know, just for old times sake."

"Well I guess I wouldn't mind." As if to give the impression that she was thinking it over, Claudia lightly bit her lip. "I mean, I always did love touching it."

"Then go for it." 

And she did, carefully undoing the narrow, perfectly formed plaits until they'd been loosened and transformed into free flowing hair. Eagerly, and with an enthusiasm that made Lucas smile, Claudia ran her fingers through his locks, admiring the way they lay against his smooth, toned chest. It wasn't just the sleek shinyness of it, but the length and softness that made her eyes go bright with adoration. 

"Your hair," she said while continuing to touch it. "It's like really soft, especially at the roots."

"That's probably the bear fat," he said. "My mom combs it through my hair when she braids it every morning."

"Oh." Her fingers worked through a small knot, attentively loosening it before continuing to caress his silky strands. "So this is kinda funny, huh? I mean we're supposed to be breaking up, and here I am running my fingers through your hair."

"I think it's nice," Lucas said. "I mean just because we're not going out anymore, doesn't mean we have to be enemies or anything. I care a lot for you Claudia, so if I can't have you as my girl, I at least want you as a friend."

"I feel the same way." No longer touching his hair, she was now caressing his face with a gentle tenderness. "You're sweet, you know that?"

"Thanks." The corners of his lips tugged upwards. 

"And just so you know, I'm not saving myself for Tristan. I mean, yes I have feelings for him, but that doesn't mean I would just lay down and immediately spread my legs."

"Okay." 

"And It's not that I never wanted to have sex with you, because I did. Like, a lot."

"Then why didn't you?" He asked with a small frown. "I don't understand how you could have been horny, yet turn me down everytime that I asked."

"Well it's kinda hard to explain, but I guess it's because I'll be moving away in a few months." She briefly paused before adding, "Sometimes with long distance relationships, things can happen - like stuff you wouldn't expect, and maybe you would meet someone else...like some other girl..." The silence that followed her statement punctuated the last few words. 

"I would never cheat on you, Claudia," he said. "The reason I asked you to go steady, is because I knew you were special and I was ready to commit."

The words melted her heart, and as she searched Lucas's face for any signs of dishonesty, she saw that his eyes had gone all soft and watery. 

"So since we're broken up now, should we still talk and text?" she asked. "Or do we cut off all communication and just go on with our lives?" 

"I'd like to remain friends," Lucas said. "What about you?"

"Yeah." She nodded in agreement.

"Good." He pulled her in closer to him, but instead of angling his mouth with her lips, he zeroed in on her neck. 

"Friends, huh?" She licked her lips, pulse quickening as his mouth touched the column of her throat. "No friend I ever had made such intimate advances on me."

"Closure," Lucas murmured as he brushed his lips against her neck. "Last chance before we say goodbye."

"I don't like goodbyes." Her fingers slipped into his hair, reveling in the silky soft smoothness of it. "It's such a final word. I mean, isn't goodbye like forever?"

A faint whisper of a word left Lucas's mouth in response, but Claudia couldn't understand what he said, because his mouth was sealed to her neck. Within moments, Claudia's eyes were half mast, nostrils lightly flaring at the clean scent of his shampoo. 




Lost Girl Ch. 18



The softness of his lips felt like heaven against her neck, mouth gentle and inviting as he lightly suckled the sensitive skin of her throat. But as the suction of his lips began to walk the line of pain, Claudia realized that he wasn't just kissing her neck, but actively working at giving her a hickey. And then, the unthinkable happened. 

"Ow!" She jerked away from him, fingers stroking the place where he'd embedded his teeth. "You *bit* me."

"I nibbled."

"No, you *bit*."

"Sorry." His eyes softened, mouth turning downward with guilt. 

"You don't just give someone a hickey, you ask first."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that," he said. "I just got carried away."

"Why would you mark me? We're not in a relationship anymore, so what was the point?" 

"There was no point, it just sort of happened."

"Yeah, right." She openly stared at him for several moments before he finally caved in and confessed.

"Okay, so maybe it wasn't a mistake. Maybe I want you to think of me everytime you look in the mirror. Is that so bad?"

"No." Her features softened as she added, "But you didn't even ask, so I wasn't prepared for it."

"I really am sorry," he said. "I just got this sudden urge to do it, so I did."

"Marking me as your territory..." Claudia slowly shook her head before saying, "I mean what's the point, when it was *you* that broke up with me?"

"I know. Look, it was totally stupid of me, and I apologize, all right?" 

Still touching the tender spot on her neck, Claudia nodded.

"So..." He cleared his throat. "I'm really gonna miss hanging out with you."

"Yeah, so will I."

"And I'll miss kissing you, too."

"Likewise."

"And I'll also miss doing the other stuff." His voice dropped an octave, becoming husky. "Especially that one thing..."

Lifting her brows, Claudia looked at him questioningly.

"You know...that *thing* that you're really good at."

A smile broke out across her face.

"So lets not be strangers, okay? Call me sometime. Let me know how you're doing."

"I'm sure we'll see each other around school," she said. "And the rez is so small, we'll probably bump into each now and again."

"Yeah." He lightly nodded before saying, "We will." 

Perhaps sensing that the time to part ways had arrived, they disengaged from their embrace, and with Lucas leading the way, headed for the front door. Bright blue with white, puffy clouds, the sky stretched out above them as they stepped onto the porch. Enveloped by a gentle breeze, Claudia and Lucas just stood there, as if both were reluctant to say goodbye. 

"Sorry I can't drive you home," Lucas said. "Parents say I can't use my truck until I'm seizure free for three months." 

"That seems reasonable."

"Yeah, it's *totally* reasonable." A half scoff, half laugh escaped his mouth. "You can't do shit around here without a car. Anywhere worth hanging out is at least a half hour drive from here." 

"You had a major seizure, Lucas." Claudia's chest tightened at the memory. "You almost *died*."

"But I'm on stronger medication now, and the doctor said it was probably induced by high doses of caffeine."

"Still better to be safe than sorry."

"Yeah, I guess." His shoulders pulled into a shrug.

"By the way," she said while looking deep into his eyes, "I'm really glad you're okay."

"Thanks, babe." He gave her a smile.

"When I say I'm really glad, it doesn't truly express how I feel, though." Her lip started to tremble, vision becoming blurred as she recalled that fateful night. "I was *so* scared, Lucas. I thought you were going to die right there in my house." 

"But I didn't die. I'm right here with you, so everything is okay now, isn't it?"

"Yeah." Her voice wavered, mascara running as big, fat tears slid down her cheeks." 

"Hey now, don't cry." Lucas pulled her against him, arms wrapping around her waist as he looked down in her eyes. "Come on, there's no need for tears. I'm all better now, you know that."

She nodded, but the tears only came faster, making a mess not only of her mascara, but the foundation she'd so carefully applied earlier that morning. 

"I'm g-going to m-m-miss you."

"Oh babe, so will I." He hugged her tightly, and as she hugged back, he gave her a tender kiss on the top of the head.

By the time they pulled away, the tears had finally stopped flowing. But the tightness in her chest hadn't eased up, not even a bit. 

"I still love you," he said. "A part of me always will."

"I feel the same way." 

"Good. That makes me happy."

Slowly, and with a look of sadness in his eyes, he leaned down to kiss her. It wasn't the softness of his lips, or even the silkiness of his tongue, but the gentle tenderness he used that made her melt right beneath his touch. Rather than pull away after a few solid seconds, they deepened the kiss, and soon Claudia felt Lucas pressing himself greedily against her body. 

Hot, wet, and long, the oral embrace felt *right*. So right, in fact, that Claudia began to wonder if they wouldn't end up back in his house. But they had to pull away sometime, and when their lips broke free to take in air, they were left standing there with sadness in their eyes. 

"So are we supposed to say something official?" Her eyes implored him, as if hoping there was a magic word to erase the anguish that she felt. 

"I think we've pretty much said all that we could." His palm lifted to cup her chin, pad of his thumb tenderly stroking the outline of her lips. "So this is goodbye."

"Goodbye sounds so final," she said. "How about we say, 'so long', instead?"

"Okay." A smile graced his lips as he gazed down at her. "So long, pretty girl."

"So long," she said through a lump in her throat. 

He slowly backed away, giving her a small smile before turning on his heel. She heard the sound of the screen door creaking as he opened it, but by that time she was already walking away. Don't look back, a voice inside of her said, but of course she did so anyways, and on noticing that he was still standing on the porch watching her retreat, she swallowed a lump in her throat. 

She didn't know if he planned to continue watching her until she was totally out of sight, but she couldn't look at him anymore. Seeing him stand there on the porch all alone while she walked off and left him behind was just too painful for her to bear. Her feet felt heavy, and with each step that she took, it felt as if she was actively struggling to continue on. 

It wasn't until she was crossing the street and heading to the other side that she found the courage to look back one more time. But this time the door was closed, leaving no trace of Lucas at all.



Lost Girl Ch. 19



It was supposed to be a happy day. A day for celebration, and a day for looking ahead. But Tristan couldn't look ahead. At least not yet, not until Claudia broke her silence and decided to forgive him. Fifteen days. That's how long it had been since he'd last spoken to her, and although he'd sent her numerous texts and more than a few pleading voicemails, he still had yet to receive a response. 

And yet still, even with her completely ignoring him, he made the effort to give a wave whenever he passed her in the halls at school. Of course she never responded, but what really hurt him the most was the way she just looked right through him, as if he were a non-existent entity that she couldn't bother to acknowledge. 

Yet now, on the very last day of school and exactly two days before graduation, Tristan was determined to get back in her good graces. After parking his car in the parking lot, he moved purposefully towards the front entrance of the school. 

Although there was confidence in his demeanor, Tristan couldn't have been any more nervous, and on crossing the threshold that led into the crowded halls, his heart began to palpate with uncertainty.

Having always been overwhelmed by crowds, Tristan hastily walked through the halls, navigating around a group of jocks before sidestepping a couple that was glued at the hip. As was usual for a Friday, the halls were buzzing with excitement, but with graduation on the horizon, everyone seemed to be especially exuberant and happy. 

So happy, that Tristan felt a little annoyed; maybe even disgusted at the way everyone was excitedly chattering and laughing. Everywhere he looked people seemed to be smiling, and that only made him even lonelier. 

With a straight face and a heavy-footed walk, he continued toward the staircase. On reaching the second level, he made for a beeline for Claudia's locker. Luckily for him, she was standing right in front of it, and with a leisurely gaze that was just as admiring as it was lustful, he took a moment to check her out.

Rather than simply look, Tristan fully appreciated, taking note of the way her tight black jeans clung to her long, slender legs. He also noticed that the fabric perfectly hugged her curvy backside, but as his eyes lifted to take in her top, a yearning look spread across his boyishly handsome face.

Featuring a sexy yet tasteful off the shoulder cut, Claudia's top was made of velvet that was the color of red wine. Just fitted enough to emphasize the soft swell of her breasts, Claudia's shirt was undoubtedly soft. But it was her tight, thick curls that fell to the middle of her back that made Tristan's fingers long for a touch. When he finally came within speaking distance of her, a fluttery feeling began to spread through his stomach. But as Claudia continued to pretend that he wasn't right next to her, a wave of sadness began to course through his body. 

"Hey, how's it going?" The smile he gave was wan, stance adjusting as he nervously shifted his feet.

"Hello." Rather than direct her response at him, Claudia spoke into her open locker.

"So I guess you're still mad at me..." Eyeing her closely, Tristan waited for her response. 

"Not really," she said. 

"Seriously?" His limbs tingled with hope.

"Yeah, seriously." Having finished cleaning all of the papers out of her locker, she stuffed them into her backpack, then hoisted it onto her shoulders before slamming the storage compartment shut. 

"Well awesome. That's great. Because I thought you were really upset at me."

"I was." Now face to face with him, Claudia looked deep into his eyes. "But with school finishing up and graduation in a few days, I figured it was time for me to let it go."

As Claudia began walking, so did Tristan, and together they made their way to English class. 

"I mean, I just don't see the point of carrying on feuds, do you?"

"No." Focusing less on her words and more on the unique scent she exuded, Tristan happily followed alongside her.

"So, can you actually believe it's the last day of school?" Claudia's voice held an excitement that was palpable. "Three more months, and we'll be moving off to college. It's pretty unbelievable when you think about it, isn't it?" 

"Yeah," Tristan said as they entered the classroom. "Pretty weird how quickly this year has gone by."

"You have any plans for summer yet?" Having reached her desk, Claudia took a seat, then gestured for Tristan to sit beside her. 

"No, not yet. Why, what about you? Do you have any plans?"

Claudia nodded. "Me and Kimi are thinking about taking a road trip to Seattle."

"Wow. Is Ethan coming along, too?"

"Probably. I mean, knowing how attached he is to Kimi, I'm sure he'll want to tag along."

"So just you three, huh?" The pause he gave was loaded with expectancy, but after several long moments and no response, Tristan spoke again. "Well, cool. I hope you guys have fun."

With a pen in hand and a notebook in front of him, Tristan began copying the journal prompt that was displayed on the chalkboard. But he barely had time to jot down a few words before Claudia reached out to touch his hand.

"Hey." Her voice was soft, lips pulling into a gentle smile as she looked at him. "I was going to ask you along. You know that, right?"

Just briefly, she stroked her thumb against the back of his hand, and as Tristan's gaze lowered to watch this tender moment in action, Claudia steadied her focus on his face.

"You want me along?" With his gaze still focused on her hand, Tristan noticed how small it looked in contrast to his larger one.

"Of course." Her eyes brightened as she said this. "That is unless you've got something better to do the first three weeks of July."

"I don't," Tristan said while looking up at her. 

"Great. So then you'll come with us."

As Tristan smiled, so did she, and with a slowness that seemed to indicate reluctance, Claudia removed her hand from his. A few minutes passed, and then a full half hour, but the ghost of Claudia's caress was still there; reminding Tristan that the memory of her touch was inescapable. 

* * * *

The last bell rang loudly, signaling not only the end of the day, but the completion of the school year. Shoes squeaked on the floor, laughter echoing through the halls as students poured into the corridor from every direction. The smell of sweaty gym clothes mingled with hairspray and deodorant, creating a fragrance which could only be described as unadulterated teen.

But even with the smell of fellow youths surrounding him, Tristan could still pick out

the scent of *her*. She was close, of that he was for sure, but as his eyes scanned the various faces that surrounded him, he found himself wondering just where she was hidden. Along with being fairly tall, Claudia was the only black girl at Browning High, so it shouldn't have been difficult to locate her in the crowd. 

By the time he'd exited the double doors that led down a wide staircase and into the parking lot, Tristan was truly baffled as to why her scent was still lingering around him. But as Lucas suddenly moved into his line of sight, Tristan suddenly figured it out. 

Slowly, and with a look of suspicion on his face, Tristan moved closer to Lucas, who was casually leaning against the stair railing. Focusing entirely on his cell phone, Lucas failed to even notice that Tristan was watching him. But as Tristan continually moved closer, Lucas glanced up to stare him down.

"You got a problem?" 

Rather than immediately respond, Tristan allowed a few beats of silence to pass between them.

"You smell like her."

"Excuse me?" No longer leaning, Lucas was now pulling himself up to full height.

"Claudia." His nostrils flared, taking in the feminine scent that was embedded in Lucas's clothes. "You were with her recently, weren't you?"

"What's it to you?" Lucas's brows drew together. "She's not your girlfriend, so why do you care?"

"I thought you two broke up," Tristan said with a stony expression. "So unless you got back together, why would her smell be all over you?"

"What are you talking about?" Lucas sniffed his flannel jacket before declaring, "I don't smell like anything at all."

"You can't smell it, but *I* can." 

"What?" Lucas frowned for a moment before declaring, "Claudia wasn't even wearing perfume today. So how the hell did you know she was with me?"

"She has a distinct scent," Tristan said. "Everybody does, but the average human being is unable to consciously pick it up."

"You're a freak, you know that?" 

"Oh that's excellent," Tristan said. "I tell you that I have extra-sensory perception and all you can do is call me a freak." 

"Extra sensing *what*?" Lucas's face became pinched. "What in the *fuck* are you even talking about?"

"Forget it. You wouldn't understand." 

"Oh, so what's that supposed to mean? That I'm like stupid, or something?"

"That's not what I meant," Tristan replied. 

"Well I'm *not* stupid," Lucas declared. "I've got a fully functional brain, just like everyone else."

"Look, I'm not here to insult you, okay? I just noticed that you smell like her, and I wanted to find out why that was."

"I'm not telling you anything," Lucas defiantly stated. "You wanna find out, you ask her yourself." 

Equally annoyed with one another, both Tristan and Lucas stayed rooted to the spot, as if both were reluctant to turn their backs on the other. 

"I'll never understand what she sees in you," Lucas said with eyes that were beginning to narrow.

"Funny you would say that, because I was thinking the exact same thing."

"Oh yeah?" Lucas stepped closer until their faces were a mere few inches apart. "Well I guess it's good to know that we can agree on something." 

All around them, students continued pouring out of the entrance to the school. While most were chattering and laughing, some were throwing around Frisbees or horsing around on the lawn. But they may as well have not been there at all, because Lucas and Tristan were cloaked by a blanket of hostility. Yet even with his attention squarely focused on Lucas's face, Tristan sensed that Claudia was in the immediate vicinity.

"Hey, guys. Is everything okay?" 

Simultaneously, Lucas and Tristan turned their heads to look at Claudia, and on noting the nervous expression that was on her face, the tension in their bodies eased up.

"Yeah, everything's cool," Lucas said before backing away from Tristan.

"You sure?" She looked from Tristan to Lucas, and then back again before lifting a brow.

Rather than respond, Tristan remained silent. But as he realized that Claudia was waiting for him to give a response, he hastily mumbled some words.

"Look, I gotta go. See you later, alright?"

With a turn on his heel, Tristan made his way down the steps. Yet instead of a smooth and steady walk, his gait was jerky and reluctant. His legs felt wobbly and there was a tightness in his chest that made it difficult to breathe, but despite all of the signals that his body was giving him, Tristan continued forward. 

A few minutes later, he was starting up his car and maneuvering it out of the school's parking lot. But as he approached the curb where other cars were picking up students, a voice inside of him told him to pull over. He was only idling there for a few seconds when his gaze came to land on Claudia, who was now standing on the lawn with Lucas and Kimi.

Without any hesitation, Tristan slid out from behind the wheel of his car, then made his way towards the lawn. Claudia was first to notice him, followed by Lucas and Kimi, who had halted their conversation to watch him slowly approach.

"Hey, Tristan," Kimi said as he came to a stop in front of them. "I was just asking Claudia if she'd seen you around."

"Oh yeah?" Tristan stuffed his hands into his pockets, then snuck a look at Lucas, who was giving him the stink eye. 

"Yep. So is it true you're coming along on the road trip?"

"Yes, I am," Tristan said. 

"Good, because we need another guy to keep Ethan company." 

"Well it definitely sounds like fun, so I can't wait."

"Oh yeah, it's gonna be a blast." 

"So what's up?" Claudia asked Tristan. "I thought you were heading home."

"I was."

Claudia gave him an inquiring look. 

"Uh, the reason I came back is because I wanted to see if you need a ride home."

"Oh...well that's sweet of you to ask." Just briefly, Claudia turned her head to look at Kimi, and after receiving an encouraging nod in return, she looked back at Tristan. 

"*Do* you have a ride home?" Tristan asked. "Because if you don't, I'd be happy to drive you." 

"Already making your move, huh Whitefeather?" Lucas interjected. "Claudia and I broke up only two weeks ago, and you're already trying to get into her pants."

"Lucas..." Claudia started to say, but as he threw a glare her way, she instantly quieted down.

"Do you have like *any* shame at all, or are you completely heartless?" Lucas asked him.

"Claudia and I are friends," Tristan said. "There's nothing wrong with me asking to drive her home."

"Oh, bullshit," Lucas said. "I'm a guy too, remember? I know how we operate."

"Give him a break, Lucas," Kimi interjected. "She's single now, so he's perfectly within his rights to spend time with her."

"Was he within his rights when he took her into the backseat of his car and made out with her at prom?"

"We didn't make out," Tristan said. "And I already acknowledged that what I did was wrong, so you can stop bringing it up."

"Okay, stop." Now it was Claudia's turn to talk, and after pinning her eyes intently on Tristan, she spoke some firm words. "I need to talk to you. In private."

"Okay," Tristan said, and as she led him away from Kimi and Lucas, he trailed behind her.

Once they reached an oak tree a few yards away, Claudia came to a stop and turned to face Tristan. Then, with a softness in her eyes, she began to speak.

"I think It's really sweet of you to offer me a ride home, but I'm gonna have to pass."

"Why?" A hunched posture had taken over Tristan's body.

"Because I'd feel bad if I accepted," Claudia said. "I mean, I know that Lucas and I are broken up and everything, but I'd feel kinda weird accepting a ride from you when he's standing right in front of us." 

"Oh..." Tristan's head lowered, lips pressing tight as he stared down at the grass.

"You've gotta understand that Lucas is hurting right now. It's not just the fact that we broke things off, but he's feeling really insecure about not going to university. So the last thing I want him to think, is that I'm choosing you over him."

But that's what I want, Tristan thought. I want you to choose me over him, can't you see that? 

Of course she could see it, he knew this without a doubt. But Claudia wasn't the type of girl to stomp on a man's heart. She was sweet and kind, not to mention gentle and sensitive, so it only made sense that she was taking Lucas's feelings into consideration. 

This thought had no sooner gone through his mind before Claudia reached out to touch his shoulder, and as his eyes lifted to meet her own, he saw her offer a little smile.

"So I hope you understand..."

"Yeah, I do." Tristan nodded before adding, "Sorry if I came off as insensitive. It's just that I really like you, and I guess I got a little ahead of myself."

"No worries," Claudia said. "I actually think it's really flattering that you're so interested."

"You do?"

"Yeah." Her features softened even further, eyes hardly blinking as she gazed at his face. 

"Well cool," Tristan said, and for a moment he glanced away, as if thinking over the words that he wanted to speak next. "So is it cool if I text you later? Just to say hello, not for anything special."

The smile on Claudia's lips widened. "Why don't you call me, instead? It's been awhile since we talked on the phone."

"Okay, sure." 

"I'll be at Kimi's until five, but anytime after that I'll be free to talk."

"Cool."

"Talk to you later, then."

"Yep. Later, Claudia."

As he watched her walked away, he wasn't quite sure what to feel. On one hand he felt hope, and yet there was also a twinge of resentment that he felt towards Lucas. Try as he might to kid himself, she *did* still have feelings for him. Not exactly surprising, considering that they'd barely broken up, but he couldn't help feeling jealous that Lucas still had a piece of her heart. 

No longer standing next to the oak tree, Tristan was now walking back to his car. After sliding behind the wheel, he turned the key in the ignition. But instead of driving off, he took a moment to gaze at the crowd of teenagers. Almost immediately, his eyes came to land on Claudia, but since her back was facing him, he didn't get to make eye contact. 

Project your thoughts, a voice inside of him said. Let her know that you're looking at her.

For a moment he found himself wondering if she would actually be able to feel him sending thoughts. But as soon as this thought went through his head, he realized there was no reason why she couldn't. They did share a special kind of connection after all, and he knew she was open minded about these types of things, so why not put it to the test?

I'm staring right at you, Claudia, Tristan thought while intensely concentrating. If you can feel me sending this thought, turn your head and look at me. 

A few moments passed, then several more before Claudia's stance shifted. But instead of only turning her head, she turned her entire body, then immediately pinned her focus on Tristan's car. 

Validation, he exuberantly thought as her eyes locked with his. There's definitely a soul tie between us.

Peering directly into each other's eyes, they simultaneously gave each other a little wave. But it seemed that Claudia was slightly puzzled, because a funny little smile broke out across her lips. Tristan started to return it with a smile of his own, but Claudia was suddenly pulled away, disappearing into the crowd with Kimi, who was guiding her towards a group of chattering female students.

Heart pounding, pulse racing, Tristan sat there for a few moments, thinking over what had just taken place. He hadn't imagined it, she had actually picked up on his thoughts, and now that he knew they were linked on an extrasensory level, it only cemented the strong feelings that he had for her. 

Placing his hand on the stick shift, Tristan put the car into gear, then drove off out of the parking lot. But even as he maneuvered the car onto the street, that feeling of excitement remained, filling his chest with a warmth and lightness that spread through his entire body.

* * * *

Three hours later and with a belly of pizza that she and Kimi had shared, Claudia lay on her bed, staring at the cell phone that was in her hand. For the past twenty minutes, she'd been trying to work up the courage to call Tristan, but everytime she dialed his number, something made her backtrack and cancel the call. Not out of fear, necessarily, but a lack of understanding about how she was going to broach the subject of what had transpired.

Thinking back on it now, she still found herself in a state of wonderment. She wasn't quite sure just what exactly had happened between them, but it seemed that Tristan had utilized one of his gifts to mentally communicate with her. She guessed that telepathy was the correct term for it, but she had *felt* his thoughts, rather than *heard* them. 

Turning onto her back, Claudia recalled the unusual moment when she had sensed him calling out to her. She distinctly remembered a tingling sensation in her head, as if someone had been tickling her brain with a feather, but what had been most strange of all, was the uncontrollable urge to turn around.

It hadn't been instinctual, like the feeling she got when somebody was eyeing her up and down or intensely checking her out. With Tristan it had been different, perhaps supernatural, if she dared used that word. 




Lost Girl Ch. 19



One minute she had just been standing there, listening to Kimi incessantly talk about Ethan, and then she'd felt the tickle in her brain. Immediately after she'd got the feeling that Tristan was *with* her, and that was when she'd turned around and spotted him. So if she'd been able to feel his presence so strongly around her, did that mean she had some kind of a gift, too? 

Or was their friendship more special than she had originally thought? Glancing at her phone, she knew that the time had come to call him. So she quickly dialed in his number, and after just one ring he picked up.

"I was waiting for you to call," Tristan said. "What took you so long?"

Noting the tone of amusement in his voice, Claudia smiled. "I don't know...guess I was trying to figure out what I was going to say."

"And have you?"

"Uhh, not really."

Tristan chuckled. "So what are your thoughts on this whole thing? Have you ever experienced something like that, or was it a first for you?

"Well, It's not the first time I've sensed somebody staring at me, but this was different. It was like I could feel your thoughts, does that make sense?"

"Yes." He paused to allow a few beats of silence. "Did anything happen before you felt me calling out to you? Any unusual sensations in your body?"

"My brain started tickling and I felt an urge to turn around, but other than that, not really."

"When you felt the urge to turn around, did you expect to see that I was watching you?"

"Yes," Claudia said. "I felt your presence before I noticed you."

As Tristan fell silent on the other end of the line, Claudia patiently waited. It wasn't difficult for her to sense that Tristan was thinking over what had been said, so she stayed quiet and just listened to the stillness.

"You busy right now?" He finally asked after a long moment.

"Nope, just hanging at home. Why?"

"I was thinking you could come over," he said. "I mean, it'd probably be good for us to discuss what happened in person, don't you think?"

"Yeah, definitely." 

"Okay, cool. So do you want me to pick you up, or are you getting a ride from your mom?"

"I'll ask my mom to bring me."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, she's been hassling me about not spending time with her lately, so she'd be glad to drive me."

"Okay. I'll see you soon, then."

"Yep. See you in a bit."

As soon as she hung up, Claudia was off the bed and heading for the vanity table, where she freshened up her eyeliner before applying a fresh coat of lipstick. She ran her fingers through her curls a few times, then slipped into a motorcycle style jacket. The smells wafting from the kitchen told Claudia that dinner was being cooked, but as she entered the kitchen to find her mother and Big John passionately kissing, she cringed in disgust.

"Oh, God. Do you guys *always* have to kiss?"

Startled, the couple broke their embrace, but instead of looking bashful, they wore expressions of amusement. 

"Would you rather we be fighting instead?" Big John asked.

"No." Claudia peered into a skillet that held sizzling ground beef. "But if you guys wanna make out, can't you go to the bedroom and do it in private?"

"It's our house too," Mona said with a smile, but on noticing that Claudia was freshly made up, a question mark came into her eyes.

"Where are you off to?" 

"Tristan's. Can I have a ride?"

"Sure. Just give me a minute to finish seasoning this meat." 

Turning her attention to the spice rack on the counter, Mona retrieved a jar of seasoning salt. She sprinkled it over the ground beef a few times, then focused her green eyes on her daughter. 

"So you and Tristan, huh?" Mona shared a quick look with Big John before retraining her eyes on Claudia. "Okay."

"It's not what you think," Claudia said. "I'm just going over there to talk."

"Oh."

"Well I am."

"Did I say anything?" Mona lifted a brow before pouring tomato sauce over the ground beef.

"It seemed like you and Lucas really liked one another," Big John said. "It's a shame that it didn't work out."

"Yeah. Well, we're heading in different directions, so it really wouldn't have lasted long term, you know?"

"Don't rush into anything with Tristan," Mona said. "I know you're young and you want to date around, but give yourself some time to heal from Lucas."

"Tristan and I aren't dating," Claudia corrected. "We're just hanging out as friends."

"He's a boy," Mona stated while stirring the beef. "And he likes you as *more* than a friend."

"Tristan isn't a boy, mom. He's eighteen now. Which makes him legally a man." 

The seriousness in her voice made Mona and Big John exchange a smirk, which in turn caused annoyance to bubble up in Claudia.

"And so what if he does like me? I like him too, but that doesn't mean we're just going to throw ourselves at each other."

"So you *do* like him," Big John said.

"Duhh," Mona stated before adding with a grin, "Really, John? You didn't already know that?"

"Well she never came out and officially said it, so how was I to know?"

"Oh, babe..." Mona lightly shook her head, then stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss. "You are just too cute."

"Thanks, angel face." He smiled, then accepted the wooden spoon from her so that he could take over the cooking. 

"Alright, sugarplum," Mona said while looking at her daughter. "Ready to hit the road?"

"Yep." 

"Have fun, Claudia," Big John called out as she left the kitchen. "And say hello to Tristan for me."

"Will do."

As Claudia and Mona stepped onto the porch, a mild breeze wrapped around them, accompanying them to the car. Once they were strapped in, Mona backed out of the driveway. But it wasn't until they were traveling down the road that she finally began to speak.

"There's something special between you and Tristan, am I right?"

"Yeah." 

"So do you think he's going to be the *one*?"

"I don't know," Claudia slowly said, but the truth of it was, she *did* know.

"Come on, Claude. It's me you're talking to, here. You can't b.s. your own mother."

"Okay..." As her voice drifted off, she gazed out of the window, briefly gazing at the moon before turning her eyes back on Mona. "Alright. Yes, mom. He is the one."

"Oooh, I just knew it." A smile lit up her face. "So Tristan is *it*, then. The one you're going to -"

"Please don't say it."

"Have sex with."

"Mom!"

"Oh loosen up, Claude. I'm happy for you."

"Could you not be *so* excited? It's kind of weirding me out."

"Why? It's perfectly natural for a mother to want her daughter with a nice boy." She turned left, then slightly accelerated before saying, "I mean Lucas was nice too, but it just seems like you and Tristan were made for each other."

"You think so?" Claudia asked.

"I *know* so," Mona stated. "And I think that you do, too."

Silence fell between them as they traveled another block, but as they steadily neared Tristan's house, Mona reinitiated the conversation.

"I'm glad you're waiting, Claude. God knows I wish that I had."

"Why?"

"Because I wasn't fully ready."

"When you say you weren't fully ready, like what do you mean, exactly?"

"It just didn't feel right," Mona said. 

"So why did you do it?"

She eased out a sigh. "Caved into pressure from my boyfriend."

"How old were you when you lost it?" Claudia asked.

"Sixteen."

"Was your boyfriend the same age?"

"No, he was eighteen."

"And you really regretted it, huh?"

Mona nodded. "He wasn't gentle or loving at all. He just did his thing, rolled off me, and it was over."

"Doesn't sound very enjoyable."

"Because it wasn't. But then again, he was never very gentle or loving towards me. Which looking back on it now, should have been a *clear* tip off."

"Sorry it was such a crappy experience," Claudia said.

"Yeah, well..." She lightly shrugged, then gave a soft smile. "That was more than fifteen years ago, sugar plum, so it's safe to say that I'm over it."

As they pulled into the driveway of Tristan's home, Claudia's gaze was directed to a majestic looking hawk, who was perched proudly on the eave of the house. Stunned by its large size, Claudia could only gape in admiration. But before she could get a good hard look, it dove from the roof, swooping right past the windshield before ascending into the sky.

"Whoa!" She cried out while following its path with her gaze. "Mom, that was incredible. What was it, a hawk?"

"I think so." Equally impressed, Mona stared out of the driver's side window to gaze at its retreating form. 

"Wow, I've never seen a hawk before. Have you?"

"Once when I went camping as a teenager, but never so up close and in detail. It flew so close I could hear the wind in its wings."

"Incredible..." Still awestruck, Claudia unbuckled her seatbelt and reached for the door handle. "Well that's gotta be the coolest thing I've seen in a really long time."

"Most definitely," Mona agreed, and with a smile she looked back at Claudia. "So what time should I pick you up?"

"Uh, I'm not sure. But Tristan will probably drive me home, so don't worry about waiting up for me, okay?"

"Okay. Have fun and give Tristan my regards."

"Will do."

Claudia got out of the car and shut the door behind her, but before she could head for the front door, her mother called out to her.

"Remember, sugar plum...when the time is right, you'll feel it in your heart. Be smart and remember what I taught you."

With a nod of her head, Claudia acknowledged her mother's words, then excitedly made her way to the porch, where she knocked on the solid wood door. Less than ten seconds later, the door opened to reveal Tristan, and with a smile on his face, he gestured for Claudia to enter. On crossing the threshold, she noticed that the house was quiet. So quiet, that she began to wonder if she and Tristan were the only ones present. 

"Are your parents home?" She asked.

"Nope. They went to a bingo competition at the Casino."

"Oh."

As they reached Tristan's room, Claudia was shocked to find that it was tidy and orderly. Just three weekends ago, when she and Kimi had stopped off to pay him a visit, piles of clothes had covered the floor, as well as discarded candy wrappers and empty soda cans. But now it was nearly pristine, and as she noticed that Tristan was closely eyeing her reaction, she came to the realization that he'd tidied up just for her. 

"Your room looks nice," she exclaimed. "Smells good in here, too."

"That's lavender and sweetgrass. I use it to purify the air in my room."

"Nice." She smiled, then took a seat in a swivel desk chair.

"So..." Tristan said while sitting across from her on the bed. "Did you like the hawk?"

"So that *was* you." A smile slowly spread across her face. "I had a feeling that you were somewhat connected."

"Did you notice the way it flew down from the roof?" Tristan's eyes were bright with excitement. "That wasn't just a normal type of dive, it was an aerial courtship display."

"I didn't see any other hawks around," she said. "So who was he trying to impress?"

"You."

Claudia's brows faintly knitted. "But I'm a human being. Shouldn't he have been doing it for a female bird?"

"I sent him to you," Tristan stated. "He was acting on my behalf."

"Seriously?" She looked incredulously at him before asking, "So how exactly did you do that? Can you talk with birds, or send them a signal, or what?"

"It's done through prayer," Tristan stated. "And the hawk is one of my spirit animals, so they come when they know I'm in need of assistance." 

"Wow." Her brows lifted, skin tingling as she saw the way that Tristan looked at her. "I don't even know what to say. That's probably the coolest thing that anyone has ever done for me."

"Really?"

"Yes."

As silence fell between them, Claudia found herself studying Tristan's face. With his soft brown eyes and prominent cheekbones, Tristan was still boyishly handsome in her eyes. But his jawline, which seemed to be more defined than the last time she'd seen him, made her realize that he was shedding that boyish part of him and growing more into a man. He clearly wasn't shedding his hair, however, because it was now chin length. 

"So I notice you've been growing your hair out..." Her eyes focused on his shiny black mane. 

"Oh, yeah." As if suddenly remembering, Tristan ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm on the sweetgrass path now."

"What's the sweetgrass path?"

"It's a spiritual thing," Tristan said. "It means I'm cultivating the gifts that the Creator gave me, and dedicating myself to walking the red road."

"So you're becoming more traditional."

He nodded. "My grandfather was a medicine man and my uncle is a healer, so I guess you could say I was destined to do this since birth."

"You have healing gifts, too?"

"Yeah. But I'm just beginning to develop them, so I'm not exactly skilled or anything, yet."

"Wow. That's really fantastic, Tristan." 

A smile tilted his lips, gaze briefly lowering before he looked up at her through his long, thick eyelashes.

"So you've got a lot going on right now," Claudia said. "I'd better get in my visits with you while I still can."

"I'll always have time for you, Claude," he said while staring unblinking into her eyes. "That's never gonna change. You know that, right?"

She nodded, then tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. 

"So I was kinda wondering about something..." Tristan shifted his seating position before clearing his throat. "Are you and Lucas still together, or are you strictly just friends?"

"Friends," Claudia said. "Why? I thought it was pretty obvious we'd broken up."

"Well yeah, that's what I figured. But earlier today I was standing near Lucas, and I noticed that he smelled like you."

"What?" 

"He was carrying your scent," Tristan clarified.

"What scent?" She asked. "I wasn't wearing any perfume today."

"Pheromones," Tristan stated. "Your scent is really distinct, and I can pick it out a mile away." 

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. Everyone gives off a particular odor. But yours is like, really different."

"Different good, or different bad?"

"Oh definitely good," he said a little too enthusiastically, but by that time, Claudia was already smiling at him. 

"Oh. Well that's...interesting."

"It sounds weird, I know it does, but I've had this ability since I was a little kid." 

"Clairalience," she stated. "You pick up on scents that others can't."

"Yes, that's right." His eyes shone with excitement. "So you actually know what it is."

"Well, my mom's always been sort of a new age nut, so I've learned a lot of this stuff through her."

"New age, huh?" Tristan lightly chuckled. "The new age movement is filled with a bunch of frauds and Native American wannabe's."

"Not a fan?"

"Nope. The new age movement profits from Native spirituality. Which not only goes against tribal beliefs, but pretty much amounts to theft and exploitation."

"So I guess I should tell my mom to burn her Native American tarot card deck."

He snorted. "She actually has one of those?"

"Embarrassingly, yes. But she stopped reading tarot cards years ago, so I doubt she's really into it anymore."

As she fell silent, so did he, but their strong and steady eye contact made Claudia's body warm up. 

"So...about Lucas," Claudia said. "The reason he smelled like me, is because I hugged him at lunch."

"Oh." Tristan paused for a moment, then questioned in a curious tone, "So you guys hugged, huh? What kind of a hug was it?"

Unable to hold back, she broke into a smile.

"Was it a friendship hug that just lasted a few seconds, or the type of hug you give when you really care about someone?"

"I don't know, it was a friendly hug, I guess." She lightly shrugged before adding, "We are still friends after all, so it's not like we can't show *some* affection."

"Of course." His tone indicated nonchalance, but the way his jaw firmly set told Claudia he was jealous. "I mean, you and I have hugged before, so that was showing affection too, right?"

"Yeah, sure." 

Tristan seemed pleased by this answer, but the way he leaned slightly forward on the bed told her he was preparing to ask her a question. 

"So about earlier..." He slowly started, "now that we know we have this telepathic link between us, what do you think we should do with it?"

"I don't know," she thoughtfully said before adding, "I mean, nothing like that has ever happened to me before, so I'm kind of uncertain what it was even about."

"It was a test," Tristan said. "I wanted to see how strong our connection truly was."

"So now that you know, what happens? Should we further explore it, or..."

"That's up to you," Tristan said. "But before we go any further with this, there are a couple of things you should know. Nothing bad or anything, but I feel it's important to open up and be honest."

"Okay."

Slowly, he reached out to grab her hand, and as his palm pressed flush with hers, Claudia knew that he wanted her to sit on the bed. No sooner had she done so, did he angle his body so that his face was aligned with her own. Then in a steady and soothing voice, he began to speak. 

"When I told you I can pick out your scent a mile away, I was being truthful. But there's a specific reason I'm able to do it. And I've used it to my advantage more than a couple of times."

Clearly intrigued, Claudia's body posture perked up, breath bated as she waited for Tristan to continue.

"When I pick up a human being's scent, it tells me a lot about them. Like whether they're feeling positive or negative, and the type of energy they're carrying around."

For a moment he averted his eyes, looking off into the distance as if recalling a memory. But as he looked back at her, she noticed his face had gone very serious.

"The ones that carry dark energy have this underlying smell. It's kinda faint, sometimes buried beneath their natural body odor, or even cologne. But it's still strong enough for me to pick up."

Gazing with focus, she blinked expectantly.

"They smell like death, Claudia. Or to put it bluntly, rotting flesh."

She felt her shoulders tighten up. "Wow, sounds pretty disgusting. Not to mention completely creepy." 

"Oh it *is* creepy," Tristan said. "And this probably sounds crazy, but people with dark spirits have another face."

Claudia's brows rose questioningly.

"Yeah." He nodded to affirm his words. "It's like they have their normal face, right? But if I look at them long enough, I get a flash of what their inner self is like. The dark energy they carry around starts to seep out and deform their features."

"That's really freaky." Claudia's eyes were wide with astonishment. "Does it trip you out at all, or you're just pretty much used to it now?"

"Well, I've been seeing stuff like that since I was a little kid, so it doesn't scare me at all. Does make me pretty disgusted, though, at how many face-changers there are among us.

"Have you seen any on the reservation?" She asked. "Or what about in school?"

"None at school," Tristan quickly answered. "But I have run into two or three here on the rez."

As if encouraging him to continue, Claudia leaned in just slightly. 

"Kimi's dad is one of them. The other two are men you've never seen before. They live on the outskirts, in cabins that are isolated from everyone else."

"Not a surprise about Kimi's dad," Claudia said. "But out of curiosity, what does his other face look like?"

"Well, it's sorta like he's got this shadow falling across his face. His eyes are dark and hollow, and his lips are twisted into this horrible shape...kinda like he's smirking and sneering at the same time."

The chill that ran through Claudia went right down to her bones. "That's definitely creepy. Have you ever told Kimi about this?"

"No. She already knows how horrible her father is, so what would be the point?




Lost Girl Ch. 19



Unable to respond, Claudia momentarily looked down at her hands. But as a thought suddenly went through her head, she looked up at him with a steady gaze.

"Are you still attracted to Kimi? I mean, if it had turned out that she'd liked you and actually given you a chance, would you have pursued a serious relationship?"

"Yes, but it never would have worked out, and I knew that from the first moment that I saw her."

"So if you knew that she wasn't a match for you, then you must have known that I was." 

"Well yeah, I picked up on a lot of things that first day you arrived on the rez. But at the beginning of the year, I was intently focused on Kimi. So I didn't fully realize you were the one until we hung out one on one." 

Still holding hands with Claudia, Tristan caressed the tip of his thumb against the sensitive skin of her inner palm.

"With Kimi it was more of a lustful thing. But with you and I, there's a spiritual connection. It's real and deep between us, not superficial and fleeting."

The words were completely true, Claudia knew that they were. And as she and Tristan sat face to face with eyes locked, a hyper-awareness suddenly came over her body.

"You're that girl for me, Claudia. You *know* that you are." 

And she did, without a doubt. But her tongue was all tangled from the intensity of his expression, so she did little more than look at him with adoration. 

"Say it." Lifting his hands to her face, he tenderly cupped it.

"Say what?" She quietly asked, but deep down inside, she already knew.

"That you'll be mine." No longer just gazing, Tristan stared into her eyes, as if probing her soul for an answer. "I want you to be my girlfriend, Claudia."

Now hammering in her chest, Claudia's heartbeat resounded in her ears. Her breaths came faster and a fuzziness took over her mind, but she was still observant enough to see 

the imploring look that Tristan was giving her.

"I don't know, Tristan. I mean, Lucas and I only broke up two weeks ago, so -"

"Then I'll wait," he quickly said. His voice was firm, jaw setting in determination before he spoke again. "You need time to heal, it's no problem."

"I think that'd be best," she softly replied. "So I can work though these lingering feelings for Lucas."

"Yeah, okay." 

Averting his focus from her face, Tristan looked down at their clasped hands. But as she softly pressed a kiss against his forehead, he lifted his gaze once more. 

"It's not a no," she softly said. "I just feel like you deserve to have me completely, so I can concentrate on *us*, and not have thoughts of Lucas sabotaging anything that we develop."

"Understood." Lifting her hand to his, he tenderly kissed the back of it. "Taking it slow isn't such a bad idea, actually. It'll just make those flames burn even hotter."

A smile slowly spread across her face.

"Oh yeah, you know what I'm taking about." His voice had grown husky, eyes darkening with desire as he added, "You want me and I want you. Only a matter of time before it finally happens."

"True," she replied, and without even thinking, she slipped her fingers through his hair. 

"So if we're not boyfriend and girlfriend yet, then what are we?" Tristan asked. "Because it seems to me that we're sorta in-between."

"Why put a label on it?" Claudia asked. "We are what we are, and I think that's perfectly fine."

"Alright. I'm cool with that."

Stillness fell over them for a solid three minutes, and content to let it linger, Tristan and Claudia enjoyed it. Rather than continue to hold her hand, Tristan was now skimming his fingertips along Claudia's palm. Stimulated by the languid back and forth sensation, she felt her entire body flood with warmth. 

"You have really long lashes," she said while studying his face. "They're thick and black and totally luscious." 

"Oh." A short pause intercepted his words. "Is that good, or...?" 

"It's great," she said with a smile, and as he smiled right back, she noticed his eyes visibly brighten. 

"So I know you're not my girlfriend yet, but I want you to know that you're under my protection."

"Okay." The look she gave him was curious, but before she could question him, Tristan continued on.

"We have a telepathic link, so if you're ever in danger or just feel like you need me, call out my name."

"And that's it?" She asked. "Just call your name, and you'll automatically know what it is that I need?" 

"I'll get a feeling," Tristan stated. "It's not something I can really explain, but I'll definitely be able to tell if you're in trouble."

"Okay."

"But in order for that connection to stay open between us, we'll need to strengthen the cord."

Claudia's expression conveyed uncertainty.

"The spiritual cord," Tristan elaborated. "With every relationship you form, a cord is created, connecting you to that other person. Cords between relatives and friends are usually weakest, but as you move up a level to parent and child, the strength of the cord substantially increases." 

"So parents and children have the strongest link," Claudia said. "The unbreakable one, right?"

"Yes. But those who are romantically attached have cords that are just as strong, if not even more so."

"What if they aren't romantically attached?" She asked. "Can they still strengthen the cords?"

"Sure," Tristan replied. "But both have to be willing to open up and share their feelings. If there's a solid trust between two people, they won't ever be afraid to say exactly what it is that they're feeling."

"I think you and I are already pretty much like that," Claudia said. "I've always felt like I could share anything with you...it's like I feel really comfortable with you, in a way that I don't with anyone else."

"Likewise," he said before adding, "I've never had anyone accept me quite like you have, Claude, and I really appreciate that."

"Not sure how anyone couldn't. I mean, not only are you super cute, but you're really sensitive and totally sweet. So that's a major bonus, you know?"

Tristan's eyes sparkled, lips curving into a smile as he fingered her soft, thick curls. Rather than simply caress, he marveled at the texture, slowly stretching out a tight ringlet before allowing it to snap back to its original shape. There was such gentleness in his fingers that she was tempted to close her lids, but the beauty of his dark, soulful eyes kept her focus pinned to his face.

"Your hair..." he said while leaning in even closer. "It's smells all fruity...like strawberries, or maybe even apples." 

"That'd definitely be my shampoo," Claudia said. "My mom's been bugging me to try it for ages, but I only recently started using it on my hair." 

"Well it smells really nice." The tips of his fingers were now grazing her scalp. "But then again, you always smell good."

"Thanks," she said rather breathlessly.

"So now that we're getting closer to one another, I guess it'd be good to mention that I've never had a girlfriend."

"Oh." Surprised by the suddenness of his statement, Claudia gave him a curious look. "So you're still a virgin?"

Tristan shook his head.

"Oh, okay..." The look that she gave him was now questioning.

"Does it bother you that I'm not?"

"No, not at all. I'm just a little curious as to who it was that you lost it with." 

As soon as the words left her mouth, Tristan shifted uneasily in his seat, and noting that his posture had gone slightly rigid, Claudia instantly regretted asking the question. 

"I'm sorry, that's none of my business. I shouldn't have asked."

"It's fine," Tristan said, and as the tension gradually eased from his muscles, she noticed a casualness return to his demeanor. "It's important to be open with each other, so I'm perfectly fine with telling you about it."

With palpable eagerness, Claudia waited for him to continue.

"Her name is Shauna, and she was part of this missionary outreach program that came to the reservation. They were here for two weeks last winter, passing out food and clothing to those in need. They also gave an assembly at the high school, and that's how I ended up meeting her."

"Was she your age?" Claudia asked. "Or older?"

"When I was a junior, she was a senior. So she was a little older than I was." 

"So you were together for two weeks, and then she went back home with the missionary outreach program..." 

Tristan nodded. "Yeah. It wasn't long at all, but you still develop feelings, you know?"

Claudia nodded.

"To be completely honest, I was reluctant to get physical with her, but she was pretty persuasive, so I guess you could say she hooked me right in."

Without even realizing it, Claudia's lips pulled into a thin, straight line, but on reminding herself that the past was history, her jealousy gradually lessened. 

"We both knew it was a temporary thing, but that didn't stop me from hoping for more." Just briefly, Tristan broke eye contact, but that didn't stop Claudia from seeing the disappointment in his eyes. "When the two weeks came to an end, I asked Shauna if I could come visit her sometime. She only lived a couple hours away, so I figured I'd drive out on the weekends...maybe eventually work up to being her boyfriend or something, but she told me that her dad was really racist, and that he'd never allow her to date a Native guy."

No longer jealous, Claudia now only felt sympathy. But it was the way Tristan dryly swallowed that made her internalize his pain.

"She wouldn't give me her phone number, so I asked for her email, but she wasn't okay with that, either. She said it'd be best if we never spoke or saw each other again, and ever since then, I haven't heard from her." 

"Wow." For awhile she just sat there, feeling uncertain of what to say. But as the silence around them continually thickened, she realized that it was her who would have to break through the stillness. "I'm sorry it didn't work out between you two. Seems like you really liked her, so I know that had to hurt."

"Yeah, it did." 

Gazing down at the bedspread, Tristan's face took on a stony expression. But as Claudia reached out to lightly stroke his forearm, he lifted his gaze to meet hers.

"She was a fool to give you up," Claudia said. "If it had been me, I'd have happily dated you and told my racist dad to shove it."

A ghost of a smile touched Tristan's lips at her words, and as if suddenly remembering that the past had no bearing upon the present, his features gradually softened up.

"Thanks, Claude. You always do know how to lift me up with your words."

"What kind of a friend would I be if I didn't?" 

"I don't know," Tristan replied. "But I wish that you would stop calling me your friend. We're more than that to each other now, aren't we?" 

"Well, yeah..." she slowly said. "I mean of course we are, Tristan. But I don't want to rush into another relationship."

"I know, and I really did mean it earlier when I said I would wait for you to become my girlfriend. But it's kinda hard to be patient, when you're sitting right in front of me smelling so good and looking so beautiful."

Claudia's eyelids lowered, lashes brushing her cheeks as she lowered her gaze. A flush traveled from her face all the way down to her chest, but as Tristan skimmed his toes along hers, a pervading heat began to course through her body.

Now preoccupied with his scent, Claudia noticed it was clean and fresh smelling, like freshly washed laundry that had been hanging out in the sun. She also took note of the way he seemed to be gradually moving in closer, but by the time she realized he was leaning in for a kiss, she was already weak with desire.

Soft and warm, Tristan's lips just barely pressed against hers, as if waiting to see how she would respond to his advance. His exhalations fell hot and moist against her lips, making her forget just about everything except the feel of his breath. 

Her own respirations had gone ragged along with his, and knowing she was helpless to resist what had been set in motion, Claudia surrendered. 

Full and receptive, Claudia's lips moved slowly, relishing the warmth and softness of his mouth. Rather than devour her lips, Tristan seemed to savor them, allowing her to lead for the first few moments before intensifying the kiss. 

Somewhere along the way his palms came to rest against her waist, sliding sensually along the curves that flared into her still developing hips. 

Like melted butter, the kiss was lusciously rich, filled with an electrifying sensuousness that made her nerve endings stir and tingle. Nearly sucked dry of breath, they were gradually forced to pull apart, but their faces remained close, eyes solidly locked as they replenished their oxygen. 

More than ready to shed her jacket, Claudia quickly shrugged out of it, then tossed it carelessly to the floor. With a swift, fluid movement, she slipped off her open toe sandals, and after reclining on the bed, gave Tristan a smile so that he would join her.

Mimicking her position, he adjusted his body so that he was laying on his side. He wrapped an arm securely around her, then cradled her against his manly form. Uttering a sigh in response, Claudia rested her face against his chest, then skimmed her fingers along the knot of his prominent Adam's Apple.

"This is nice," he said while tightening his hold so that her body pressed closer. "You feel so soft and warm, and you fit *perfectly* in my arms."

"We do make a really good fit, don't we?" Now palming his T-shirt clad torso, Claudia marveled at how hard and lean he felt.

"Sure do." Languidly, and with a sensuousness that made a shiver go down Claudia's spine, Tristan slid his foot along the length of her ankle. "The reason we fit so well together, is because both of our ancestors are in total agreement."

"Really?" A wonderous look came into Claudia's eyes. "Are they here in the room with us now, or do you just sense that they're somewhere around?"

"They're on the non-physical plane," Tristan replied. "But I don't have to see them to know that they're joining hands in the spirit world."

"So if they didn't join hands, then we wouldn't be together right now."

"Well we might still have come together, but without the blessing from both of our ancestors, our relationship would be pretty much doomed."

Contemplating the words that had just been said, Claudia immediately thought of Lucas, and in response, an aching tightness began to spread throughout her chest.

"So Lucas and I..." Her voice trailed off just briefly, but it was long enough for Tristan to pick up on the sadness in her voice. "Our ancestors didn't approve of us together, so that's why it didn't work out."

"Well it's not that they didn't approve," Tristan said while tenderly caressing the curve of her jaw. "It's just that you both were meant for other people."

Although she'd already known this to be true, Claudia was relieved to discover that she and Lucas's breakup had been completely unavoidable. For the past two weeks, she'd found herself wondering if she hadn't made a mistake by not sleeping with him. 

But now that Tristan had broken down the exact reason why their relationship had been unstable, the uncertainty she'd been carrying around was beginning to dissipate. That didn't stop her from feeling a tinge of sadness, however. 

"I'm sorry, Claude." Looking into her eyes with a steady gaze, Tristan gave her a look that was genuinely sympathetic. "I truly wasn't wishing for you guys to break up. I hope you know that."

With a nod, she conveyed that she did. And with Tristan's strong arms lovingly enveloping her in his warmth, she nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck. So comforted by his masculine embrace, she soon found herself drifting to sleep. A few minutes later, Tristan joined her, still embracing her tenderly as he fell into a state of deep unconsciousness.



Lost Girl Ch. 20



When Tristan and Claudia woke up, it was fifteen minutes to midnight. For the first few seconds she was unaware of her exact surroundings, but as her sleep hazy eyes focused on Tristan's handsome face, she immediately remembered where she was. 

Still in the throes of sleep, Tristan looked incredibly peaceful, and reluctant to disturb his slumber, she made an attempt to wriggle out of his grasp. This was easier said than done, however, because Tristan's arms were wrapped fully around her.

Carefully, and with a slowness that she hoped he wouldn't notice, Claudia loosened his fingers. Yet no sooner had she begun to free herself from his protective embrace, did he suddenly jolt awake.

"Claudia?" His eyes were wild and unfocused, voice shaky with uncertainty as he lifted his head from the pillow.

"Hey sweetie, i'm right here." Her eyes softened at the worry on his face, palm reaching out to caress his warm cheek. "Everything's okay, i'm just gonna call my mom so she can pick me up." 

"No need to call her, I can drive you home."

"You're tired, honey," Claudia said. "Just stay in bed and go back to sleep."

"No, I want to drive you home." He swung his legs over the mattress, then rose to his feet before grabbing his keys from the nightstand. "What time is anyway?"

"Almost midnight. We slept for more than three hours."

"Seriously?"

"Yep." Now pulling on her jacket, she gave him a little smile. "Guess we both needed some shut eye, huh?"

"Yeah, I guess so." He stretched, then yawned before slipping into his high top Converse.

"Sorry your visit wasn't more exciting," he said while leading the way out of the bedroom. "I thought we'd watch a movie or maybe some TV after we finished talking, but that drowsiness came outta nowehere, didn't it?"

"Are you kidding me?" She asked as they reached the front door. "Sleeping with you was awesome, way better than TV or watching a movie." 

"Oh yeah?" A wide grin crossed Tristan's face. "So you liked sleeping with me, huh?"

"Whatever, dork." She playfully rolled her eyes, but as he captured her in his arms and pulled her up against his body, a familiar warmth began to spread through her crotch. 

"In all seriousness though, I liked sleeping with you, too." 

"Yeah?"

"*Yeah.*" His eye contact was strong, expression yearning as he steadily gazed down at her face. "I wish you didn't have to go home, so we could sleep together all night in my bed."

"That would be nice," Claudia said, "but my mom would probably wonder where I was."

"Well, maybe you could ask her..." A look of hope crossed his face at the idea, but as he noticed that Claudia had looked away, his face went slack with disappointment. "You know what, nevermind. That's probably a really stupid idea, isn't it?" 

Claudia opened her mouth to respond, but Tristan spoke before she even had the chance.

"I wasn't trying to suggest anything." His words came out hasty, cheeks going red with embarrassment. "When I mentioned you staying overnight, I didn't expect that you would have sex with me, or anything. Just sleep, like we did for those three hours. Because I know you're not ready for sex, and I totally respect you for being a virgin, so I'd never-"

"Tristan, it's fine," she hastily interjected. "I know it was an innocent request, so no need to explain yourself, alright?" 

"Okay."

"I would like to sleep with you again, though," Claudia said. "I felt really safe in your arms. And you were like, really warm and cozy."

"Yeah, so were you," Tristan said, and after shrugging into his green parka jacket, he grabbed her hand and led her out onto the porch. 

Upon reaching his Lincoln Continental, Tristan opened the door so that she could slide in, then closed it behind her before heading for the driver's side. The car chugged a few times before finally starting up, and after backing out of the driveway, Tristan maneuvered the large vehicle down the road.

The drive to Claudia's house was largely spent in silence, but it was the comfortable kind of stillness between two people who were totally relaxed. Sometime during the drive, Tristan's right hand reached out to grab Claudia's, and as his fingers linked with hers, she felt a tingle spread through her digits. 

She didn't know what it was about the way that he touched her, but all it took was the feel of his hand, and a hypersensitivity came over her body. Curious if Tristan felt anything similar, she turned her head to look at his face. But before she had time to broach the subject, he pulled into her driveway and put the Lincoln in park.

"So thanks for coming over," he said while looking into her eyes. "That talk we had was really good, and of course the sleeping part was nice as well."

"I agree." Claudia gave him a smile, then undid her seatbelt before leaning over to kiss his cheek. "Have a good night, and I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?"

Tristan nodded, but instead of releasing her hand, he only held onto it tighter.

"Claude?" He asked in a voice that was low.

"Yes?" Her eyes were bright with curiosity.

"Now that we're spending more time together, you might start to see some unusual things, or even have certain experiences that are unexplainable."

Rather than speak any words, Claudia only blinked. 

"You might even have what I like to call, 'glitch in the matrix moments', but don't get freaked out, okay? It just means that we're spiritually linked and synchronizing to the same wavelength." 

Beyond puzzled, Claudia could only blankly stare at him. But no sooner had her gaze began to cloud, did Tristan tangle his fingers into her soft hair.

"Don't be scared, alright?" He said after pulling back to look into her eyes. "I know it doesn't make a whole lotta sense right now, but you'll see. Things will start happening, and then you'll understand."

Meant to provide her with a sense of comfort, the words only caused Claudia's chest to painfully tighten. 

"You're still frightened," he said. "Which means you don't trust me, so that's definitely going to be a problem."

"No," Claudia replied. "That's not true, I *do* trust you. But springing this on me just before I get out of the car is a bit much to handle, don't you think? I mean, how exactly am I supposed to take this?" 

"You're fully protected, Claudia," he said while looking deep into her eyes. "I'm on the sweetgrass path now, so if any dark entities cross your path, I'll instantly know and bind them from doing you harm."

"But you don't expect anything bad to happen, right?" She asked. "If you did sense anything, you would let me know or somehow warn me, wouldn't you?"

"Yes, of course," Tristan assured her. "And I *don't* sense any negative energy around us. "I just wanted you to know that a few unusual experiences may happen when you're around me, or even possibly when you're alone. But there's no reason to worry at all, because you'll always be under my watch."

"Okay." No longer worried, she now felt a lightness in her chest, and unconsciously tilted her chin upward so that her mouth was aligned with his.

"I'll always protect you, Claudia," he said in a low, soothing voice. "I *promise*."

Now focusing on the plumpness of her lips, Tristan smoothly moved closer. Without even realizing it, Claudia grabbed the lapels of his jacket, gently pulling him in closer until his mouth pressed flush with hers. 

While their previous kisses had been slow and soft, this one was more passionate, not to mention gratifyingly wet. But as the porch light flooded the lawn with yellow light, both Tristan and Claudia immediately broke the kiss.

"It's late," Claudia said. "I better get inside."

"Yeah," he softly agreed, but his palms remained clasped to her waist, not shifting even an inch.

"So call me sometime," she said. "Maybe we can hang out and sleep together again."

This brought a smile to Tristan's face.

"I'd like that," he responded. "But I was thinking you might like to go on a date."

"That'd be nice too," she responded. "But right now, let's just take it one day at a time, alright?"

He nodded, and as she reached for the handle to open her car door, so did he. Side by side, they walked up to the porch, where they climbed the steps and came to a stop in front of the door. Having always possessed excellent hearing, Claudia could make out the faint creaking of the hardwood floors in the house, and that was when she realized that she and Tristan were being observed from the peephole.

Wearing an expression of mild amusement, Tristan briefly glanced at the door, then back at Claudia, who gave him a look that said she was aware of their voyeur. But before Claudia could voice her annoyance at them being watched, Tristan was bending down to kiss her. 

His lips brushed hers softly, as if afraid to fully indulge, but as Claudia's lips came flush with his mouth, his inhibitions promptly dissolved. The scent of his being surrounded her, arms encircling her waist as he fed from her mouth. 

Although brief, the kiss he gave her was thorough, literally making her weak in the knees. Not wanting to get carried away, they ended the oral embrace far sooner than they wanted, and with identical expressions of adoration, they slowly parted. 

"Sleep well," Tristan said. "And I'll see you at graduation on Sunday."

"Yeah, Claudia said. "See you then."

He started for the steps and began to walk down them, but paused mid-step and turned to face Claudia. 

"Just out of curiosity, what time do you usually go to sleep?"

"Kinda hard to say," Claudia slowly replied. "Usually nine or ten, but now that school is out and I don't have to wake up early, I'll probably turn in around midnight."

"Oh." 

A thoughtful look crossed Tristan's face, and for a moment Claudia felt a tingling sensation in her brain, but as soon as it had started, it suddenly stopped.

"Well have a good night, and I'll see you soon." 

"Yeah, you too," she called out as he headed towards his car, and with a wonderous sort of look on her face she watched him get into his vehicle.

It wasn't until he was backing out of the driveway that she finally turned her back and entered the house. But the last four words he had spoken reverberated in her mind, making her wonder if there wasn't a hidden meaning within them.

* * * *

At just past three on Sunday afternoon, Big john's Chevy Blazer pulled up to the curb of Browning High School. Directly next to him in the passenger's seat was Mona, and seated in the rear was Claudia, who throughout the entire drive had been checking her makeup in a compact mirror. 

Having specially purchased makeup just for graduation, she was wearing cream eyeliner and a bit of mascara to extend her already naturally long lashes. Sporting a velvety matte lipstick that had been topped with a bit of gloss, she was skillfully made up, but that didn't stop her from eyeing herself critically in the reflection of her compact mirror.

"Please don't mess with your makeup, Claude," Mona said from the front seat. "It took me nearly forty minutes just to get it exactly right."

"I'm not messing with it," Claudia said. "I'm just wondering how well this cream eyeliner will hold up beneath the sun."

"Makeup primer," Mona stated. "I applied plenty of it, so you don't have to worry about melting in the sun."

"Okay." Although her response was agreeable, Claudia snapped her compact shut with reluctance.

"Well, sugarplum, John and I are going to search for a parking spot, so I guess we'd better let you out now, and we'll meet up again after the commencement ceremony."

"Alrighty," Claudia said, and after opening the door and stepping out onto the curb, she offered a wave to Big John and Mona. "See you guys in a bit."

"Break a leg, kiddo," Big John stated with a smile.

"We're both very proud of you, Claude." Mona's green eyes lit up with her smile. "We can't wait to see you walk out on that field, and remember, don't be nervous."

"I'll be fine," Claudia coolly responded, but as she turned and headed into the crowd that was teeming with soon-to-be-graduates, a fluttery feeling began to spread throughout her stomach. 

Everywhere she looked, there were royal blue gowns and square academia caps, so it was a bit difficult to figure out just exactly who was who. But as a strong pair of arms captured her waist from behind, a light gasp fell from her lips. 

"Hey, beautiful," a voice spoke low and seductively into her ear. 

"Lucas?" Of course she already knew it was him, but that didn't stop her eagerness in turning around. 

"Hey, there." Wearing a grin that would melt any girls heart, Lucas dipped his gaze to below her head. "You got anything on beneath your graduation gown?"

"Of course." A gentle snort escaped her lips before she added, "What, you actually think I'd go buck naked beneath it?"

"You did in the dream I had last night." 

"Shut up, I did not!"

"Did too. And when the graduation ceremony was over, you took me beneath the bleachers and had your way with me."

"You need to stop," she said with a grin.

"I swear, that's exactly how the dream went down. Hand on my heart."

"Sounds pretty pervy to me," Claudia stated. "But then again, considering who you are, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised."

"Wait a minute, what do you mean by, 'considering who I am'?" Just faintly, Lucas's brows drew together. "

"I meant it in a good way," she assured him. "I've always loved your naughtyness, and you *know* that."

"Oh yeah, I know." A come hither look came into his eyes, and he moved in a little closer.

"You look handsome, by the way." She reached out to touch the leather hair ties that were woven around his two long braids.

"Thanks, babe. You're looking pretty hot, yourself."

She smiled, then lowered her gaze before once again meeting his firm eye contact.

"I noticed your mom and Big John dropping you off at the curb. It's good to see they're still together."

"Yeah, they're like, ridiculously in love," Claudia proclaimed, "So I pretty much expect them to be a couple forever."

"Well good for Big John," Lucas stated. "He's got a nice looking lady, there."

"You think my mom's attractive?" Claudia lifted a brow playfully.

"Oh yeah," he said a little too enthusiastically, and with a suddenness that Claudia found utterly amusing, he tried to downplay his response. "I mean for her age, she's pretty good looking. What is she, like thirty, thirty-one?"

"She's thirty-six years old," Claudia said. "And very happily taken, so you can forget about trying to work your charms on her."

"Come on," Lucas said with a grin. "You can't honestly think I'm trying to get with your mom."

"Well no, I don't," Claudia responded. "But you've probably checked her out at least once or twice before, right?" 

With a clear of his throat, Lucas nervously shifted his stance.

"Oh my God, you *have* checked her out. You've totally done it, haven't you?"

"What?"

"What my ass," she said through a smirk. "You heard what I said."

"You set me up for this." Lucas's tone was playfully accusing. "You asked if I thought your mom was attractive, and now you're trying to make me feel like a perv."

"Because you *are* a perv," she said. 

"Takes one to know one," he shot back.

"Oh that's *really* mature."

With the mood now playful, Claudia and Lucas took a moment to just stand there smiling. But with her curiosity thoroughly piqued, Claudia found herself posing another question. 

"Who else?" She asked.

"Who else, *what*?" 

"Who else do you like? I mean, as far as older women on the rez, who else do you think is attractive?"

"What kind of a question is that?"

"Just come out with it," she said with a smirk. "We're not going out any longer, so it's not like you have to spare my feelings or anything."

Slipping his hands into the pockets of his graduation gown, Lucas pressed his shoe against a discarded cigarette. He glanced off to his left, and then to his right before gazing back at Claudia, but it was several more seconds before he finally gave a response.

"Alright," he reluctantly stated. "I've always kinda had this thing for Winona."

"Seriously?" Claudia's mouth came unhinged. "Tristan's mother, *Winona*? Oh wow, I never would have guessed."

"Why not? She's real pretty."

"I know she is," Claudia said. "But she's Tristan's *mom*."

"Yeah, well don't tell anyone, okay? Especially not Tristan, because I don't want that weirdo sending a *sta-au* to attack me." 

"Sta-au?" Claudia's brows pressed together. "What's a sta-au?"

"I'll tell you later."

*No, now*, Claudia wanted to say, but the uneasiness in Lucas's stance kept her from pressing the subject. 

"Hey, It's cool," she said assuringly. "Your secret is safe with me."

"What secret?" A voice suspiciously called out to them, and as Claudia turned her head, she noticed Tristan slowly approaching them. 

"Hey freak, we were just talking about you," Lucas said.

"Freak?" Tristan's face visibly tightened. "Isn't it time for you to get a new put down, Lucas? You've been calling me that since the *seventh grade*." 

"Still fits, doesn't it?"

Tristan narrowed his eyes, but instead of accepting Lucas's bait, he shifted his attention to Claudia.

"Hey," he said with a warm smile.

"Hey yourself," she responded. 

"Kimi's been looking all over for you. She says you haven't been answering her texts, and wants to know if you have any cotton pony's. Not sure what that is, but..."

"Oh." 

Surprised to hear Tristan speak the last two words, Claudia rose her brows. Lucas, however, saw the chance to get in some mean-spirited ribbing and happily tore into him. 

"Dude," Lucas said while grinning at Tristan, "you just let a chick send you on a tampon run."

"What?" A blank look took over his features.

"Kimi's on her rag," Lucas stated, "and she sent you on a mission to find the cork." 

"No." Tristan's tone was firm, stance going rigid as he prepared his rebuttal. "That's not what a cotton pony is."

"No? Then what is it?"

Shifting his attention from Lucas, Tristan looked at Claudia for her own input. But struck with second-hand embarrassment, she purposed lowered her gaze, and that was when Tristan's face turned red hot with humiliation.

"I can't believe you didn't figure that out," Lucas said through a chuckle. "She totally emasculated you, man."

"Well I hardly think that asking for a tampon puts me at risk of losing my manhood, but it's good to see you're shedding that immaturity."

Still thoroughly amused, Lucas's chest shook with laughter, but Tristan ignored him and chose to look at Claudia instead. 

"Sorry to say I don't have any on me," she told him. "But if you point me in Kimi's direction, I'd be glad to see if I can help her out in any way."

"She's out on the patio with Natalie and a couple of other people," Tristan said.

"Oh, okay." Averting her gaze to Lucas, she said, "Come with us, so we can all hang out."

"Thanks for the offer, Claude, but I think I'll hang tight right here."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. I'm supposed to be meeting Rob and Joey pretty soon, so it'd probably be best if I stuck around."

"Okay," Claudia responded and she began to turn away, but on noting that Tristan was rooted to the spot and staring at Lucas, she began to wonder what was going through his mind.

"You coming along, Tristan?" 

"In a minute," he responded. "I need to talk to Lucas about something."

Shifting her eyes to Lucas's face, Claudia silently implored him as to what was going on, but after only receiving a shrug of the shoulders in response, she took a step back so she was out of their space.

"Okay. I'll catch you in a bit, Tristan, and I'll see you out on the field later on, Lucas."

"Alright, "Lucas replied, which was followed by a nod of the head from Tristan, and with a turn on her heel, Claudia was off.




Lost Girl Ch. 20



"So, what's this all about?" With a tense demeanor, Lucas stared Tristan down. 

"You and I mostly," Tristan replied, "but it involves Claudia too."

"Okay..." No longer leaning against the tree, Lucas was now standing fully on both of his feet. 

"I owe you an apology," Tristan said in a deep, stable voice. "I'm sorry for kissing Claudia that night at the prom, and I'm also sorry for disrespecting the committed relationship that you and she shared. It was wrong and selfish of me to make a move on her, and I hope you'll forgive me for it."

Clearly taken aback, Lucas could only stand there and blink. While his face was slack, his posture was stiff, but the way his jaw was repeatedly flexing, told Tristan that Lucas was more than a little contemptuous.

"Well thanks for the apology," Lucas bitterly spat out, "but what fucking good does that do for me now?" 

Unprepared for this hostile response, Tristan shifted his weight uncomfortably, then glanced down at his feet while absentmindedly squishing the remnants of a discarded Twinkie. Yet rather than pick up on Tristan's regretfulness, Lucas only became all the more pissed off.

"I always knew you wanted to break us up." Lucas's tone was firm, accusatory. "It was your plan all along to drive a wedge between us, wasn't it?

"No, that isn't true." 

"Be honest and come out with it," Lucas demanded. "You were always jealous of me, and have hated me since the seventh grade."

"Well, yeah, that is true," he slowly admitted. "But I never wanted to break you and Claudia up."

"Bullshit," Lucas proclaimed.

"I didn't," Tristan affirmed. "I may have hoped that somewhere down the line I would get my chance to go out with her, but I never put out any thoughts for you two to split up."

Crossing his arms against his chest, Lucas gave Tristan a steely look.

"Okay, so maybe I was waiting things out. But that's different than actively hoping that a relationship will end."

Lucas's jaw flexed, eyes going cold as his features tightened. 

"Anyways, weren't *you* the one who broke up with *her*?" Tristan asked. "Because I really don't see why you're trying to make this my fault."

"Who says I'm trying to make it your fault?" Lucas asked. "Sounds to me like suppressed guilt."

If Tristan could have denied it, he would have. But Lucas's words had hit him in a very deep way, so he had no choice but to stand there with palms stuffed deep into his pockets. 

"You're right, I am guilty," Tristan started as he stood there staring at Lucas. "But I want you to know that I wasn't myself on prom night...I mean, it was out of character for me to do something like that. To kiss a girl who was already taken."

His shoulders seemed heavy as he shifted on his feet, but the words continued to come, carrying out the guilt he had unconsciously buried.

"You were both so happy that night," Tristan continued. "And I had a feeling you were getting pretty close to sleeping with her, so I figured I would try and kiss her while I still had the chance."

"So as long as a guy hasn't slept with his girlfriend, she's perfectly fine for you to kiss." Lucas's glare seemed to intensify. "That's really logical, Whitefeather. It makes complete fucking sense."

"I'm not excusing my behavior. Just letting you know what was going through my head at the time."

"Well what if I *had* already slept with her?" Lucas's glare seemed to intensify. "What difference would it have made, knowing that we'd already had sex? For all you know, we could have done it before coming to prom, and you never would have known the difference." 

"Oh, I would have known," Tristan assuredly said. "Most definitely."

"How? By sniffing her out with that bloodhound nose of yours?" 

"Well that would have been one option, yes. But if a deep enough connection exists between a man and a woman, there really isn't a whole lot that either can be kept in secret about regarding the other."

Wearing an expression that could only be described as thoughtful, Lucas just stood there, gazing at Tristan with mildly furrowed brows. Tristan gazed back with a look that dared him to disagree, but as an extended period of silence stretched on, Lucas's introspective moment gave way to one of utter contempt. 

"I actually loved her, you know." His eyes shone with a keen anger. "She wasn't just a random piece of ass, she was a girl that I deeply cared about."

"I know you cared about her," Tristan said. "And I also know she was the only girl besides Misty that you ever actually loved."

At the sound of Misty's name, Lucas's gaze seemed to intensify.

"How is Misty, by the way?" Tristan asked. 

"What do you care? You've never talked to her a day in your life."

"No, but I've talked to her parents several times in the past few months."

"You're a fucking liar," Lucas accused. "Her parents died three years ago."

"That's right."

The blank look that crossed Lucas's features was promptly followed by one of skepticism.

"Of course, I should have known you would say something like that. Let me guess. You 'see dead people', right? This isn't a movie, asshole, it's real life. So stop making stupid shit up."

"Why would I make it up?" Tristan asked. "It's a gift that the Creator gave me, not something I'd randomly make up to impress a dickwad like you."

Lucas scoffed, then briefly looked off into the distance, but on retraining his gaze to the still-staring Tristan, he shifted his feet and lightly shook his head.

"Shit, Whitefeather. You've gotta be the strangest person I've met in my life."

"Why, because I see dead people?" 

"Naw man, It's your whole demeanor." Lucas's gaze swept from Tristan's head down to his toes before once again resting on his face. "You're just really weird...like in an unexplainable way."

"Thanks," Tristan said.

"It wasn't meant as a compliment."

"Oh, I know. But thanks anyways."

Lucas frowned, then made a show of glancing at his cell phone. "Uh, I gotta get going."

"Thought you were waiting here for Rob and Joey," Tristan said. 

"I was," Lucas affirmed. "But, uh...they're gonna meet me somewhere else, instead."

"Okay."

As Lucas started forward, Tristan stood his ground, not moving even an inch from the spot which he was rooted. Perhaps taking note of the way Tristan's feet were firmly planted, Lucas came to a halt, and with his face positioned directly above Tristan's, stared right into his eyes. 

"You're still a little shit and I don't like you very much, but since you apologized I guess I can't hate you anymore."

"Okay," Tristan said while staring up at the taller teen. "Well I don't hate you anymore, either."

Fully expecting Lucas to continue on his way, Tristan waited for him to move along. But after nearly half a minute of Lucas just stubbornly standing there, Tristan realized that his schoolmate was attempting to establish supremacy. 

Not one to punk out, Tristan stolidly remained in place, and like two bucks engaged in a display of aggression, the teen boys remained motionless. With no antlers to lock, they used their eyes to intimidate, but neither got the chance to establish their dominance over the other, because a female voice suddenly sliced through the air.

"So I hear there's a grad party tonight. Do either of you guys know where it is?"

Spurred by curiosity, both Lucas and Tristan turned their heads, and on noticing the pretty girl who was standing right near them, they offered her an imploring look.

"Yeah there's a party," Lucas responded. "But aren't you a junior? It's for seniors only." 

"Are you sure?" Slipping her fingers through her long wavy hair, she flipped it over her shoulder. "Because I was told that if I talked to you, you could *definitely* get me in."

Now turning his body towards the petite girl, Lucas unabashedly checked out her cleavage. 

"Well if that's what you heard, then I guess it must be true."

"Right on." She flirtatiously licked her glossed lips. "I've got a couple of friends who wanna go, too. Can they come along?"

"That depends," he responded. "Do they look anything like you?"

She giggled, then fluttered her lashes before running a palm along his shoulder. "Follow me, and you'll find out."

As she slowly walked away, Lucas's gaze lowered to her ass and healthily built thighs, which were prominently outlined by the fabric of her skin tight leggings. With his ego effectively boosted, he stood especially tall and proud, and with a look that was brief but just long enough to establish eye contact, Lucas offered Tristan a few words in parting. 

"See you around, Whitefeather."

"Yeah, later," Tristan said, and after watching Lucas follow the girl, he headed in the opposite direction. 

Five minutes later he was on the patio, and after spotting Claudia and Kimi who were excitedly chatting with a group of their classmates, he headed straight for them. Upon joining Claudia's side, she excitedly greeted him, then pressed her thumb against a stray eyelash that had fallen against his cheek.

"Make a wish," she said while holding out her finger so he could see the eyelash.

"Why?"

"Because that's what you do when you lose an eyelash. It's a tradition."

Glancing down at her finger, Tristan gave pause, as if uncertain of what exactly it was that he wanted to wish for. But with the suddenness of someone who had been stricken with inspiration, he closed his eyes and made a wish. When he opened them again, Claudia gave him a smile, then offered a response that urged him to continue. 

"If you want the wish to come true, you have to blow the eyelash from my finger."

"You do it instead," Tristan suggested, and on noting the curious look that she gave him, he elaborated on his statement. "You were part of my wish, so you have to be involved."

"Oh..." A fluttering began to pass through her stomach, but as Tristan looped his arms around her waist and pulled her even closer, the quivering in her tummy increased two-fold.

"Go ahead," he said while looking deep into her eyes. "Complete the wish."

Needing no further encouragement, Claudia eagerly leaned forward, then pursed her lips and blew the eyelash from the tip of her finger. When she looked back up at Tristan, she saw that his lips were curled into a gentle smile, his eyes holding a softness that made a warm fuzziness build within. 

.

"There," he softly said. "Now it *has* to be done."

"Uh-huh," Claudia agreed, and without even thinking about it, she rested her palms against his chest, lightly rubbing them up and down before straightening his tie beneath his academic robe. "Did I tell you how good you look in your graduation gown? The scholarly look really fits you." 

"Thanks," he said. "And you look beautiful."

"You're sweet." Lifting a palm to his cheek, she caressed her thumb against his well-defined cheekbone. "So this it, Tristan...our last few moments as high school seniors."

"Thank God," Tristan replied. "I don't care if I never see this school again."

"Won't you miss it even a little?" 

"Nope." He lightly shook his head. "But I do have to admit that the experience wasn't entirely bad. I mean, you and I did meet here, so..."

"Actually we met at my house," Claudia said. It was the very first day I arrived at the rez, remember?"

"Of course I remember." A smile graced Tristan's face. "But if you want to get technical about it, the first time we officially met was when we were toddlers. Mom and I came out to Michigan to visit you, your mom, and your dad that one summer."

"That's right," Claudia said. I think I remember us eating cake together...or maybe it was pie, I don't remember. But I do recall that I never got to finish eating it, because you smashed it up with your fingers."

"You're right, I did do that." Tristan grinned. "Not sure why exactly, but I remember thinking it was pretty funny."

"Yes, well, people who are mentally disturbed often do find amusement in traumatic situations."

"Mentally disturbed?" Tristan's grin widened. "I hardly think that smashing my hand in a piece of cake qualifies me as a person who is mentally ill."

"Well hey, crazy people don't know that they're crazy, but it doesn't make it any less of a fact, does it?"

"Thanks!" He sarcastically exclaimed. "You really know how to insult a guy, don't you?"

"Only joking," she said with a smile. 

"Uh-huh, sure," he playfully responded. "But just so you know, mentally ill people aren't necessarily insane. They're suffering from a mental defect, while insane people are deranged, and largely unaccountable for their actions."

"But insanity stems from mental illness," Claudia said. "So insane people were probably once pretty normal, but somehow developed a personality disorder and ended up going nuts."

"Personality disorders may encourage, but they're not wholly responsible for insanity," he rebutted. "Psychopathy is usually caused by genetic and societal influences, rather than unhealthy patterns of thinking."

"Okay, what the heck are you two yapping about?" Having noticed that they were entrenched in conversation, Kimi was now standing in front of Claudia and Tristan, who had turned their heads to glance at her.

"Discussing the difference between mental illness and insanity," Claudia said. "Tristan thinks there's a clear line between the two, but in my opinion, the boundary is pretty blurred.

"You're kidding, right?" Kimi blinked in disbelief. "It's the day of our high school graduation, and instead of discussing your plans for summer or just joking around and having fun, you two are debating the subject of mental health."

"Pretty much," Claudia replied. "But it's a friendly debate, and we actually are having fun."

"*Right*." Kimi sarcastically nodded. "Well, when you two are finished intellectually screwing one another, why don't you join the rest of us so we can all walk out to the field together?"

"Intellectually screwing?" Claudia's eyes twinkled with amusement. "That is *not* what we were doing, Kimi." 

"Oh yeah, you so were. I mean, look at you two." Her eyes dipped to Tristan's arms, which were still encircling Claudia's waist, but it was the way that Claudia's palms rested so comfortably against Tristan's chest that made Kimi lift one of her arched brows. "Is this what they call mental foreplay? Because whatever it is you're doing, you're both clearly getting turned on."

"Whatever." Claudia playfully rolled her eyes, but Tristan only smiled. 

"Anyways, kids, we really should be getting a move on." Kimi gestured to the group of students who were signaling for them to come along. "Everyone is heading out to line up on the field, so disengage and follow along."

With excitement on their faces, Claudia and Tristan pulled apart, then each looped one of their arms through Kimi's before walking alongside her. With steps perfectly synchronized, the threesome moved along, passing the gymnasium and locker rooms before reaching the stadium area. 

Already occupied with proud parents, the stands were filled to their full capacity, and the football field which stretched out beyond it was outfitted with a stage, podium, and rows of white folding chairs. 

Eager to graduate, the throng of teens entered the field, hooting and hollering as they walked along, but as everyone began to take their seats, the noise gradually lessened. It wasn't until the principal walked up to the podium, that a hushed silence fell over the crowd, and that was the exact moment when Claudia was hit with the immensity of the occasion.

This was it, the official end of her high school years, and what stretched out beyond this present moment was a complete and utter mystery. Although her senior year had started off rather unpredictably, she had managed to settle into a routine that not only comforted her, but given her a chance to establish some roots. But now those roots were beginning to loosen, and soon all that she knew and was used to seeing on a daily basis would completely change. 

*Oh God*, she thought as her palms became sweaty, *this is actually it. High school is over and I'm moving off to college.*

As if contemplating the looming change, her fingers and toes began to tingle, but as Tristan skimmed his fingertips across the back of her hand, she was struck with a pleasant lightheadedness that almost made her feel as if she were dreaming. 

Even before she turned her head, she knew that Tristan was looking at her, and as her eyes locked with his, she instantly knew he'd channeled energy to her.

Wanting to feel more of it, she grabbed his hand and took it in hers, but this time of instead of lightheadedness, she was filled with a pleasurable warmth that spread from her hand and up her arm before traveling through her entire body. 

Not having expected such a delicious sensation, a childlike wonder filled Claudia's eyes, and with an expression that conveyed his delight in her reaction, Tristan gently squeezed her hand. She squeezed back without hesitation, and as the energy that he sent her finally reached the tips of her toes, a thought suddenly hit her.

If Tristan had the ability to channel powerful energy with his hand, then wouldn't he also be able to do the same with another more intimate extremity? 

*Stop*, she told herself, *don't even think about allowing that thought to come into your mind*.

But of course she *did* allow the thought to come through, and along with it came an unexpectedly graphic visual. Now thoroughly stimulated, she did her best to force the image away, but by the time she finally managed to, an ache between her thighs had begun to build.

Dead certain that Tristan could sense her arousal, she slyly peeked out of the corner of her eye. Her anxiousness, however, was swiftly dissolved as she noticed him staring straight ahead, intently listening to the commencement speech that the principal was giving. 

Easing out a small breath, she relaxed in her seat and listened as well, but as the principal called for the students to begin the processional line-up, a shot of adrenaline went right through her body.

Row by row, each of the graduating students stood, until finally Claudia, Kimi, and Tristan's line began to move forward. Upon reaching the stage, they all came to a halt, then waited as the students ahead of them took their turns at accepting their diplomas. 

With only two more students in front of her, Claudia prepared to climb the steps that led up to the principal's podium, but the warm and moist sensation of Tristan's breath against her earlobe made her tilt her head with curiosity. 

"I'm curious," he whispered softly into her ear. "What was it you were thinking about earlier that made you so hot between the thighs?"

Frozen to the spot, Claudia's body went rigid, but it wasn't until she turned her head, that Tristan's face came into her line of vision.

"Oh yeah," he said while giving her a sly little smile. "I felt it."

The smile she shared with him wasn't just knowing but also flirtatious, and as he seductively ran his thumb along the curve of her spine, her muscles went slack with desire. The spot between her thighs, however, tightened in reaction to his caressing touch.

"Claudia Strauss," A voice suddenly called out from up on the podium, and realizing that her turn had finally come, Claudia whipped her head around.

Simultaneously aroused and nervous, she eagerly climbed onto the stage, where she accepted her diploma from the smiling principal. After shaking his hand, she made her way to the other side of the stage, and upon descending the steps that led down to the field, she was immediately embraced by Kimi.

"We did it, girlie!" She excitedly said while hugging Claudia. "Four long years, and we're finally out of high school. Can you believe it?"

"Not completely," Claudia said through a wide, cheesy grin. "It still seems so surreal, you know?"




Lost Girl Ch. 20



"Totally," Kimi said. "But if this is a dream, I better never wake up!"

"It isn't a dream," Lucas said as he sidled up beside them. "If it was, Claudia would be naked beneath her graduation gown, and pulling me off to the bleachers so she could have me all to herself."

"What?" Kimi's brows knitted tightly together. "What the hell are you even talking about, Lucas?"

"Claudia knows." Lucas gave her a knowing smile. "We had a talk earlier and I told her all about it, right Claude?"

"Uh, yeah." With Kimi's questioning gaze pinned on her, Claudia began to feel self-conscious, but as Lucas leaned in to give her a hug, she opened her arms and embraced him. 

"So we're officially outta high school, huh?" He hugged her tightly before pulling away. "That's definitely cause for celebration."

"For sure," Claudia agreed. "So I guess you'll be going to that grad party later tonight."

"Yeah, my friend Rob is giving it. You ladies should definitely come hang with us, It's gonna be a real good time."

"Sounds like fun," Kimi said, "but my boyfriend Ethan is driving me out to spend the weekend at his parents, so I won't be around to celebrate."

"How about you, Claudia?" A hopeful look crossed Lucas's face. "We always seem to have more dudes than females at these parties, so believe me when I say that we'd be happy to have you there."

"I don't know, maybe." She lightly shrugged and gave him a smile. "I kinda figured I would just order a pizza and watch a movie tonight, though."

"Come on, Claude. You're way too cute to spend grad night all alone at your house."

Her face went warm with a blush. "That's sweet of you to say, Lucas. But I think I'm gonna have to pass."

"Pass on what?" Having received his diploma, Tristan drew Claudia in for a congratulatory hug, then gave Kimi one as well before tilting his chin up in acknowledgment of Lucas.

"The party." Lucas's lips pressed tight as he noticed the way that Tristan stood closely to Claudia.

"Oh right, the party," Tristan said. "Everyone's been talking about it all day. It's supposed to be pretty major, right?"

"Uh...yeah, I guess." An annoyed expression crossed Lucas's face. "But It's by invitation only, so you'd have to talk to Rob." 

"Oh I don't wanna go," Tristan responded. "I'm not much of a party person anyways, so I'll probably just hang out at home and do some drawing."

"Okay..." Clearly disinterested in anything that Tristan had to say, Lucas shifted his attention back to Claudia. "Sorry to hear you won't be at the party, but if you change your mind, you're always welcome to drop by."

"Thanks," Claudia said. "I'll keep that in mind."

"So anyways, I hope you guys have a great summer." Still focusing his gaze on Claudia, Lucas continued to speak. "And I hope I'll see you all around the rez before you take off for college." 

Noting the sadness on his face, Kimi gave him a sympathetic smile, but it went completely unnoticed by Lucas, because he was still focusing only on Claudia.

"Most definitely," Claudia responded while looking deep into his eyes. "We'll see other again, no doubt about it."

"Good." A weak smile twitched at the corners of his lips, and with a voice that was thick with emotion, he uttered some words in parting. "Well, guess I'll get going, then. Take care, lost girl."

Before she could even say goodbye, he had turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd of students that were being greeted by approaching parents. 

For a moment she just stood there, allowing her old nickname 'lost girl' to reverberate through her head, but as a melancholic mood began to settle upon her, she came to realization that she hadn't heard Lucas call her lost girl since the beginning of the year. 

So much had changed since then that it seemed strange for her to once again hear that moniker, and realizing that her eyes were beginning to moisten, she lowered her gaze to the diploma in her hand and began to fidget with it.

At the touch of Tristan's hand on her shoulder, she knew that he was picking up on the sadness she emitted, and not wanting to bring down his joyous mood, she cleared her throat and turned to face Kimi, who was watching her with sympathetic eyes. 

"We should probably try to go and find our parents, right? Seems like everyone else has already met up with theirs."

"My mom dropped me off, so I know she's here," Kimi said, "but as far as my sperm donor goes, he won't be showing up, and I thank God for that."

Completely sympathetic to Kimi's attitude towards her abusive father, Claudia offered a soft nod and a weak smile in response. But as she spotted Big John and Mona walking alongside Tristan's parents, a smile broke out on her face and she quickly stepped forward to meet them.

"Congratulations, sugarplum!" First to embrace her was Mona, who gave her a long, tight hug that nearly squeezed the air out of her lungs. 

"*Minokapi, Claudia," Big John said while giving her a hug. "It's a happy time, isn't it?"

"Yes, very happy," she said to him, and as Tristan's parents pulled her in for an embrace, she happily returned it.

"We're so proud of you all," Tristan's father Ray said to the three teens, and although they weren't well acquainted with Kimi, both he and Winona offered her a hug as well. 

"Thanks," Claudia said. "It's still hard to believe that high school is over, but It's a relief to finally be over that hump."

From the corner of her eye, Claudia spotted a teenage boy making a beeline straight for them, and on recognizing that it was Kimi's younger brother, she offered a wave and a smile. He waved back, but before Claudia had the chance to make use of her sign language skills, he shifted his attention to Kimi, who immediately grinned and pulled him into a hug. 

No sooner had Kimi released him from the embrace was she greeted by her mother, and although it was the first time that Claudia had ever laid eyes on her, she instantly knew that the woman was related to Kimi.

"Na'a!" Kimi called out with excitement, and on embracing the older, yet near replica of herself, Kimi gave her a tight squeeze.

"Congratulations, baby," said Kimi's mom, and on pulling back to look at her daughter, she reached out to caress her face. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart."

"Thanks," Kimi said, and after grabbing her mother's hand, she began introducing her to the group. "Everyone, this is my mom, Sylvie. Mom, these are my friends Claudia and Tristan, the ones who are going to U of M with me.

"It's nice to meet you both," Sylvie said while shaking their hands. "Kimi's mentioned you lots throughout the year, so it's nice to finally have a face to go along with the names."

"Nice to meet you too," Claudia said. "As soon as I saw you approaching us, I instantly knew you were her mother. You look so alike, I almost thought you were sisters."

Sylvie lightly chuckled. "That's a very nice compliment, Claudia, but I think Kimi's got me beat in the looks department."

"No way," Kimi disagreed. "Just lose the mom jeans, put on a tighter shirt, and you'll have all the boys after you, too."

This time Sylvie gave an outright laugh. "Thanks, but I'll leave the boys to you younger girls. I'm not trying to hook any jailbait."

"I hear you, Sylvie," Mona said. "Leave the boys for our girls to date, and let us have the men, right?"

"Amen," she agreed. "I want a big cat, not a cub."

At this, Winona, Sylvie, and Mona all shared a deep laugh, but Claudia, Kimi, and Tyler offered nothing more than awkwardly crooked smiles. Curious to see Tristan's expression, Claudia turned her head to look at Tristan, and on noting that his cheeks had turned a bright red, she soothingly stroked his forearm. 

"It's a joke, Tristan," Claudia assured him. "They're not making fun of you."

"I *know*." Still sporting a flushed face, he shifted his feet, then purposely focused on a group of teens who were walking right past him.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." Now looking at Tristan, Sylvie's smile began to lessen. "I didn't mean to offend, you understand. But boys your age should be going out with nice young girls, like Kimi or Claudia. Not old ladies like us."

"Since when am I an old lady?" Winona playfully placed her hands on her slim hips. "I'll have you know that I occasionally catch the eye of twenty-year olds, and from time to time, I even get approached and asked out."

"By who?" A deep crease marred the spot between Ray's eyebrows. "You've got a ring on your hand. Don't they realize that you're married to me?" 

"I guess not," she said, and holding her hand out in front of her, she studied the gold band. "Guess It's not large enough for them to see. Maybe you should upgrade and buy me one with a bigger diamond."

"That's the way to do it," Mona said while giving Winona a supportive nudge. "Just slip it on in there and let him know what you want."

"I don't get it," Ray said while glancing at Tristan and Tyler, before finally focusing on Big John. "What is it with women and diamonds? Why do they love them so much?"

Shrugging at the exact same time, Tristan and Tyler exchanged a look that seemed to say, "who knows?" But eager to chime in, Claudia spoke up and gave her opinion.

"Well, they are shiny and pretty, but personally I think it's because of clever marketing."

"And that Marilyn Monroe movie," Kimi said. "You know the one where she sings 'diamond are a girl's best friend,' while wearing that strapless pink dress?"

Claudia nodded. "Yeah, diamonds are nice to look at, I guess. But if I was getting a gift from a guy, I could think of at least a dozen other things I'd rather receive than an expensive rock."

"Like what?" Kimi asked. "Name one thing that you think is better."

Falling silent, Claudia took a moment to contemplate her answer, but she didn't have to think very long before she responded to Kimi's question. 

"I don't know, I guess I'd prefer something really meaningful," she said while staring off into the distance. "Like a key to his apartment, or maybe a surprise trip to a romantic getaway in a secluded spot."

"Well that's really cool and all," Kimi stated, "but you don't know any guys who have their own apartment, Claude. And surprise trips take money, which is something most guys our age don't have a whole lot of."

"You know what I meant, dork," she quickly rebutted. "The point is, I like sentimental gifts. Ones that are creative and come straight from the heart."

Unbeknowst to Claudia, Tristan was giving her a hard and thoughtful look, but Winona, who had been observing how intently his eyes were pinned on the black girl, completely understood what was presently going through his mind.

"You're so deep in thought, Tristan," Winona said while giving her son a soft smile. "Those wheels are so loud, I can hear them turning in your head."

Smirking at his wife's remark, Ray gently nudged her and then chuckled, but Tristan, who was less than amused, was sporting deep red cheeks. While Mona and Big John shared a grin of their own, Sylvie sent a signal to Kimi with her eyes, and upon receiving a gentle nod in return, Sylvie looked back at Tristan and gave him a wide, knowing smile. 

Feeling like the odd ones out, neither Tristan nor Claudia were smiling at all, but they did awkwardly shift their weight as six pairs of eyes came to rest on their faces. 

"So," Claudia said before lightly clearing her throat. "Is anyone hungry? Because I could really go for some fast food right now."

"Fast food?" The face Ray pulled conveyed his disapproval. "You kids need some traditional Blackfoot food, like sweetbread and fishhead stew, not the slop that they serve at those quickie restaurants.

"Oh Ray, let them eat what they want," Winona said. "They deserve a treat, they just graduated high school."

"They'll have plenty of chances to eat junk in college," Ray said. "Hearty food is important, and nourishing to their bodies and spirits."

"I wouldn't mind some traditional Indian food," Claudia said. "I mean how many more chances will I get before moving off the rez to go to uni?"

"That's right, Claudia. I'm glad to hear that you realize that." Now shifting his gaze to Tristan and Kimi, he gave them each an imploring look. "You two kids wanna join us, or would you rather poison your bodies with fast food?"

"I'm up for it," Kimi said. "I mean free food is free food, so I'm not complaining."

"Great. What about you, son?" 

"Sure. I'd never turn down mom's sweetbread and fishhead stew."

"And I already know you two are coming," Ray said to Mona and Big John. "But I hope you'll join us for dinner for as well, Sylvie."

"I'd love to," she said. "But I told my husband I'd be back home by six, so unfortunately I'll have to pass on the invitation."

"Come on, Mom." Kimi gave her mother a pleading look. "We all want you there with us, so blow off the asshole for one night and come have some fun."

"Watch it, Kimi," Sylvie sternly said. "You know better than to use that language around me."

"Well he is an asshole," she rebutted. "And I'm sick and tired of him always controlling you like this. Are you ever going to leave him, or just put up with his shit for the rest of your life?"

"Kimi, *please*." Sylvie's lips were pressed tight, forcing her to speak through clenched teeth. "Not the time or place, alright? So calm down and stop embarrassing me."

"I will if you agree to go to dinner at Ray's," she said. "Let that animal you call a husband eat one of those crappy TV dinners, because I want you with *me* tonight."

"It's not that simple," she said while shaking her head, but Tyler, who had been silently standing by up until that point, began exuberantly forming his fingers into the correct shape for certain words. 

"He's right," Kimi agreed. "It's the day of my graduation, and It's the least you can do."

Clearly hesitant to give in, Sylvie looked away from her daughter and son. But Kimi's stare held firm and her body language indicated that she wasn't backing down.

"Alright Kimi," she finally said after several long moments. "I'll come to dinner." 

"Really?" 

"Yes." She offered a nod, followed by a weak smile.

"Awesome, that's great." Kimi leaned in to give her mother a quick hug. "You'll have fun tonight, I know you will." 

"It'll be great to have you over, Sylivie." A wide smile graced Ray's face. "It'll probably take us an hour to get dinner together and on the table, but everyone is welcome to come over and hang out until then."

"That would be great," Mona said. "Why don't you and Winona lead the way, and we'll all tailgate behind you in our cars." 

"Sounds like a plan," Ray said, and with he and his wife leading the way, started forward and across the field so that they could reach the parking lot.

Upon arrival, the adults all headed for their individual vehicles, but Claudia, Kimi, and Tristan seemed uncertain whether they should split apart and go with their own parents, or travel together in a particular car. 

Perhaps worrying that her mother would change her mind and return home, Kimi opted to accompany her, and realizing there would be plenty of room for them in Sylvie's minivan, Tristan and Claudia made the decision to ride along with Kimi.

Two minutes later, Ray and Winona lead the way out of the parking lot in their gray Toyota. Directly behind them was Big John's Chevy Blazer, and last in line was Sylvie's white minivan, which carried the three newly graduated teens. 

The sun was just setting as they pulled out onto the road, casting bright gold rays across the pavement they were traveling along. Gradually Browning High School began to recede behind them, and feeling an urge to take one last look, 

Claudia turned her head to look out of the rear windshield. She didn't have long to take in her alma matter, however, because the sensation of Tristan's hand against hers immediately stole her attention.

Look forward, he seemed to silently say with his eyes, and so she did. It was at this very moment that the high school disappeared entirely from sight, and no longer visible from the rear windshield, it was now nothing more than a memory.



Lost Girl Ch. 21



Well, this is it. The last chapter of Lost Girl. I would like to thank everyone for their interest and in case you're wondering, there will be a sequel to come in the near future, which will focus on their college years.

I hope you've enjoyed the story, and thanks for supporting Lost Girl!

*****

The night had grown late, and along with it was a drowsiness that tended to arrive after a good meal. Along with ice cream for dessert, they all enjoyed delicious cups of decaffeinated coffee, and with no more room in their stomachs for anything else, they settled back in their chairs to enjoy a bit of conversation.

Unsurprisingly, the parents questioned the teens about their plans for summer, and upon being told of the road trip they were planning, a barrage of questions ensued.

"Seattle, huh?" Big John eyed Tristan, Claudia, and Kimi with curiosity. "What made you kids decide on driving out there?"

"Well, it only takes nine hours," Kimi stated. "So we figure It's pretty doable, you know? And Ethan has an aunt who lives out there, so It'd be nice to have a free place to crash while exploring the city."

"You'll all be sharing a car, right?" Winona asked. "Because It'd probably be safer that way."

"Yep. Ethan is borrowing his uncle's old VW bus, so we'll all be traveling together in that." 

"Better make sure you get that car checked out well before leaving," Ray said. "Wouldn't wanna get stranded on the way."

"From what I hear, It's in pretty good condition," Kimi said. "But Ethan's uncle is a mechanic, so we'll definitely have everything looked over before the trip."

"Make sure you bring an emergency kit," Ray said. "And a GPS device would be a good idea, too."

"What about maps?" Mona asked. "The GPS device could break down, and then where would they be?"

"I've got a Thomas Guide at home," Big John said. "Also got a cooler and a couple of brand new flannel blankets."

"What about a portable power converter?" Claudia asked. "That way we can use a portable DVD player and our laptops during the drive along the way."

"You're going on a road trip, sugarplum." This time it was Mona's turn to chime in. "Why not just enjoy each other's company and keep your computers at home?"

"No way, I need my laptop," Claudia said. "And I'm pretty sure that Kimi will be bringing her DVD player, so we'll definitely need a convertor."

"What about you, Tristan?" Ray gazed intently at his son. "You bringing along one of those electronic gadgets, too? Or are you going to unplug and enjoy the moment?"

"I don't know..." But it seemed that he did, because a sheepish expression had crossed his face. "I mean, I was maybe thinking about bringing my handheld gaming system. But that's only because I promised Ethan that I would let him check it out."

"So instead of connecting with each other, you'll all be plugged into machines." As if to show how ridiculous he found this, Ray slowly shook his head. "I don't know what it is with you kids and technology, but if you don't put down those fancy gizmos, you'll lose the ability to fully connect."

"Oh, I don't know about that," Kimi said. "I've got a feeling we'll all connect just fine on this trip. Especially Tristan and Claudia."

Completely mortified, Claudia threw Kimi a look that seemed to ask, 'did you really just say that?' But Tristan averted his eyes, choosing to focus his gaze on the last bit of coffee that was in his cup.

"Well," Mona said while focusing her eyes directly on her daughter, "You are growing up and getting ready to go off to college, so I expect that you all will be having quite a lot of new experiences."

Uncertain of just how she should response, Claudia only gave her mother a smile. Perhaps noting the thoughtful tone in Mona's voice, Tristan's parents took a moment to look at him as well, and as Sylvie completed the circle by locking eyes with Kimi, a stillness fell over them all. 

As if suddenly aware that things were changing in a very big way, the adults all gazed with concern at the newly graduated teens. 

Never before had time seemed to stand so completely still, but as the clock on the wall chimed the arrival of a new hour, eye contact was broken and everyone seemed to reanimate. 

"Nine o'clock already?" Winona downed the rest of her coffee, then stood on her feet and began clearing away the empty cups. "Wow, that time just flew by, didn't it?"

"Yep." Now also on her feet, Mona was collecting the dessert bowls. "Come to think of it, this whole day has been a blur."

"Kinda sad, Isn't it?" Asked Sylvie as she stole a look at Kimi. "Our kids growing up, leaving us behind and going off to college."

"Definitely sad," Winona said, and with a sullen expression, briefly glanced at her son. 

"They'll be fine," Ray assured the women, yet despite his straight-face expression, Claudia could see that he was swallowing a lump.

"You guys are way emotional," Kimi said with a smile, and she stood to put on her jacket. "We'll only be living five hours away, so it's not like we'll be cross-country or something."

Having been silently reading lips for the past few hours, Kimi's brother began to sign, and upon watching his hand gestures, Claudia inwardly read what he was signing:

You'll be far enough to miss.

Deeply touched, Kimi nearly looked ready to cry, then pulled him into a hug before easing back to look at his face. 

"Oh Tyler, you're so sweet. I'm gonna miss you too, baby brother."

"What about me?" Sylvie asked, and as Kimi turned to look at her mother, Sylvie gave her a little smile.

"Of course, mom. You know I will."

With no more dishes to clear, Winona and Mona came back into the living room, and along with Claudia, Tristan, Ray and Big John, joined Sylvie and her children at the door.

"Thanks for coming to dinner," Ray said as he opened the front door and escorted everyone out to the porch. "It was great having you all over, and let's do it again sometime, okay?"

"That would be nice," Sylvie said, and after offering a wave to everyone on the porch, led the way to a white minivan that was parked in the driveway.

"Later, Claude," Kimi said with a wave of her own. "Give me a call when you get home, alright?"

"Sure thing," Claudia said, and with a shift of her gaze, signed a goodbye to Tyler, who quickly signed back with his own farewell.

"Well that was nice," Winona said as Sylvie's minivan pulled away, and with a smile on her lips, turned her gaze to Mona, Claudia, and Big John. "So what's the plan, you three? Feel like hanging out with us for a bit longer, or are you heading home to relax?"

"I think we'll call it a night," Mona said with a light yawn.

"Already?" Claudia's features slackened with disappointment. "I was kinda hoping we could stay awhile longer. At least for another hour."

"I'm tired, Claude," Mona said in response, but as she noticed that Tristan looked displeased as well, her features instantly softened. "But if you'd like to stay a little longer, I guess It'd be alright. I mean, as long as Ray and Winona are okay with it.

"Not a problem," Winona said. "Ray and I were thinking of watching a movie in a bit, so if Tristan and Claudia would like to join us, we'd be more than happy to have the company.

"I'm up for a movie," Claudia enthusiastically said.

"And you'll drive her home once It's done?" Mona asked Tristan. 

"Yeah, no problem. I can definitely do that."

"Alright. Well you kids have fun, then," Mona said before shifting her eyes to Tristan's parents. "Thanks for dinner you two, and we'll be in touch."

"Have a good night and thanks for coming," Ray called out as they walked away, and as he turned to reenter the house, Tristan, Winona, and Claudia followed behind him.

"So," Ray said while heading for the living room's entertainment center," Any suggestions of what we should watch?"

"How about The Crow?" Tristan asked.

"Again?" Ray pulled a face. "You've sent that movie a dozen times already, son. Pick something else."

"Why don't we let Claudia pick it out?" Winona asked, and gesturing towards the large DVD collection, she encouraged Claudia to do just that.

On reaching the entertainment center, Claudia scanned the various titles, and upon noting that they had a copy of The Shawshank Redemption, she pulled it off the shelf. 

"How about this one?" She asked.

"Good pick," Ray said, and after taking the movie from her hands, he slipped it into the DVD player. 

While Ray and Winona cuddled up on a quilt-covered sofa, Claudia and Tristan relaxed in individual armchairs, which were situated side by side. 

For awhile they all sat in silence, enjoying the movie as it played on the flat screen, but as the movie progressed, Claudia noticed that both her and Tristan were nearly mirroring each others positions. 

Situated close enough so that they were within an arm's length, both Claudia and Tristan were allowing their hands to dangle over the edge of the armrest. They were so close, in fact, that Claudia could feel the energy that radiated from his hands. 

Tempted to reach out and link her fingers with his, Claudia shifted her hand a little closer, but she never got the chance to do much more, because Tristan extended a finger to lightly caress the back of her hand.

With a startling suddenness, Claudia's skin began to prickle, heat spreading throughout her veins with a hot and heavy sensation. Her heart began to quicken as he brushed his knuckles against hers, but it wasn't until their fingers finally linked, that a fluttering in her chest ensued.

It may have seemed that they would sneak looks at one another, but their gazes remained pinned to the TV, looking but not actually concentrating on the movie that continued to play. 

Half an hour passed, then an entire hour before faint snores reached Claudia's ears, and on noticing that Winona had fallen asleep, Claudia shifted her eyes to Ray.

Gently, and with a carefulness so that he wouldn't awake her, Ray lifted Winona in his arms. Once she was securely enveloped, he slowly rose to his feet, and after whispering goodnight to Claudia and Tristan, he carried his wife off toward the bedroom.

Now left completely alone, the two teenagers shifted in their seats, but neither made any attempt to even sneak a look the other's way. For awhile they watched the movie in stillness, sitting close and still holding hands. But as minutes passed on, tension crackled between them like static electricity.

Clearly hoping to slice through the stillness, Tristan pointedly cleared his throat, then turned his head to look at Claudia, who was eagerly waiting for him to speak.

"You wanna hang out in my room for a bit?" Tristan asked.

"Um, sure," she said, and several seconds later she was following him down the hallway.

Upon reaching the bedroom that was Tristan's, he opened the door, allowing her to enter first before trailing behind her. The door made a soft clicking noise as Tristan locked it, and after turning around to look Claudia's way, he saw that she was sitting up against the headboard. 

Eagerly, and with an excitement that Claudia found incredibly cute, Tristan joined her on the bed. No sooner had they joined hands, did their lips come together, and with an avidness that took Claudia's breath away, Tristan claimed her mouth with a deep, drugging kiss. 

Overtaken by his passion, she uttered a hot, heady gasp. Her skin flushed, breaths growing labored as his tongue began to explore her mouth, but it was the sensuous way he glided his palm along her lower back that caused her muscles to loosen.

Locking her arms around his neck, she pulled him in even closer, and with a lasciviousness that surprised even herself, she draped a leg over his lap. Although she was dressed in a skirt, Tristan took care not to slide his hands beneath the mid-thigh hem, and instead only caressed her lower thigh. 

Fully stimulated by the touch of his broad hand, Claudia moaned and lifted a hand to his jaw, gliding the tip of her thumb along the square cut of it before slipping her fingers into his inky black hair. 

Lusciously soft to the touch, Tristan's locks gave off the scent of Prell shampoo, and had waves that made her repeatedly comb her fingers from root to tip. So consumed by the silky heat of his tongue, she didn't even notice the object that was lodged beneath her. But as a gooey wetness began to spread beneath her bottom, she broke the kiss and lifted her body from the mattress. 

At first glance, she couldn't tell just what the heck it was, but on closer inspection she realized it was a squeezable pudding pouch. Smashed completely flat, the contents had squirted all over the comforter, and on rubbing a palm along the back of her skirt, Claudia realized that her backside was covered in the gooey mess.

"Oh wow," Tristan exclaimed as he saw the back of Claudia's skirt. "I'm so sorry, Claude. That's completely my fault."

"It's fine, I can just rinse it out when I get home."

"There's napkins around here somewhere," Tristan said while glancing around, but Claudia was already reaching for the uppermost drawer of his nightstand.

"What are you doing?" He asked.

"Looking for napkins."

"They're not in there," he nearly shouted out, but by that time it was already too late.

Seeing, but not understanding just what it was that she was that she was looking at, Claudia stared long and hard at the object in the drawer. 

At first glance, it appeared as nothing more than a Pringles can, but the foam material that was stuffed into the cylinder made Claudia realize it was being implemented for something very specific. Extremely curious, she lifted the object out of the drawer, and after inspecting it with inquisitive eyes, she shifted her focus to Tristan's face.

"What's this?"

With a shrug of his shoulders, Tristan dryly swallowed, then briefly looked away before attempting to retrieve it from her grasp.

"Wait," she said while moving it out of his reach. "I'm not done looking at it."

"Come on, Claude. Give it back to me," he urged, but this only seemed to make her curiosity intensify.

"What is it? She asked again, and on turning her head to look at his face, she saw that his ears were beginning to redden. 

"It's a homemade fleshlight," he quickly mumbled.

"What's a fleshlight?"

"It's for masturbation." Tristan's face was now scarlet red.

"Seriously?" Claudia asked, and her gaze refocused on the DIY sex toy. "I don't get it, how does it work?"

Taking the fleshlight from her, Tristan demonstrated by sticking his finger into a slot that split the foam, then shifted his gaze back to Claudia, who now wore an enlightened expression.

"Ohhh, now I understand," she softly said while lifting one of her brows, and feeling as if she'd just been let in on a confidential secret, she gazed at Tristan with a kind of wonder. "So that foam that you stuck in the can...it replicates the feel of you having sex with an actual woman?"

"Yes," Tristan replied. 

"And it works well?" She asked. "I mean, well enough so that you never use your hand?"

"I still use my hand," Tristan said. "But sometimes I like to switch things up."

"Oh." Still surprised at her discovery, Claudia glanced back at the fleshlight, and on noticing that she was staring at it, Tristan leaned over and placed it beneath the bed.

"Why'd you do that?" She asked.

"Because you're staring at it."

Blinking in response, Claudia gave him a look of bafflement.

"It makes me feel awkward, okay?" 

"Why?"

"Because it makes me feel like a pervert."

"Well you're not a pervert," Claudia assured him. "And just so you know, I wasn't judging you for having a sex toy. I was just really curious as to how you used it."

"Well now you know," Tristan said, and with a flush that still covered his cheeks, he purposely stared at the wall.

"You're not mad, are you?" 

"No."

"You sure?"

Tristan shook his head.

"I really wasn't trying to look through your stuff. I was just searching for napkins, and figured you'd probably keep some in your nightstand."

"But I told you not to open the drawer," he said. "Why'd you do it anyways?"

"I opened it before you told me," she rebutted. "It's not like I purposely did it anyways just to snoop around."

There was no response from Tristan. Only a long, low breath he slowly eased out to express his disappointment.

Easing out a long, low sigh, Tristan remained quiet.

"Tristan, come on. You can't possibly be mad at me," she said. "I mean, how was I supposed to know you'd have a masturbatory device in there?"

For a few silent moments, Claudia's words just hung between them. But then suddenly, and with a faintness that Claudia just barely noticed, the corners of Tristan's lips began to quiver.

"What?" She asked.

"That word you used. It sounded funny."

"Masturbatory?"

Tristan slowly nodded, and now wearing a full blown smile, he snortled.

"Well it is a masturbatory device," she said. "What else am I supposed to call it?"

"I don't know."

The corners of her lips pulled upward, and with a thoughtful expression on her face, she asked, "How long did it take you to build?"

At this, Tristan actually laughed.

"What?" She asked with a grin. "I'm curious."

"I don't know..." He shrugged before stating, "fifteen, maybe twenty minutes?"

"And how often do you use it?"

"Why do you wanna know?"

"Because I'm curious."

"I use it when I feel like it," Tristan said. "That a good enough answer for you?"

Noting his playful tone, Claudia gave him a gentle smile, then curled up against him and stretched a leg out over his.

"Do you ever think about me while you're using it?" She softly asked.

"You know I do, Claude. I'm crazy about you, you know that."

Nuzzling closer, Claudia rested her head against his chest, then eased out a contented sigh before posing a question.

"What's a sta-au?"

Tensing up, Tristan looked down at Claudia's face. "Where did you hear that word?"

"From Lucas."

"In what context?" he asked with furrowed brows. "What were you and Lucas discussing?"

Thinking back to earlier that afternoon, Claudia vividly recalled the conversation. But she didn't feel so comfortable in divulging the details, because the dialogue that she and Lucas engaged in, had involved a comment regarding Tristan's mother. A very particular comment, that Claudia now began to recollect.

~

"I've always kinda had this thing for Winona," Lucas had said.

"Seriously?" Claudia's mouth had come unhinged. "Tristan's mother, Winona? Oh wow, I never would have guessed."

"Why not? She's real pretty."

"I know she is. But she's Tristan's mom."

"Yeah, well don't tell anyone, okay? Especially not Tristan, because I don't want that weirdo sending a sta-au to attack me." 

~

Coming back to the present moment, Claudia came to the realization that Tristan was awaiting her answer, and with her head still against his chest, she opened her mouth to speak.

"We talked about a lot of different stuff," she slowly said. "But when it came to the subject of you, I remember him saying something like, 'I don't want Tristan sending a sta-au to attack me."

"Seriously?" Tristan slowly shook his head. "Why would I send him a sta-au? That's for people who play with the dark side."

"What is a sta-au?" Claudia asked again. "You never did tell me."

"Earthbound spirits," Tristan replied. "They did terrible things before they died, and try to do harm to the living."

"Have you seen one before?"

Tristan nodded. "A couple of them used to show up late at night when my mom and dad were sleeping, but once I blessed all of the portals that led into the house, they finally stopped coming inside."

"When you say portals, you mean doors..."

"And windows," Tristan said. "But they often use mirrors as well, so I did a smudging ceremony, then used olive oil to seal off every window in the house."




Lost Girl Ch. 21



"And you haven't seen one since?"

"Not inside the house, but every now and again, I'll spot one randomly on the side of the road, or sometimes hanging out where a lot of people are gathered."

"Are they anything like shadow people?" Claudia asked. "Because I think I remember you telling me that they're earthbound spirits, as well."

"They're somewhat similar," Tristan said. "But sta-au can actually attack and harm, while shadow people feed off of negative energy."

Creeped out by the thought alone, Claudia cuddled closer against Tristan, and in response, he tightened his arms around her waist. 

"If you'd like, I can smudge your house too. And seal off all the entry points tomorrow afternoon. That way you'll always know that you and your family are protected."

"That'd be great," Claudia said, and her body softened against him, muscles lax and completely boneless.

"I'm glad you feel safe with me," Tristan stated. "That tells me I'm on the right track." 

As if to assure that he was, Claudia lifted her face so she could look into his eyes. Staring right back at her, he traced the softness of her mouth, marveling over the full, sensual shape before moving in closer. But instead of pressing his lips to hers, he only stared unblinking into her eyes. 

"You are what's been missing from my life, Claude. I felt a definite connection ever since the beginning of the school year, but I didn't want to acknowledge it, because I knew we weren't prepared for something deeper."

"Yes," Claudia said. "You were crushing really hard on Kimi, and I was totally infatuated by Lucas."

"We did care for them both quite a bit," he said, "but it's different between you and me. And I don't think we've quite figured out just yet what it is that gels us together."

"I don't think It's just one particular thing, but several."

He remained silent so she could continue on.

"Well obviously we're attracted to one another, so there's that. But you and I have these interesting conversations...and It's not just about typical shallow stuff, but a lot of it is pretty spiritual. And I think It's really cool that you've got these paranormal abilities, because I don't know anyone that has a view into the other side like you do."

"And there's still a lot I haven't told you about that, yet," he said. "But that can come later, as we continue to go deeper with one another."

"Good," she said while rubbing a palm against his chest. "Because I love it when you share, it makes me feel even closer to you." 

"That's because conversation and cuddling is the cake," Tristan said. "The rest is just frosting."

"Is that right?" Her tone was laden with flirtation.

"Yes, it is," he said while looking deeply into her eyes. "And I have a feeling that the frosting on our cake is going to be especially delicious."

Flushed hot with desire, Claudia's skin began to prickle, and suddenly she was hyper aware of the way that her body was pressed up against Tristan's. While he was solid and masculine, she was soft and feminine; sweet and floral smelling while he was carrying a musky and utterly male scent.

Enticed by his natural fragrance, she nuzzled her nose against his neck, then gently kissed his Adam's apple before linking her fingers through his.

Softly, but with just enough pressure to lift her face, Tristan tilted her chin upward. Resting her eyes on his lips, she noticed they were slightly parted and angled towards hers. Slowly, he leaned in to kiss her, but instead of diving right in for a full, open-mouthed kiss, he seductively licked her lower lip. 

He gently nibbled on the swollen pad before tenderly suckling it, and only once her breathing had audibly quickened, did he finally go full force with a stunningly passionate kiss. By the time he pulled back, she was left feeling a little dazed, and gazed up at him with eyes that were half-lidded and clouded with desire.

"What time do you have to be home?" He breathed against her lips.

"Don't know," she softly mumbled. "Eleven, maybe twelve o'clock?" 

Glancing at his alarm clock on the bedside table, Tristan saw that it was nearly ten thirty.

"Let's shoot for midnight," he said. "It'll give us another hour and a half."

With a nod, she assented, and while she lifted a palm to cradle his jaw, he slipped his fingers into her curls. Strong and solid, his chest pressed against her breasts. And as their lips came together again, so did their hands, fingers linking with a tightness that couldn't be broken.

I hope I'm not forgetting anything," Claudia said as she eyed the leather duffel bag and small travel backpack that sat next to the front door.

"What could you be missing?" Mona asked while handing Claudia her cup of morning coffee. "I went over the checklist with you and we marked everything off, so I'd say you're good to go."

It's just this feeling I have." Shifting her gaze from the backpack to the duffel bag, Claudia contemplated whether or not she should take the time to double check the contents.

"Well you've definitely got your makeup and hair products, because I helped you pack them last night, remember? And I also saw you put your laptop in, so that's already in there as well.

"What about my boots?" Claudia asked while turning her head to look at her mother. "You know those cherry red doc martens that I've had since the ninth grade?"

"They're on your feet, sugarplum. You put them on just a half hour ago."

With a quick gaze downward, Claudia saw that her mother was telling the truth.

"Oh, right," she said with a sheepish smile. "I've got so many things going through my mind right now that I totally forgot."

"Have you got your cell phone?" 

"Yep. It's right here in the pocket of my blazer." 

"And all of the numbers that I gave you are plugged into your contacts list?"

"Yep."

"So if you need to get in touch with me but for some reason I'm unavailable, you can call Big John or Tristan's parents, and they'll pass the message right along."

"Uh-huh."

"Day or night, you can always call. So don't ever hesitate to get in touch, you understand?"

"I do," Claudia said.

"And remember what we told you about being safe," came Big John's voice as he exited the kitchen and joined them by the door. "You all watch out for one another, and make sure you do not pick up any hitchhikers."

"Of course," Claudia said. "That goes without saying."

"And if Ethan or Tristan drink and they try to drive while under the influence, you tell them you won't get into the car and you immediately call us."

"Neither of them drink," Claudia said. "But if they did, Kimi and I would definitely take the car keys."

"So you've got everything, then," Mona asked while looking deeply into Claudia's eyes. 

"Well I'd like think that I do," Claudia responded. "But as I mentioned before, it feels like I could be leaving something important behind."

"What about aspirin?" Mona asked while giving her daughter a serious look. "Did you remember to pack it in your bag?"

"Aspirin?" For a brief moment, Claudia's face went blank, but upon realizing that her mother was slyly referring to her birth control pills, Claudia offered a quick reply. "Actually, I'm kind of running low. I think I might grab another bottle before I go."

With a turn on her heel, Claudia headed for the hallway, and upon reaching the end of it, made a right turn into her room. Upon reaching her dresser, she pulled open a drawer and retrieved a lunch bag, but she barely had time to take out the contents before Mona came into her room.

"Good thing I reminded you," Mona said while looking at the birth control case in Claudia's hand. "I told you to pack them last night, but you didn't listen."

"Because I don't need them," Claudia said. "Tristan and I aren't even having sex yet, so what's the point?"

"I told you when you started taking them weeks ago, that It's just in case," she responded. "And It's a good idea for you to stay on a routine, that way once you do become sexually active, you'll already be used to the idea of taking them."

"Alright, fine." Claudia stuffed them into her pocket, then hurriedly made her way out of the room and down the hallway, but she didn't get the chance to take her bags out onto the porch, because Mona was standing in front of her with a camera in her hand.

"Wait. I want to get a picture of you before you go."

"Why?"

"Because you look cute." Her gaze lowered to the black, loose fitting crop top and leopard print leggings that Claudia was wearing before once against lifting to her face. "Now strike a pose, so that I can take the picture."

With a smile, Claudia did, but as soon as the camera shutter was released, she broke the pose and prepared to leave. Eager to get her bags outside, Claudia hoisted her backpack onto her shoulder, and with Big John stepping in to carry her duffel bag, Claudia was ready to go. 

She was just turning towards the door when a knock sounded against it, and on swinging it open to reveal a happy looking Tristan, she gave him a wide smile.

"Hey," he said.

"Hey yourself," she said right back, and as he gestured for her to hand him her backpack, she slipped it off and handed it over. 

"Hello Big John." Tristan's gaze rose to take in the towering man. 

"Hello, Tristan. All set for your road trip to Seattle?"

"Oh yeah," Tristan replied, and with Claudia and Big John following behind him, led the way to a VW bus that idled in the driveway. "Ever since we graduated three weeks ago, I've been pretty much counting the days."

As they reached the classic Volkswagon, Claudia noticed Ethan sitting behind the wheel, and with a wave of her hand, she gave him a hello.

"Good to see you again, Claudia." He smiled, then tilted his head in a gesture towards the rear of the VW bus. "Just throw your stuff in the back, and we'll be on our way."

Heeding his suggesting, Tristan and Big John placed her bags in the luggage compartment, and with everything now set for the commencement of the road trip, both Claudia and Tristan gave each other an eager look.

"So I guess this is it," Big John said while shifting his eyes between the two of them. "You kids be safe, and have a good time, alright?"

"Will do," Claudia responded.

"And don't forget to call us along the way." Stepping forward to give Claudia a hug, Mona tightly embraced her. "Be safe, and we'll see you in three weeks."

"Okay." 

On pulling back from the long, tight hug with her mother, Claudia was embraced by Big John, who effortlessly encased her with his long, muscular arms. She had barely pulled back from the hug when her mother handed over a small wad of bills, which seemed to be mostly twenties with a couple of hundreds threaded in. 

"I know you've got some money of your own, but Big John and I thought you could use a little extra."

"Wow, thanks!" Not having expected the contribution, Claudia's face visibly brightened, and she gave them each an extra hug before finally backing away. "I'll give you a call when we make the first pit stop."

"Okay, sounds good," Mona said. "Have a great trip, sugar plum."

With Tristan by her side, Claudia headed for the VW bus, but she never got the chance to climb inside, because the familiar hum of a certain car engine suddenly reached her ears. Even before she turned around, she already knew that it was Lucas's pickup, and on adjusting her body so that her focus was shifted, she spotted his old Chevy pulling up to the curb. 

Clearly less than enthused, Tristan's lips pressed tight and his brows slightly lowered, but Claudia didn't notice at all, because her gaze was firmly set on Lucas's vehicle. The car door creaked as Lucas slowly pulled it open, and after sliding out from behind the wheel, he closed it behind him. 

With sure, confident steps, he started across the lawn and towards Claudia, watching her with a little smile that made her go weak at the knees. But no sooner had she realized the effect that he still had over her, did she suddenly remember that Tristan was standing right beside her. 

Sneaking a quick look his way, she saw that he was eyeing her very closely, and that was when she remembered that he was picking up on everything that she felt. Feeling completely self-conscious, she shifted uneasily on her feet, but as Lucas stopped right in front of her, her eyes moved to his face. 

"Hey." Her tone came out soft, and full of surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to say bye," he responded. "When you sent me that text last night letting me know what time you were leaving, I figured it was a hint that you wanted me to stop by.

So here I am."

"Oh, well cool. I'm glad that you decided to do that."

"Yep." The corners of his lips pulled into a gentle smile, but on shifting his attention to the spot beside Claudia, he noticed that Tristan was staring directly at him.

"Hello." Lucas's voice came out flat and unenthused. 

"Hi," Tristan replied, and his jaw began to tighten.

Expecting some more words to follow, Claudia waited for them to continue speaking, but after several awkward and unbelievably quiet moments, Claudia realized that each was put off by the other's presence.

Realizing that it was up to her to break the silence, Claudia turned her head to look at Tristan. But she didn't have to say a word in order for him to get the message, because he slowly began to back away with a sad look on his face.

"Guess I should give you a minute." Rather than state, his tone seemed to beseech, as if he were asking in a roundabout way whether or not he could remain by her side. 

"It'll only take a minute," she said, and with a soft smile she sent the message that she appreciated him allowing her some privacy. 

"Okay." His gaze veered to Lucas, and then back to Claudia before he added, "I'll meet you in the car."

Nodding in response, she watched him climb into the van, then looked back at Lucas, who was standing in front of her with a sad little smile. 

"So you heading off to Seattle, huh?"

"Yep. Should be about a ten hour trip, so we'll probably arrive around five p.m."

"How long you guys staying for?"

"Three weeks."

"Wow. That long, huh?"

"Sure. I mean we may as well, considering that we're doing all that driving, you know?"

He nodded. 

"What about you?" She asked. "Got anything cool going on this summer?"

"Actually, yes," he responded. "I'll be hitting the road next weekend, myself."

"Oh yeah? Where you heading off to?"

"Gonna hit the pow wow trail," he excitedly said. "I've been asked to travel around with a drumming group, so I'll be traveling through Montana to South Dakota, and then to Nebraska before looping around and returning home."

"Wow," Claudia said. "Sounds like quite a bit of driving."

"Yeah, It's a bit of a stretch, but one of the members of the drumming group has a large van for us to all travel in, so it won't be so bad."

"Well that definitely sounds exciting. And I think It's pretty cool that you'll be performing at so many different pow wow's."

"Yeah, It'll definitely be an experience," he said, and as he fell quiet, so did she.

"Well thank you for coming by." A tinge of sadness had crossed Claudia's face. "It's great to hear that you'll be doing some traveling too, and I hope you'll send me a text or two while you're out there on the road."

"Same goes for you," he said. "Make sure you keep in touch, okay?"

"Definitely." She gently nodded, then smiled before accepting a hug from him, but instead of pulling back after a couple of seconds, his hugged her even tighter.

"This Isn't the final goodbye, you know," she said in a voice that was muffled against his chest. "I'll be coming back to the rez at the end of July."

"I know," he stated. "But for some reason I just feel like giving you a nice, long hug."

"Oh..." More than happy to oblige him, she tightened her hold around him too, but the warm press of his body began to recede as he pulled away.

"Have a good summer, okay?"

"Sure thing," she responded. "You have a good one, too."

"Take care, lost girl. And be safe."

"I will." 

Slowly he turned, then headed for his truck that was parked at the curb. But she never got the chance to see him climb inside it, because she turned and headed towards the VW bus, which was still idling and parked in the driveway. Upon reaching it, she was excitedly greeted by Kimi, who popped her head out of the passenger window to give her a cheerful hello. 

"Hey, girlie. You all ready to hit the road?" Seated in the front next to Ethan, she was brimming with an exuberant happiness. 

"Sure am," Claudia said with a smile, and on noting that Tristan was seated in the back, she took a few steps towards the cab of the bus. 

Seated right next to the sliding door, Tristan held out his hand, then waited for her to accept it before helping her climb inside. Simple and gentlemanly, the gesture wasn't something that should have made her pause. But for some reason, she intently focused on the upturned palm of his hand.

Take this journey with me, he seemed to be non-verbally saying. Grab my hand and accept me fully as yours. 

Still gazing at his palm, she realized that the journey she would be taking wasn't just literal, but metaphorical as well, and with heart thudding quickly in her chest, she placed her hand in his.

Slowly, Claudia's gaze rose to meet his, and with fingers laced and palms kissing, he pulled her up and into the cab. Once she was securely seated beside him, Tristan slid the door along its tracks, and on slamming securely shut, Ethan shifted the bus into gear.

As they backed out of the driveway, Claudia noticed Lucas's truck was still at the curb, but it wasn't until they'd turned onto the street, that the Chevy's old engine rattled to life. Curious as to why he hadn't yet taken off, Claudia stared out of the window and directed her attention at Lucas, who was staring right back with a slack expression. 

Raising her hand in a wave, she offered one last goodbye, and after receiving one in return, she watched him ease away from the curb. While his Chevy headed one way, Ethan's VW bus headed the other. And beneath an endless blue Montana sky, they drove away, setting off in opposite directions.