Chapter 5 THE PLAN TO STAY AWAKE

CLAIRE POV

"It's not look like I have a choice," Ivan muttered. "I will move in tomorrow," He continues, taking his phone and heading out.

"I am sorry, I caused you a lot of pain," he apologies. "You are still flirting with me while apologizing, how is that sincere," I questioned.

"And don't apologize to me, the person you owe an apology to is dead," I muttered, opening the door for him.

Our eyes locked, his eyes now filled with interest while mine with hatred, before he finally left.

Sighing, I was finally alone, happy to be alone. Finishing off my meal and doing the dishes.

However, the thought of sleeping scared me. What if she decides to come out, or what if this will all be a dream when I wake up? I have watched movies with switching bodies and something was always a trigger for the return of the old soul.

Not wanting to have that, I decided to make caramel popcorn, turned on the TV, and with an energy drink, I watched different movies.

Enjoying the freedom to do this without worrying about school the next day. It worked and I got past the first night without sleeping.

Drinking strong coffee the next day, not because I wanted to but because It would keep me awake.

Ivan arrived while I was making pancakes for breakfast. "Quiet early," I mumbled, handing him a plate as his workers moved his stuff in.

"Grandpa would be here soon, I had to move quite early," he mutters, taking a bite and then he looks at me.

"You cook so well, I am going to miss it," He muttered. "Miss it," I repeated. "The new maid will handle the cooking," he casually brought up.

"You can't just do that," I argued. "Besides, I am not letting a third party cook for me," I defended.

I wanted to be free to do what I wanted, it was my turn to write the story and I didn't want his interference.

"Relax, I know you are saying this based on past experiences but I properly screened her,"

"What makes you think I trust you, after you would request they make food, you know I was allergic to and purposely order what I eat," I pointed at them, cutting him halfway.

"I won't do that, I know I wrong you and am trying to make amends," he reasoned. Taking his hands, I looked at him, with a sarcastic smile.

"How sweet," I mumbled, slapping his hands off. "You amend by asking for the person's opinion not just concluding and besides, your action, your amendment will only make me hate you," I stated, carrying my plate to the kitchen.

"You have not given me a chance to,"... "You didn't give me a chance then," I snapped.

"What you had was pure wickedness because I hate you now and am not torturing you in some ways, and as for the chance, don't think because you are sorry I would let things slide, this marriage is gone, am just waiting for the divorce," I clarify, making sure to set boundaries.

He wanted to say something but the sound of the car driving in stopped him. His grandfather was here, there was no doubt about it.

"Don't worry, I will try to act sweet," I mutter, waiting at the door, while he goes out to meet him.

"Claire love," I heard him call, the only person in this book to have loved this character.

Before I knew it, he had hugged me, embracing me in his warmth. Reminding me of my grandfather and his hugs.

I didn't notice when the tears flowed down or when I started crying out in his embrace. "I missed you too Claire," he warmly says, patting me as I cry.

"I have to say, I lost hope when the doctor told me you would wake up three months from now," he slowly began.

"But when I heard you were awake, I knew that my Claire was a fighter," he praised, as I slowly broke free from the embrace.

"Your Claire is dead," I mutter with realization slowly hitting me. "She just got stronger," he muttered, smiling warmly at me.

"I miss you Claire, and because I am lonely and bored, I will be staying with you two for a month, hope you don't mind," He asked.

"Like we have a choice," Ivan mumbled. "All the travel makes me tired, I would like to be in my room soon," He announced, ignoring his grandson's words.

Ivan offered to show him, before coming to join me. "Won't you rest, you don't look like you had enough sleep," he proposed.

"Do you care?" I whispered, going to make myself another cup of coffee while thinking of lunch ideas.

Rather than say anything, he went to bring his laptop, working on the dining, although his eyes barely left me.

Lunch ended and soon it was dark, with his grandfather going to bed. I decided to watch more movies, keeping myself up as much as I could.

The goal was to stay awake, I love this life, I love I had control, I don't want to go back, I don't even know if I can go back.

Running back, I meant Ivan at the entrance, his eyes gazing upon me with disappointment.

"Is it how badly you don't want to sleep in the same room with me," he muttered. "Do you always make things about you," I cut in.

"Am not in the mood and I don't want to sleep, currently fighting going back to bed," I explained, so he could leave me.

"Why?" He demanded. "maybe asked nicely," I muttered. "Alright, what's wrong?" He questions, his tone less demanding.

"It doesn't concern you, like I said, don't pretend to be worried, it doesn't suit you," I mocked, entering the house.

He angrily walked past me and headed to the room. A chuckle escaped my lips, watching how he reacted.

"This Claire won't fall for your trick, she is smarter," I muttered, going to make my third batch of coffee for the day.