Through the Lens

by Laura Sutton

  “What else did I miss?” Aidan asked Topher hoping to distract himself. He hated them talking about Claire that way, but he did not have any claim on her... yet. Topher started talking to him, but he could not drown out Brandon that was in his other ear.

  “I'm so tapping that tonight!”

  “Tapping what?” Topher asked as he looked around Aidan.

  “Lens-Zilla. You know she was dying to see me...” Before Brandon could finish Aidan had him around the neck, grasping his tie as tightly as he could. Brandon was turning red quickly as he struggled to breathe.

  “You will not talk about her in that manner. Are we clear?” When Brandon made no movement or response Aidan glared at him and in a calm, an almost scary-like voice asked him again. “I said, Are. We. Clear?”

  Brandon managed a slight nod and Aidan let go of him almost as quickly as he had grabbed him.

  “Geez man. Sorry. I didn't know she was...” Kyle nudged Brandon hard in the ribs, making him grunt.

  Aidan got up and moved to the back bedroom, away from the guys. Breathing slowly in and out. He hated seeing any woman disrespected after his past, but a woman that he felt possessive of should never be spoken on someone else's lip in his mind. He felt someone come into the room as his eyes stayed closed. “Sorry, Chris. I shouldn't have lost my temper.”

  “Yes, you should have. If you didn't, I would have. They've been talking shit about her because she scared the shit out of them. I was in my room, but I could hear her. I swear she was channeling you. I may have thought she was you for about five minutes. It was great. Here...” Topher smiled as he pulled out his phone and showed him a video of her standing there with two glasses of water. The whole video played of her threat and tapping her foot. Aidan smiled through the movie.

  “Channeling me, huh?” Aidan gave a rare smile at the footage.

  “Yeah, she has that scary way of calming me down when I was in freak out mode this morning...”

  “Chris, I'm so sorry that I was not here. I should have blown off that meeting and rescheduled.”

  “I told you to go. You're here now, and that's all that matters to me. But she was you for five minutes, and I had to record it. It was just a great memory. Plus, after I turned it off, she started ranting about alcohol and idiotic males. It was great. After the wedding, I'm so sending this out!”

  “No, you aren't.”

  “Alyssa's got to see it.”

  “I'm sure she sees it a lot.”

  “Oh, no. Claire never loses her temper even in the few years I've known her. Even when she... well she never shows her freak out moments.”

  Aidan saw the pause and he knew that Topher wouldn't say anymore unless he pushed and pushed hard. But today was Topher's day, and he would find out later. “You ready for this? Got everything you need?”

  “Yep. Bags packed, passports and tickets are on the outside. You have trained me well big brother...” He claimed, but something didn’t feel right. Aidan could see Topher wanted to say more.

  “What is it?”

  “Nothing,” Topher said as he grabbed his suit jacket out of the closet and slid it on, not facing Aidan.

  “Topher, come on, spit it out. What's wrong?”

  “It's just...” He turned towards Aidan. “I hate having to keep you a secret. I'm not ashamed of you and I trust her. She's going to be my wife, and I hate keeping stuff from her.”

  “You want to tell her about our connection... about us.”

  “Yes.”

  “May I think about it?” Aidan asked looking at his brother. He hated seeing Topher unhappy at all.

  “Really? You'll think about it?” Topher's excitement reminded Aidan of when Topher was little, and Aidan had worked all summer to raise the money to buy him a toy truck that he wanted.

  “Yes. I will let you know after the service. Right now, we should get you and the wonder boys downstairs. It's your wedding, and we can't let you be late. Your bride might come to her senses.” Aidan smiled, squeezing his brother's arm before leaving the room.

  Chapter Seven

  Claire's watch beep alerted her to the time. It was her last alarm of the day. Ten till eleven, she moved quickly to her spot nodding towards Clinton, the second photographer that she had employed for the event. She was in place and soon she saw the men come out and take their places under the open square gazebo. Claire’s heart skipped a beat as she saw Aidan standing tall behind Topher, with a tense smile on his face. Claire changed to her camera with the longer lens and zoomed in capturing a shot of the look on his face. She shook her head as she cleared her mind and tried to focus on her best friend’s wedding and capturing those memories.

  The music started and the bluffs made it echo around them, just like surround sound. Claire smiled as her camera started clicking wildly as the tiny little flower girl and ring bearer walked down the aisle. Claire couldn't help but smile behind her camera from where she watched the wedding.

  Click. Click. Click.

  The pictures and memories were being captured quickly.

  Alyssa stepped up to the carpet that stretched down the main aisle, as the wedding march started, echoing all around them. Her father stood tall offering her his arm. Claire could see the smile on Alyssa's face through her lens and the smile widened the moment that her eyes met her soon to be husband. Down the aisle, she walked slowly as the music played and all the guests stood up. Claire moved through the aisles and stood on a platform in the back for better shots with her long lens. She had to get over people's heads. Clinton moved to get the closer shots. Claire wanted the best spot in the house to get the key pictures that she knew Alyssa would love.

  Claire lowered her lens and stared at her friend. Alyssa was in a beautiful white flowing gown, standing there with a huge smile on her face. Her brown hair tied up with white and purple flowers. The dangling earrings and the flowing gown blew backward with the wind that moved around them. The vows were specially written by each of them and they spoke them to each other as if they forgot that almost a hundred people were watching them. Claire looked to the other people in the party.

  When the kiss happened, there was a rupture of clapping and smiles from everyone. Claire even captured a smile from the cross Aidan Ashby, standing there clapping. Topher and Alyssa ran down the aisle as they were littered with bubbles from the guests as they passed. Alyssa disappeared into the hotel with Topher. She knew that they were going to the reception. Claire moved to go the back way into the reception through the kitchen as the wedding coordinator had shown her. She saw Aidan moving towards her, but she moved faster and ducked into the kitchen.

  She could not speak to the man that she had been dreaming about non-stop since the kiss in his apartment. She was completely embarrassed at her thoughts of him just seeing him in the distance. She would be even worse if she spoke to him. She knew he could see right through her and know the thoughts that were passing through her mind the moment that she opened her mouth to speak to him. She knew the only thing to do was to avoid him altogether. She needed to forget about him, about the way he made her feel, and the emotions that he brought up within her. She could not allow herself to feel anything from anyone that had the power to hurt her. Alyssa was the last one that she allowed into her life fully. Of course, she had only been about ten years old when she has introduced Alyssa and her family. They were as close as sisters... she could not bring herself to trust Aidan. She was already losing her sister and she could not afford to let someone else in and lose them as well.

  Tears threatened to fall, she quickly closed her eyes, waiting patiently for the wedding party to arrive at the reception. She wanted to trust Aidan. To finally feel safe, loved, and even wanted for the first time. Something that she had only seen in movies or in her friends. Claire had shut everyone out, she knew that guys never wanted her for her... it's what made her strong and independent. She refused to need anyone, though she greatly wanted someone in her life, so she did not have to be so strong all the time
.

  She took a breath, forcing a smile on her face as the doors opened and the wedding party came in and the people staying for the reception took their spots at the tables where they were assigned.

  Claire and Clinton took their spots as they took pictures of the guests, the dancing, the food, and more pictures of the cake. Claire looked over as she nodded to Clinton. He smiled and nodded back, Claire walked to the platform and behind the table, standing beside Alyssa, taking the microphone.

  Claire took a deep breath, “Can I have everyone's attention, please.” The music slowly was turned down and everyone stopped talking and turned towards her. “My name's Claire. Kylie's allowing me the honor to give the Maid of Honor speech.” Claire smiled back at Alyssa. “Alyssa has been more than a friend... she's been my sister since we met when we were ten. From that moment we were inseparable, during our teen years and college. Topher, I've never seen Alyssa as happy as when she is talking about you. I see her love for you in her eyes and I see your love for her in the way you are there for her. I'm happy to call you my brother and welcome you to the family. I wish you both all the love and happiness in the world. Let's raise our glasses to Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins. Congratulations.” Claire raised her glass and took a sip. Alyssa got up from her chair hugging Claire tightly.

  “I love you, Claire Bear.” She whispered in Claire's ear as she hugged her.

  “I love you too, Ladybug,” Claire whispered back, trying hard not to cry.

  Topher got up from his chair and hugged Claire. “Nice to have another sister... does this mean I can officially start harassing you?” He laughed.

  “You wish.” She slapped his arm playfully.

  Claire reached behind Topher handing the microphone to Aidan. The moment their fingers touched it was like an electric shock ran through her entire body. Her stomach muscles tightening, she could feel the dampness between her legs on her thighs. She looked at him as their eyes met. She quickly let the microphone go as she moved quickly off the stage. Not until she was at the back of the room, did she realize that she was holding her breath. She excused herself quickly, practically running to the bathroom. How could someone's touch make her feel like that? She shook her head as she put a wet paper towel on the back of her neck. It's just really hot. There's nothing else going on. You should have eaten something this morning. Claire internally scolded herself.

  She left the bathroom just as the bride and groom were stepping down the stage for their first dance with each other. Claire grabbed her camera and rushed to a good spot to snap the pictures of the couple. She pushed down the thoughts of Aidan and put them in a box. She would not allow that box to be open until the event was over, and Alyssa was safely gone on her honeymoon. It was too unprofessional to be distracted.

  Claire's camera pointed towards the youngest bridesmaid, Ella, who was laughing with Rebecca. Topher's sisters were beautiful. The youngest looked familiar but Claire could not place it. She snapped a few more pictures of her and turned to the rest of the guests and the people dancing.

  Aidan could not keep his eyes off Claire. The moment that their hands touched he felt that same spark that he felt the moment that he caught her when she almost fell outside in the snow. He wanted her, needed her. So many thoughts passed through his mind as he watched her fly from place to place during the reception and even the wedding. He did his duty for the wedding as he danced with the bride and the maid of honor and several other women that seemed to drool all over him but all he wanted to do was ask Claire to dance.

  He looked over to Topher. “Ok, your way. We'll tell them.”

  “Them?”

  “If we tell Alyssa, we'll have to tell Claire. After hearing her speech there is no way that Alyssa would keep the information from Claire.”

  “Stop lying to yourself. You like Claire and this kills two birds. Claire likes me and if she knows that we are related it might give you a chance even through your cranky, controlling ways.” Topher smiled big. “So, can we do it now?”

  “Yes.” Aidan leaned forward, “Rebecca, you and Ella please grab Claire and meet us in Topher's suite in five minutes.”

  “Come on,” Topher said to Alyssa. “We got something to tell you.” Topher bit his lip in excitement and a little bit of nervousness. Alyssa smiles up at him and follows without any questions.

  “Ok.”

  Five minutes passed, Rebecca and Ella walk into the hotel suite with Claire in tow. Aidan, Kylie, Topher, and Alyssa all look towards the door. “Hey, they said you all wanted pictures up here?” Claire said looking around a little confused.

  “We need a picture of the five of us,” Aidan said stepping up.

  “There's six of you,” Claire said in confusion.

  “Just us five first, and then Alyssa may join us next,” Aidan said with a smirk.

  “Ok. The five of you over here,” she pointed by the window. The two tall men stand at almost the same height. Claire noticed they towered over everyone even the girls in their heels. She snapped a few shots; then grabbed a few more with Alyssa with them. Claire looks to all them curiously at the weirdness that seemed to surround her.

  “Ok, everyone sits down. Alyssa and Claire, sit here.” Aidan pointed at the couch. Both women just stared at him. The other girls trying not to giggle from the couch they were already sitting on, practically attached to one another.

  “You're right, absolutely right,” Alyssa said to Claire, loud enough for everyone to hear, making Topher turn, trying to hide and bury his laughter behind his hand.

  “I did warn you,” Claire said with a smile as she made a scene plopping onto the couch where Aidan commanded them to sit, quickly joined by Alyssa.

  “Are you done?” Aidan asked, his business face back in place. Claire noticed the change and looked at him. She could see something in his eyes; almost like fear, uncertainty, or maybe even pure anger. Claire looked down to her hands in her lap as the word anger whispered through her mind.

  Aidan took a breath. “I need you both to sign this non-disclosure agreement.”

  “Aidan! Seriously?” Topher turned, questioning him sharply.

  “Yes. You want her to know,” his hand out towards Alyssa, “and I want Claire to know; but I refuse to have anyone, or anything endangered by this...”

  “By what? Say it... this stunt.” Topher glared at Aidan.

  “Well, I'm curious and the only person I speak to is in here.” Claire picked up the paper, “Have a pen? Also, why would you want me to know?” Claire asked unsure why Aidan would pick her to know whatever is going on. Aidan hands her a pen. Claire signed the paper and handed the pen over to Alyssa. Alyssa looked to Topher, then Claire, giving up she signed the paper before her.

  “Ok, spill Ashby,” Claire said crossing her arms, leaning back into the couch.

  “My name is not Ashby.” Aidan sat down and nodded to Topher. He came and sat down beside Aidan on the same couch as the girls. “In truth, we five were all orphans. Chris, well Topher, and I was roommates at the orphanage, and we made a family with us. Soon Kylie joined us, and Rebecca became her roommate. Then little Ella joined.” Aidan smiled, truly smiled over at the youngest girl.

  “We decided to become our own family. We even changed our name, legally, to Hawkins.”

  “But your name is Ashby,” Alyssa said confused, looking at each of the five people that were sitting across from her.

  “I have a pseudonym that I use to protect my family. The last name I only use in business.” Aidan paused as he looked to the signed papers on the table between them. “By signing the non-disclosure agreement, you are saying you will not tell anyone anything that you have heard here today or any day in the future. You will keep the secret of our connection that we have to one another. You may not disclose that my last name is not Ashby. As far as anyone is concerned that is my legal name. This is not for my safety, but theirs. I do not want them to have to be followed by security the rest of their lives; they deserve privacy. Also, if you hear any
business matters through me or Topher that you will not disclose any of it. And anything we discuss or show you at all does not get to anyone.” Aidan laid it all out.

  Claire rolled her eyes. “Relax we won't tell anyone.” Like seriously, the only person she really talked to was Alyssa and they were on contract to not discuss it, except with one another.

  “So, you're all family?” Alyssa looks over to Topher.

  “Yes.”

  “After everything, all our time together, you never told me?” Claire grasped Alyssa's hand. She knew her friend was hurt but Claire also understood the need for protecting people. Claire was protective of Alyssa and hid plenty of stuff to keep her safe. She understood the secrets.

  “We all protect one another, no one outside this room knows the fact of our family. It's not public record, all our childhood records are sealed. Plus, why say anything... everything you two said about Aidan was quite fun to hear since many of us have felt that same way at one time or another.” Topher smiled as he looked over to his brother.

  Sealed. The word echoed repeatedly within Claire's head. She knew the word and what would have had to of happen to have their records sealed.

  Seeing Claire's face Topher quickly fessed up. “Don't worry. I haven't told him anything you two have said.” Claire smiled towards Topher. She was not sure how the control freak would respond to half of the names they used to describe him. She saw Aidan look over to Topher, quizzically. The look almost brought a chuckle out of Claire as she sat there.

  “So, you're all family,” Alyssa said quietly. “Ok,” she said in almost a whisper. Claire squeezed her hand tightly, for support.

  “Baby...” Topher started, and Claire raised her hand. Claire leaned over and whispered into Alyssa's ear. Alyssa nodded several times as Claire whispered.

  Aidan shifted nervously on the couch. He hated not knowing what they were whispering about. He could feel Topher squirming as well. They had never told the whole truth to anyone and it was a huge step for all of them.