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.