[center]It seemed that their lives were constantly buzzing – something Clara was hardly used to. From what she'd seen, people were in and out – there was always something going on; always something around – she'd found it almost exhausting. The girl had only been used to her and Christian – and even so, she managed to keep her distance from time to time. Sure, he'd taken her out to elaborate parties and events, but she'd really rather had been home than have been forced to mingle with strangers. Even as a knock came at the door and the children that she'd seen the day before nearly bounded in, Clara shifted uncomfortably in her spot. She really felt cornered and she was ready to go. How the hell was she expected to mingle with not only the one who had once betrayed her, but also with the one who had replaced her, and furthermore – all of their friends?

A frown fell on her lips as she ate quietly, observing without as much as a sound coming from her lips. She found it odd – for someone who could change another and abandon them on a whim – he seemed to care a hell of a lot about everyone else. 

As soon as both Isabella and Esther had risen to leave, she knew it was a chance for her own escape. She'd studied the two females carefully, watching as everyone had said their goodbyes before she'd risen carefully herself, still masking the fact that she was in quite a bit of pain and wanted nothing more than to lie down. It was within a matter of moments that the room had emptied and all of the hustle and bustle of the morning had died down. She was already making her way carefully around the table when she'd heard Kieran address her. 

All she could do was stand awkwardly for a moment, not prepared for gratitude, and unsure of how to respond. Clara had almost tried to grasp for a snide remark in return, but she could barely think of one on a whim. Perhaps she was too tired – yes, that would be her excuse. 

"Yes, well… " She paused, still unsure of what to say as she headed towards the door. "I'm growing tired of saving your ass." Nice, Clara – wonderful comeback. 

"Good day—" She murmured quickly after that before nearly scurrying out the front door – breathing a sigh of relief at the fresh air. Without a doubt Christian would lose his mind when she got home, and with that thought, she took off towards his estate. 

Eventually she'd gotten there and she lingered outside the door in a moment of hesitation. Maybe she'd be able to sneak up to her room and cover up – maybe he wouldn't notice what a wonderful job those humans had done to her. She bit her lower lip as she pushed the front door open, slowly sneaking in. 

Her steps were careful as she slid near the staircase, trying to ignore the creaks that fell upon nearly every single god-awful step that she'd placed her weight on. 

"…Where the hell were you?"

All of the sudden she'd felt the air fly from her lungs. Damn… 

Clara had turned to look over her shoulder at Christian who leaned against the doorway of the main sitting room. His arms were crossed upon his chest and he hardly looked happy.  "Miss – 'I'm only going on a walk'…" Clara gave a little huff, hardly in the mood to fight. 

"Can we talk about this later?"

"You're kidding me… Clara – you've been gone all night –"

"Christian – I'm a grown woman. I feel as if you sometimes forget that." She suddenly bit back, taking a few more steps up towards the main hallway. 

"At least let me [i]know[/i] that you're not coming home so I don't have to stay up and worry all damn night!" Christian shouted up after her, and she'd only waved a hand to dismiss him. Hopefully he wouldn't pry – she prayed he wouldn't pry… 

Her steps soon led to her room where she shut the door behind her. She'd glanced towards all of the bags that Christian had left for her before she quickly stripped and threw on her shirt from the night before. With a wince, the girl climbed into bed, forced to lie on her back due to her injuries. Within moments, however, she'd fallen asleep. 
[/center] [@Arista]