Chapter Fifty:
Claire's POV
April 22nd, 7:30am.
It was a chilly Friday morning, as I was finishing packing up most of my stuff into my suitcase. Today was the beginning of my six month journey. Selena would be picking me up by 8:15, and we'd head to her house where the tour bus and the rest of the crew were.
After I zipped up the side, I turned slowly towards the freshly made bed, staring at the empty spot in which was Taylors side. I climbed onto the covers and curled into a ball upon where I could still smell the faintest hint of his scent. Even though he'd been in Vancouver/Washington for the past two weeks doing last minute shooting.
I've missed him. I've missed his laugh, the way his smile would light up my face.. We haven't seen much of each other since March came around. His schedule was packed with flying to different states for both his movies, and well, I was busy dancing. And trying to keep my friendship with Jack. Which by the way, has been going quite smoothly. He's gotten past his slip up and we're now just a pair of really good friends. I decided that I would bring up the question of him being our best man today. Since we'd be stuck in a bus for a few days..
Though Taylor was still stuck in my recent thoughts. I didn't know if he would be here in time to say goodbye.. We did talk last night and he had said that he had a flight out of Washington early this morning. I was urgently hoping that he'd make it home in time.
The slam of a car door startled me out of my haze. I looked up at the clock and noticed that it was eight already. I sat up, wiping my streamed cheeks with my sweatshirts sleeve and went to take down my stuff.
As soon as I got off the last step, there was a light knock at the door. I sniffed, rolling my suitcase and swinging my purse over my shoulder, going to open it for her.
"Hey, I know I'm a bit early.. but.." Her voice trailed as she looked at me. "Claire, were you crying?" She came forward, closer to my face, placing her hands on my shoulders. We had become really close since this all started. She eventually found about the whole Jack thing and was beating herself up about putting us together. But I said it was okay; that we needed that time to work some kinks out.
"Sort of.." I mumbled.
"Aw, how come?" Her eyes comforting.
"Cause I don't know if Taylor's going to make it to say goodbye.." I slowly looked up at her.
"Oh Claire Bear, I'm sure he'll be here."
I just gave her a small smile and shook her hands off. "It's okay.. I guess. We should go anyway, they're waiting for us." Before she could reply, I pulled my luggage around her feet and was headed to her car.
"Are you sure you don't want to wait a bit longer?" Selena's features were pained, as if they were reflecting off of mine. I wasn't sure what my own face looked like right now.
We were sat in her car, the engine was idling while all was waiting on my decision. I sighed and glanced at my phone. It had only been ten minutes, what are the odds of him coming right now?
Well I was about to be proved wrong.
The sound of a blaring motor roared through the neighborhood. Tires often screeched, making mile long echos throughout. Both Selena and I pushed our eyebrows down in thought of what was coming. The noises grew closer, I then looked over my shoulder - as we were parked in the driveway - trying to see better. Sel then urged me to get out of the car, it was like she knew something that I didn't. Though I obeyed, and stood at the edge of the driveway.
Soon enough, my eyes picked up a black car flying down our street.
I think the world may have stopped.
Taylor really was superman.
I ran my fingers through my hair in shock, a grin grew across my face. His Audi skidded to a halt next to the curb, and in a blink of an eye, I was tucked away in those familiar strong arms.
"I'm so sorry Claire. There was traffic, and the baggage claim took forever, and I had to stop for gas-" He ranted constantly in my ear.
I shut him up with an almost goodbye worthy kiss.
"Taylor, don't worry. It's really okay." I shook my head, my hands shook with the fresh adrenaline pumping through. They struggled to hold his beautiful face.
"I'm just glad to see you again..." I breathed, resting my forehead against his broad chest.
His lips touched my hair as we just stood in the early spring air. I squeezed my hands that were around his neck, and groaned.
"Ugh, I hate this." I let go, turning from him.
"What do you hate?" Taylor's tone was gentle, soothing.
"Goodbyes." We've had to do this before and I didn't want a repeat.
"It won't be goodbye forever though, Claire.." He clasped his hand in with mine. The warmth of it sent goosebumps up my spine. "Six months will fly by before you know it.. Hopefully we'll see each other in between those months." He pulled on my hand and I was back. Glued to his front, with both our chests touching. With his rounds piercing into mine, I slowly, agonizingly melted into his heart.
I could feel his energy excluding from him. It was like a huge silo of power was being surged through me. This unreal source of freedom made me feel... real again. His black brows pushed low as he came down towards my lips, laying an ever lasting kiss upon my trembling lips.
Our mouths were sewed passionately together now. I couldn't bear to let go.. His intoxicating breath that blew down my throat, tickled my insides. His palms gently brushed the side of my face, so soft; so smooth. My hands slithered up and underneath his shirt, feeling his defined. Feeling the way he loved me. I didn't care if people in the other houses saw us, I was way too occupied and completely unaware of my senses. Though I could feel that fearful stinging sensation making its way out, I knew it was time to part from my other half.
I took a step back from him, the action had his eyes still closed, though our hands were still intertwined below.
"I love you..." My voice was quiet. It was silent for seconds, awaiting for his reply, but my legs started carrying me back to the car. I let go of one hand, but he had held onto my left tightly, having me pause in mid stride.
"I'll see you soon." His husky tone brought haunting memories into my mind. Memories that would seep there way into my dreams while I was away. And with that, I pulled away from him and got back into the cold car. Where as we drove off down the street, I looked back at his tall figure. A clear vivid flashback played. It played for my own sadness, rubbing it in my face, of what was happening all over again, though longer. I continued watching the reflection on the window mirror, though after a minute, a truck pulled out behind us. As we were about to drive around the corner, the truck went the other way, revealing my view again.. But even as far away as we were, I could still see that Taylor was gone. Pain struck my stomach, uneasiness growing throughout. I pulled on my hood and settled back into the seat, letting a loose tear escape down my face.
It was close to nine thirty once we had arrived at Selena's home. I stepped out and went round to get my suitcase from the trunk, while Sel patted my shoulder as she passed to go see the others. I then walked over, handle in hand, and met her mother for the first time. She'd be joining us on this little adventure. After everyone was pretty much settled in the gigantic bus, we set off towards our first destination. Vegas! How ironic.
---
Five hours into it, the scenery hadn't changed much. Bunches of empty land, filled with shrub and dirt. We hadn't even passed through Phoniex yet!
I was busy occupying myself with my iPod. Music really took me out of this world, sending me into my own personal one. You could say I had the typical: Ke$ha, Katy Perry, 3OH!3, etc. But I, honestly, was more interested with the indie/alternative scene. Such as Metric, Imogen Heap, Muse, bands like that. Seriously, I think the 80s are better than whats played on the radio today.
As soon as I was about to break myself out of my rambling, Jack sat down across from me in the booth type sitting area. It reminded me of our first get together long ago.. Long ago when I was confused by all these emotions that were suddenly flying at me.
I pulled out my headphones and shut off my iPod, turning my focus to him.
"Are you okay?" He seemed to blurt out.
I swallowed, "Yeah, why?"
"Oh, well, you just seemed sort of distant this morning.. Sad almost."
My eyes closed for a split second, "To be honest, it was about saying bye to Taylor. That's all."
"Oh I'm sorry.." The twinkle in his green eyes started to fade.
"It's alright, really. I'm fine." I tried to smile. Though, it turned out to be harder than I thought.
Taylor's POV
I was sat on the bed, searching randomly for stuff on the Internet, when I noticed the time in the corner of the screen. It was six forty five and I was already late for a very important thing.
I closed the window and logged onto my webcam. Turning my own on, I waited patiently as it connected. Minutes later, Claire's breathtaking face appeared on my screen. The dimmed glow of her laptop just highlighted the rim of her incredibly messy bun.
"Hey, you're late mister." She smiled. That smile.
"I'm sorry okay..." I couldn't help but smile.
"How long has it been since we've done this?"
"Maybe a month." I shrugged, settling back into the pillows.
"Dang. Anyway, I am so tired right now you don't even know!"
"I'll bet! You're working so hard huh. How many places have you been to?" I wondered.
She placed her chin in the the cup of her palm, "Umm, Vegas... Seattle, and practically the whole mid west.." A sigh came out of her exasperation.
"And you guys are in Baltimore now?"
"Righto." Her white grin shone brightly.
"Are you having fun at least?"
"Of course! Every thing's been a blast. I didn't know I could love traveling this much.. Apart from all the long days in the bus, but.." She laughed lightly, making me smile.
"Well that's good. You truly deserve this." Her bright eyes smiled at me through the camera, having my heart accelerate. I missed her touch, her smell. Being apart from such a thing had me half alive. But this was her job and she had to do what she had to do.
"Where's your next city after this?" I was curious. Since they were in the east coast already.. It made me wonder.
"The Big Apple." She smiled excitingly.
"What! Really?" My jaw dropped.
This made her confused. "Yeah... Why?"
"Well I actually have a interview with Regis and Kelly this coming up weekend, for promoting Abduction? And also GQ offered me to be their cover for next months issue! So I have to go meet with them about that..." I think my smile was as big as the earth right now.
"So we'll see each other?" She sounded dazed.
"Yes, my love." I gave her a small happy grin.
She returned it, "We have to plan a day together.. I haven't seen you in three months."
"I know Claire, I know." I chuckled at her.
"Geez. I can't wait to see you!" A squeal came from her, though she was shushed by someone. "Oops. Sorry Sel." That lovely sound of her airy giggle rose from within her throat.
I laughed with her, my mind roving with the thought of seeing her this weekend. My beautiful Claire.
"I guess I should go to bed.." She yawned massively. "It's only ten fifteen, but whatever.."
"Okay then, get some rest. I love you.." Butterflies roamed my stomach as I watched her rounds sparkle.
"I love you too! See you soon then." She winked before blowing me a small kiss and then the screen went black.
I sighed and closed my laptop, laying down and shutting my eyes.
Claire flooded my open mind, her slim figure danced around the groves of my thoughts, that smile of hers flashing me whenever it got the chance. She moved with such beauty, I almost forgot that this wasn't real.
Just as I was about to be taken away by her, I randomly realised that it was only seven! I shot up and out of bed, feeling a bit stupid. Though then thinking that dreaming of Claire wasn't idiotic. It was pure genius.
I then dressed in sweats and black T-shirt and went to the gym to burn off some of this new energy.