Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 115

When that shadow loomed over me, I could practically feel the anger rolling off it. That was what jolted me awake.

I turned and saw Claire standing next to the car, clearly fuming. She was saying something, but I couldn’t hear a word until I cracked the window.

The second it was down, her voice exploded inside. “You’re finally awake!”

“If you hadn’t opened that window, I was about to call an ambulance. I thought you’d died in there!”

So all that cold, angry energy I felt was hers. She definitely didn’t look happy. After they wrapped up the shoot, they came back and found the car locked with me passed out inside. They’d been knocking and yelling forever, but I’d slept right through it.

I rubbed my eyes and tried to lighten the mood. “Sorry to disappoint you. I’m still alive.”

Claire glared at me. “Open the door!”

I unlocked it right away, and they both climbed in. Judging by their faces, the shoot hadn’t exactly gone smoothly.

Garrison tried to start a conversation, but Claire just stared out the window, completely silent.

At one intersection, I had to slam on the brakes for a pedestrian. Claire lurched forward and bumped her head against the seat. She whipped around, furious.

“Do you have a problem with me? Is that why you did that?”

I put on my most innocent face. “Why would I? I wouldn’t dare.”

“Oh, please. You’re braver than you think. I never should have brought you today.”

I shot back, “I told you I’m not cut out for this. You didn’t listen, so don’t take it out on me.”

She gave me her usual advice, “You need to get along with your coworkers. You never know when you’ll need their help. Out in the world, you need friends. Remember to be kind.”

I nodded. “I know, Mom. Don’t worry about me.”

I smiled and added, “You know how many friends I have. Sometimes when I’m busy, they come by to check on you for me.”

She seemed reassured. It was true—some of my friends really had stopped by, so she didn’t need to worry.

After spending some time with Darleen, I went to talk to her doctor. He told me that if she could make it through this round of treatment, things would get a lot better.

“When she’s home, just take extra care. The most important thing is to avoid infection or fever. If anything happens, bring her in right away,” he said.

“Try to avoid crowded places. Her immune system is weak, so she’s really susceptible to viruses right now.”