Author's note: The only problem I have with such a large time leap is that Claire was only given a week or two to decide what she wanted to do. She's still new to all this, and it would be premature for her to make a decision at this point.
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"Perhaps," Claire said as she got up. She walked to the window and looked outside, looking at the town before her. "It's just that, well," she responded and then bit her lip a little. "This is still all a bit much to take in. It wasn't a couple of days ago that I learned werewolves existed, that they weren't monsters and that this town was built to protect them. I want to learn more about them, get to know them a bit better." She turned towards Ryan and Barbara. "And it's not just the town that I'm thinking about, but other things as well. What about my future? I was studying to be a photojournalist and a nature photographer when I was in college back in Oregon. I wanted to see the world, go to places that I've never seen before. And my parents? How would they see me? Would they be scared of me if I were to change into a werewolf or some other were creature?" She started to walk towards the couch. "I mean, this is still all a bit much for me to take in, and I just don't know what I should be doing here."
Before Claire could reach the couch, a pair of furry arms wrapped Claire from behind and hugged her. Claire was surprised by this, but the warmth of the fur comforted her a bit. "I know what you're feeling," Barbara said as she hugged Claire from behind. "I went through the same things when I was deciding to be a werewolf. I know this much, everything will be all right. If your parents really do love you, they'll accept you as who you are, no matter what you become."
"Also," Ryan added, "no matter what you decide to do, you'll always have a family here at Moon Lake. Even if it's a pack of wolves."
Claire smiled a bit and looked up at Barbara and Ryan. "Thank you. Thank you both of you."
Barbara let go of Claire and started to walk towards her discarded clothing. She picked them up as she started to change back to her human form. As she started to get dressed again, she said, "So, Claire, how about tomorrow I give you a tour of the college, meet a few people, and see how you like it?"
The shine in Claire's eyes returned as she said with some excitement, "I'd love to that. I saw the college last night, and I was thinking about visiting anyway."
Barbara smiled and said, "Then it's a plan. I'll stop by tomorrow around 10 o'clock, and we can make our way to the college." Claire nodded rather eagerly at this idea.
"That's great you two are getting along rather well, but," Ryan started to say, but got interrupted by the beeping of his watch. He looked at it and said, "Already?" He sighed and said, "Sorry, girls, but duty calls. I need to get ready for work." With that, he started to make his way out of the apartment.
Barbara said, "And I need to get going too. Take care, Claire." With that, Barbara followed Ryan out of the apartment.
As soon as the two closed the door, Ryan turned to Barbara and said, "Thank you. Thank you for all you did back there."
"Hey, it's no problem," Barbara smiled as she smirked at Ryan. "I can see where she's coming from. I was in her shoes once not too long ago. It's a quite a bit to take in. So, if you need any favors, don't be afraid to ask." She walked up to him and whispered into his ear, "And if you ever need more release, don't hesitate to call." She kissed him on the cheek and then started to walk away, leaving Ryan a bit dumbfounded.
Ryan smiled a little and thought to himself that life wasn't so bad, even if a bit dangerous. He walked to his apartment and started to get ready for work.
Claire went into her kitchen and checked her food stores. She had some food left when she went camping, but it was mostly eaten by the woodland creatures. 'Better go shopping for some food,' she thought to herself. After checking her wallet to make sure her money and other things were there, she walked out of her apartment and headed towards to grocery store.