Counting Our Stars • Tyler Joseph •

Chapter 10

(A/N: Another chapter!! This story got a cover makeover! All credit goes to @thvfiqz for this one as well as the one for Cold Outlines!! They look so amazing!!)

          •  Claire  •

It had been a little over two weeks since the incident with Tyler happened. And honestly, Claire was desperately trying to forget all about him and his strange appearance. Even thinking back on it now, the way he looked at her with those creepy eyes made her shiver.

She would find it hard to face him again after that. She wished he had never shown her that side of him. Could he hurt her? She found herself with walls up just to walk into the city. She would frequently glance over her shoulder and take extra care in being aware of her surroundings. She was fearing the day he sought her out on his own free will. She'd probably become his next meal.

Yeah that was it. He had only wanted to get close to her so he wouldn't surprise attack her, she would have full trust in him.

Claire sighed heavily, rubbing her eyes with the palms of her hands. She glanced around at the kitchen table at her parents, Dan and Sarah, and then her gaze slowly traveled to their new neighbors.

Laura, Ashley, Abigail, Jordan and Joshua Dun. They had only introduced themselves a few days ago, knowing that she and her family were still settling into their new home.

She didn't have an opinion on the Duns yet. Although, she did find out that Bill, the husband and father to the family, had tragically and suddenly passed from a car accident almost seven months ago. It was sad but the family seemed to be doing okay.

"Wanna take a walk with me?"

Claire glanced over at Josh who had leaned towards her to speak softly.

she didn't know what to say. She didn't even know this guy but what could it hurt? Her parents and Laura were busily talking about whatever recent tragedies had gone on in the news. She smiled kindly at Josh and nodded. "Sure."

The two got up from their chairs and snuck out of the house. They walked down the highway in silence for a few minutes until Claire's house was a dot in the distance behind them. Josh was the first to break their silence.

"Where did you guys move from again?" He asked.

"Florida. I was ready to get out of there, too hot for my liking." She replied and purposefully shuddered at the thought of the immense heat waves.

"Have you always lived here?" She questioned, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yep! I love it here though, the people are great and there is so much to do. Have you been to Fitzy's Diner?" He asked.

She hummed before shaking her head. "no I don't think so. I'm sure I would remember a name like that." She replied with a grin.

"Well come on! That's where we're headed! They have the best burgers!" Josh exclaimed excitedly.

          •          •          •

"is that the best burger you've ever had or what?"

Josh had been eagerly awaiting her response as she chewed the bite she had taken from her cheeseburger. Claire could only nod in agreement as she still chewed. She took a sip of her Coke and grinned at Josh just as eagerly. "this is so good!" She replied. Josh laughed at her response and nodded frantically.

"See? I told you!"

A buzz and her pants pocket made her look down in confusion. Was her parents calling her back home? She set down her food and wiped her hands on a napkin. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and glanced at the text message on the screen.