sixwordstories | (no subject)

[he's surprised and texts back] Is this...Claire?

[Claire realizes too late that she mis-texted; well... She'd been meaning to drag up the courage to text him anyway.]

Yeah. This is Sam, right?

[he hadn't really expected - that note was vague and might have looked creepy. Like she had to - but here she is. Texting him. He glanced up. Dean...wouldn't be back from the store yet]

Yeah....hey. I guess, nice to meet you. Sort of.

[ugh. What? So lame, Sammy]

[It's a good thing Gretchen isn't around to see Claire smiling at her phone like an idiot.]

It is! I've been meaning to text you since I got your note. Guess I was kind of shy. How are you?

[oh, so he hasn't weirded her out yet? Plent of time for that, son]

Sorry about it being so brief...I was kinda packing at the same time. I'm on the road right now.

[pauses, tacks on at the end -]

You want the truth, or what I tell people?

It's okay. I was glad to hear back from you. I thought maybe I'd said too much...

[The fact that he even has to ask that tells her the answer isn't going to be good.]

The truth, of course. I won't lie if you won't.

I've got no reason to...except if you're Dean.

[he smiles, but his expression feels tight...and he's hesitant, even so. He sends another]

I'm not alright. I don't think I can be...and if I ever am, again? I feel like I won't be me.

If that even makes sense.

Sorry.

Don't apologize. It makes sense, trust me. I know how you feel.

[There's hesitation on her end as well, she doesn't want to say the wrong thing.]

If you want to talk about it, you can.

How are things with you?

[it's his turn to ask, anyway. It's not a dismissal of himself or his feelings he doesn't want to talk about. Nope]

[Claire totally sees the change in subject for what it is, but she doesn't push.]

They're... things. I could be better. School is starting up soon, I'm staying at my dad's place until I can move back into the dorm. My girlfriend is staying with her parents for the rest of the summer, thankfully.

Does studying take your mind off these things? I guess I could have done that; thrown myself into working, but...I don't have the energy anymore. I doubt I'd pass anything, the way I am. And I'd rather be here, with my brother.

Just don't tell him I told you so. :D

You must miss her...

Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. And it's probably better to stay out of school until you feel like you can focus. I did that in high school, went back to get my GED before college. If you're happier with your brother - I won't tell him - then that's where you should be. Every little bit helps. I do... but I feel a little more relaxed without her here. I don't want her to know I'm talking to you.

Claire, I have to go.

[not so much, Dean wouldn't be back yet. But he didn't know what to say. That dark, twisted feeling in his gut...when people said sensible things he knew and felt. Useless. Why didn't he stay on? She's stronger than him...Hell, everyone is...]

I'm glad we talked - texted. Don't be a stranger, okay?

[really...that was the best he could do]

[She's a little disappointed, but she understands.]

I'm glad, too. If you ever need to talk, text me. Hell, call me if you want. Don't worry about the hour. I... don't sleep much. Take care, Sam.

Thank you

[it means something, even if a little. That this person, a stranger would say that. He can pretend it's meant...but you never know. But it helps. Definitely a little]