Under the Oak Tree

by Victoria Ashlee

  She shot him a look, and continued to go find her mother. Her heart was racing. She didn’t understand the man that Jason had become. Jealousy had overtaken him, and she wasn’t sure if he even knew who he was anymore. She was trying to break free, but he was refusing to let go.

  *

  Dinner had come and went, and Clay still had not appeared. She thought maybe he had got cold feet. She checked her phone a few times, but he hadn’t called or texted. Her family and Jason’s were sitting at a table together, music played in the background. Claire was on her second glass of champagne, wishing to not be at this table.

  “Good Evening, everyone…” The announcer began to speak. Claire’s eyes shot up to the stage. This was when she was going to have to dance with Jason. Her stomach dropped. Their names were called, and Jason stood, holding his hand out for her.

  She stared at his hand for a few seconds, and then took it. He led her on to the dance floor and spun her around, bringing her to his chest. “You can at least smile.” He said through his teeth.

  Claire forced a smile, as they swayed. “When did you become this person?” She whispered.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “You’re not the same.”

  “People grow up, Claire.”

  She didn’t respond. They kept dancing to the old jazz song; her eyes though were scanning the crowd for Clay. She didn’t understand why he hadn’t shown up, or called her.

  “You’re looking for him.” Clay said dryly. “You’re always looking for him.”

  She looked up into Jason’s eyes, his face wasn’t harsh. It was almost as there was no emotion behind it. “Why can’t you let me go?” She asked.

  “We’re supposed to be together, Claire. It’s always been that way.”

  She sighed, looking away from him, back into the crowd. She just wanted the song to be over with.

  Other party goers joined the dance floor when the song changed. Claire dropped her arms from Jason’s grasp as soon as the music changed. “I’m going to the bathroom.” She told him, as she walked off the dance floor.

  She didn’t really have to use the bathroom; she just wanted an excuse to disappear. Once in the hallway, an outdoor sitting area with overhead twinkling lights was off to the side on the way to the bathrooms. She decided to hide out there at least for a few minutes.

  It was quite outside. The noise of the music and the sounds of guests enjoying the unlimited alcohol were muffled. She was sure her father was taking full advantage. She stood in the middle of the sitting area, with her arms across her chest, wondering how her life had changed so much in one summer.

  “Are you hiding out here?” Clay’s velvet voice came from the door.

  She spun around with a smile on her face, “You came.”

  He was wearing a black and white tux with a bowtie. He walked up to her, placing a small kiss on her lips, “Of course I came.”

  “But, you’re late? I thought you weren’t coming.”

  He lifted her chin with his knuckle, “I know how these parties work. I couldn’t watch you in Jason’s arms when you danced.”

  “Oh,” She nodded. “I didn’t think about that.”

  “This dress though,” He ran his hands down her hips. “You are killing me in it. You are the most beautiful girl here.”

  She smiled, “I’m glad you like it.”

  “How has your night been?” He intertwined his fingers with hers.

  “Better, now that you’re here.”

  “Did you tell your parents I was coming?”

  She looked up at him, worried that he was going to be upset that she didn’t. “No. How do you think they would have reacted? This is their special night of all attention on them.”

  “I thought it was supposed to be about the legacy couple?”

  Claire laughed, “Yeah right. It’s always about them.”

  He started swaying to the music, with his hand on her waist, “Well, my night is about a girl in a black dress.”

  “Which one? There are a lot of them here.” Claire smirked.

  “This one is special.”

  “Do you want to get a drink?” She asked.

  “Like inside?”

  She cocked her head, “Did you think you were going to stay outside the entire time?”

  He sighed, “Once I walk in there with you, all bets are off. Are you sure that you are ready for that?”

  “More sure than I’ve ever been.” She took his hand. “Come.”

  *

  Back inside the ballroom everyone was enjoying their night. People were too busy paying attention to themselves to notice Claire walk in with Clay. She led him over to the bar, where the same bartender greeted her.

  “Champagne?” The bartender asked.

  Claire smiled, “Yes, please.”

  The bartender looked at Clay, “For you?”

  “Whiskey neat.” Clay said, his eyes were on Claire.

  They moved away from the bar once they had their drinks in hand. Clay guided her forward, with his hand on her lower back.

  “You won’t lose me in this crowd.” She whispered.

  “Maybe I just want to touch you.”

  Claire smiled into her champagne glass. She finally felt comfortable with Clay here. She didn’t understand how her parents couldn’t see that he made her happy. They didn’t even know him, except for the few conversations when Clay fixed their fence, and the rumors they heard. She hated how judgmental her parents were about things they chose to not understand. The unknown scared them, but living blind was an ignorant way to live.

  Claire and Clay kept to themselves for a while. She was enjoying having him next to her. The champagne had given her enough liquid courage to do what she had planned to do. Again, this might be one of her worst ideas, but she still thought it was the only way to break free of the secrets that her parents kept from the town.

  When she spotted her parents across the dance floor, and Jason off to the other side talking to a few of his friends, she turned to Clay, “Will you dance with me?”

  He pointed with his glass, “Like out there? In front of everyone?”

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  Her hope dropped, “Please. It would mean a lot to me.”

  He set his glass down, and faced her, “Up until now no one has paid any attention to me, if we walk out there, your parents are going to have a meltdown.”

  “Do you not want me?”

  “What? Of course I want you. I just don’t want to see you hurt.”

  “I’ll be more hurt if I don’t break free of their hold on me. I want to love you, and make a life with you. I have to show them.”

  He stared back into her eyes, and took a deep breath, “I want that too, but…”

  “But nothing. There’s too many people around for them to make a scene. Their reputation matters more to them.”

  “Won’t this upset their hierarchical balance?”

  She set her glass down, “Screw their balance. Maybe it’s time for them to fall, and remember what actually matters in life.” She took his hand. “Please?”

  “Ok. If things go south, I’m whisking you away, and we’re never coming back.”

  “Deal.” She smiled, leading him to the dance floor.

  A slow Frank Sinatra song came on. They walked into the middle of the crowd, and Clay took her by the waist. “People are staring.” He whispered to her.

  “That’s the point.”

  He looked down at her disappointed, but she knew he cared enough about her to not be mad. They swayed to the music; he raised her hand above her head leading her to spin. He then dipped her when she returned to him.

  She giggled when he brought her back up. “I thought you didn’t dance?”

  “I might have practiced this week with Gloria. Plus, I knew you were up to something.”

  “What do you mean?”

  He smiled down at her, “You w
ere so adamant that I come to this party, knowing I would hate every second of it. These parties aren’t me. You’re trying to prove a point to your parents. Now, I don’t agree with basically giving your parents a big middle finger in front of the entire town, I understand why you’re doing it. ”

  “You do?”

  “Their hold on you is too tight, my beautiful girl. Sometimes you have to jump when you can’t see the bottom.”

  Claire smiled, and rested her head against his chest, as they slow-danced. It felt as if the entire room was watching them, but all she saw was Clay.

  Chapter Thirty

  Claire

  As she and Clay danced, her eyes caught her parents; she had never seen her father look more upset than he did right then. Her mother was whispering in his ear. Clay moved her in a circle, and her eyes then landed on Jason; he licked his bottom lip, and walked away from the dance floor, pushing through the crowd. Maybe he was leaving from embarrassment? She didn’t care.

  The song ended, and Claire made it a point to lead Clay the opposite direction of her parents.

  “Come with me,” Clay said, pulling her toward the hallway.

  “Where are we going?”

  “One of two things is about to happen. First scenario, Jason is about to find us. Second scenario, your parents are about to find us. I won’t have them publicly embarrass you, just to save face.” Clay led her back outside under the twinkling lights.

  It was quiet, but not for long. The door swung open, as her father stormed through it. “What in the hell has gotten into you?”

  Clay pushed Claire behind him, “You need to calm down.” Clay snapped.

  Her father pointed at Clay, “Don’t you say a damn word! I don’t even know what you’re doing here.”

  “I invited him.” Claire pushed around Clay.

  “You embarrassed our entire family. You’re acting like a selfish child. Do you know what they’re going to say about you now? That you’re a loose girl who cheats on her fiancé.”

  Claire stared back at her father, “What do you say about me?”

  “That I don’t even know who you are anymore.” Her father said dryly. “You need to find Jason and apologize to him immediately.” He turned to Clay. “And, you need to leave, or I will have you escorted to a jail cell.”

  Clay laughed under his breath, “Fucking prick.”

  “What did you just say?” Her father snapped.

  “Daddy, stop!” Claire yelled. “He’ll leave, but I’m going with him.”

  Her father looked at her in shock, “If you leave with him you won’t be my daughter anymore.”

  Claire felt sick; did he actually just say that? “You don’t mean that.” She whispered.

  “Let’s find out.” He turned to walk back toward the party. “Clay Williams, tick tock, you have 2 minutes before I call the authorities.” He swung the door open, and disappeared into the party.

  Claire’s emotions overflowed, and tears started to fall onto her cheeks. “I hate him”

  Clay took her in his arms, “Shh. He’s just angry.”

  “I want to leave. Take me with you.” She looked up at him.

  He wiped the tears from her face, “You have to stay, Baby. As much as I think that he’s just angry, I don’t want to test him never speaking to you again. That’s your father, and I won’t be the reason he walks away from you. I can’t do that to you.”

  “But, he hates me.” She cried. “Why doesn’t he love me for me, not who he wants me to be?”

  “I can’t answer that, and he doesn’t hate you.” He kissed her forehead. “I think it’s best that I leave. I don’t doubt that your father will call the cops.”

  “Don’t go.” Claire whimpered into his chest. “Please, stay.”

  He cupped both her cheeks, forcing her to look up at him, “Listen to me. You can see me tomorrow. You made your point to him and the whole town. It’s going to be hard for him to spin this one. But, right now, the best thing is for me to leave.”

  “I know you’re right, I just wish it was easy.”

  He kissed her lips, “Nothing easy is worth having, my beautiful girl. I have to go now.”

  “Tomorrow? Promise?”

  “Yes.” He kissed her one more time. “Now stop crying.”

  She took in a deep breath, and wiped her cheeks. “Ok.”

  “Call me when you’re home, ok?” He said.

  She nodded, “I will.”

  Clay left, and she sat down on one of the chairs. She watched him walk to his truck, and drive away. Her heart yearned for him, but she knew that Clay was being logical. She looked back at the door that led to the party, the music was still playing, and laughter still filled the ball room. She refused to go back inside, her parents were going to have to come to her when they wanted to leave.

  She leaned back in the chair, and stared up at the lights, emotionally drained was an understatement for how she felt.

  The door opened; Claire snapped her neck in that direction. It was the bartender, holding a glass of champagne. “Hey,” he smiled, “I thought you could use this.”

  Claire sniffled, “Thanks.”

  He handed her the glass, “I heard what happened with your father.”

  “You did?”

  “I was in the hall walking past.” He pushed his hands in his pockets. “I know it’s not my place, but you didn’t deserve that.”

  “It is what it is.” Claire shrugged.

  “It shouldn’t be that way.” He turned to walk back inside. “I’m inside if you need anything.”

  “Thanks.” Claire gave him a weak smile, “Wait, what’s your name?”

  “Brandon.”

  “I’m Claire.”

  He laughed, “I know.” Then disappeared back inside.

  Claire stared down at the bubbling champagne in her hands. At least one person was kind tonight.

  *

  An hour and a half passed, and the party started to wind down. Claire glanced back at the door, wondering when her parents would come find her. She knew her father had to know she was still here, because the police never showed up for Clay.

  She had long finished her glass of champagne, and her tears had dried. Now she was just waiting for the inevitable quiet drive home with her parent’s judgmental silence.

  “Found you.” A deep eerie voice said.

  Claire’s eyes shot up to see a heavy eyed Jason standing in the shadows. “What do you want?”

  He stepped into the light, “What I’ve always wanted, you.”

  She studied his face, his eyes were heavy, but not blood shot like he gets when he drinks. “Are you sober?”

  “Yes. I made sure of it. Because, I’m going to drive you home.”

  “N-no, my parents are taking me home.” She stood, backing away from him. People were walking in the hallway, but no one looked in their direction. It wouldn’t look odd for Jason to be speaking to Claire, so it wouldn’t raise any ideas.

  “They already left. Your father asked me to take you home. He said he didn’t want to even look at you.”

  “He wouldn’t say that.” She argued, but from what her father said earlier, it did sound like something he would say. Still, she didn’t believe Jason.

  “Stop being difficult, Claire. We’re going home.” He walked around the chair, knocking a table, and tried to grab her. Her champagne glass shattered on the floor. He missed.

  “I don’t want to go with you.” Claire kept backing away. “I’ll get an Uber.”

  Jason laughed, he was clearly annoyed, “See, the thing is, I don’t care about what you want anymore.” He reached out again, this time grabbing her arm. “We’re leaving.” He started to pull her toward the parking lot.

  “Jason, let go!” She tried to yank her arm away, but his grip was strangling her arm. “I’ll scream if you don’t let me go!”

  He stopped, and whipped around so fast that it sent a shiver down her spine. He yanked her forward, making them face to face
, “Scream. I dare you.”

  She was speechless, her body froze from the fear that he just sent through her. He wanted her to react, he was baiting her. She refused to give him the satisfaction.

  “That’s what I thought.” He growled, and started yanking her toward his car again. When they got to his car, he swung the door open, “Get in.” He demanded, finally letting go of her arm.

  She touched her forearm that was now red, “Where are you taking me?”

  “I said home. I know you have a hard time listening.” He said dryly. “Now get in.”

  She started to back away, thinking maybe she could run.

  He quickly grabbed her arm, and shoved her into the car, “I said get in!”

  Her head hit the doorframe with a sharp bang, as she fell into the seat. She quickly pulled her legs in for fear he would shut the door on them.

  He slammed the door, and looked at her through the window, “If you try to run when I walk around the car, you will regret it.”

  Claire closed her eyes, her tears were returning slowly. Then it hit her that her purse was inside with her phone. Now she was truly scared. If something did happen to her, she wouldn’t be able to call anyone.

  Jason slid into the driver seat. He made sure to lock the doors, before turning the car on. “Don’t touch that lock.” He snapped. “We’re going for a little drive.”

  “I thought you were taking me home?” Her voice broke on the word home.

  He drove out of the parking lot, “Eventually. We’re going to chat first.”

  Claire was silent the first few minutes that they drove away from the country club. She kept her attention out the window, her heart was beating fast, and she was trying to calm down. She turned to look at Jason, “Why are you doing this?”

  “Doing what?” He asked with a scowl on his face.

  “You’re kind of kidnapping me, Jason.”

  He shot her a look, “I’m taking you fucking home; we’re just taking the long route.”

  Claire crossed her arms across her chest, “Whatever.”

  “Don’t whatever me, you ungrateful bitch. I’ve done everything for you! You wanted a big house, I was going to get it; you wanted a nice car, I helped you pick it out; you wanted me to get along with Jenny, did that too.”