Mr. Jackson, also known as Andrew, was up late at night in his study doing some research. His visit with Claire, though brief, did confirm at least some of the rumors he's heard about her and her unusual coat. Although he didn't see her transformed self, he decided that it was best to visit with her and see how she was doing. After leaving, there was something that was really bothering him. So, he spent the rest of the day doing some research and study. He was looking for any mentions of a black tiger anywhere in the archives of Moon Lake. He was certain that there was some mention of it somewhere, and that's what was bothering him. He was busy in his studies when a furry arm went across his shoulder.
"Darlin'" he heard a familiar female voice behind him, "I hear ya makin' a bit of a fuss here. Somethin' bothering ya?"
Andrew recognized the voice as he smiled and replied, "Emma...shouldn't you be in bed by now?"
"Now, Andy," Emma replied as he turned around to see her in her were-tiger form, "Ya know Ah can't sleep without mah cuddly tiger." It was evident by the smells that Emma was more interested in something else other than sleep tonight. "'Sides, there's something that Ah wanted to talk to yah about."
"Yes?" Andrew replied as he took off his clothes and shifted to his weretiger form.
"Well, Ah know that our three youngin's are grown and all, and we've been married for clear a hundred and fifty years, but Ah was thinking...Ah want another child. Before we get too old."
"Hmm...." Andrew hummed as he thought, "I suppose we could have one more child. It has been a bit empty in our house, and our one-hundred-fiftieth anniversary is coming up. I'll give it some thought."
"Oh Andy," Emma exclaimed as she hugged her husband, "That'd make me the happiest woman on Earth." Andrew smiled as he looked down at Emma. Their eyes met and they moved their heads closer as they started to kiss each other.
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Claire and Barbara spent most of the day driving to the University of Oregon. It was evening by the time they reached the university and Claire's dorm room. "Ugh...what a long drive," Claire said as she stretched her body from being cooped up in a car for so long. "Glad to be back here though."
"So," Barbara started, "What's the plan for tomorrow?"
"Well," Claire, "I need to make up a few tests since I was in jail at Moon Lake. I need to fill out some paperwork indicating my leave of the college, and then I need to pack my things and get them shipped off back up to Moon Lake."
"Ugh," Barbara huffed, "Sounds like a busy day."
"You have no idea," Claire responded as she shrugged her shoulders, "but it's what I need to do to get back up to the college."
The two made their way up to Claire's apartment when they heard a women's voice call out. "Claire? Is that you?"
"Sarah!" Claire exclaimed, "Yes, it's me." It was still dark in the apartment, so Sarah couldn't see the changes that Claire went through.
"Where have you been? People have been asking about you, and you didn't show up for finals week, and...and..."
"It's all right. I'm just here to finish a few things and get my stuff." Claire pointed to the figure behind her and said, "This is my friend Barbara. She's here to help me out."
"Hey," Barbara said in response.
"Hey," Sarah responded. She then turned to Claire and said, "Well, it sounds like you're going somewhere."
"I'm transferring to Moon Lake college. They have a really great journalism program there," Claire responded.
"Oh, well, that's sudden," Sarah responded. "First, you disappear for almost a week, and now you're moving. So many changes and in so little time." Sarah squinted and said, "Come to think of it, you look different. Is everything okay?"
Claire laughed nervously and said, "Everything's just fine. Really, just fine. Come on, Barb." Claire and Barbara quickly made their way to Claire's bedroom before the curious dorm mate could ask any more questions. Sarah just looked curiously at the two. There was something different about Claire, but couldn't put her finger on what.