Love Always Win

My name is Clarke Griffin in case you were wondering. Being sixteen isn't rough but it also isn't easy either. With this new age comes new responsibility. Our parents expect so much of us, but especially my mom. She's a well known doctor and expects me to do the same. Everyone expects me to follow in her footsteps, but I have different plans though. My dad died when I was 10, and I'll admit it's been hard. Alcohol is been a no-no for me because of his death. Someone decided that even though they were two times over the drinking level of alcohol that they were perfectly fine to drive home. My dad had worked a little late that night, and while he was driving home that bastard swerved into his lane and hit him head on. My dad died, the man that hit him had a few bumps and bruises. I've noticed that in these cases the drunk driver typically doesn't get too hurt while the person they hit ends up in critical condition fighting for their life or they die. It's not fair. That's why when I go to parties, I'm the DD. I couldn't live with myself if I allowed my drunk friends to drive home and kill someone else or themselves.

So it's the first day of junior year at Polis High. High school hasn't been hard, but it feels like every year we learn the same thing again and again. Only in English we read different books, science is the same but they dig a little deeper, and history just expands. Luckily I play sports to keep me busy. With sports comes friends. My two best friends I've known my entire life and we all play the same sports. I couldn't ask for better friends if I'm being one hundred percent honest. Octavia Blake is my fearless, crazy friend. Raven Reyes is my independent, fiery friend. I don't know where I'd be without these two. They make everyday interesting, that's for damn sure.

"Hey Clarke! Are you ready for our junior year?!" Octavia screams in my ear. How the hell is she so peppy this early?

"O, you know I love you, but do you have to be so cheery?" I'm sure I'm making a face.

"Umm, yeah! Who else will supply the pep in our group? You and Raven look miserable when we're not on the field or hanging out outside of school."

"O, that's because this place is miserable. You and Clarke are the only reasons I get out of bed to come here." Raven says while yawning.

"Ugh, whatever lame-os. Let's go to homeroom!"

So school isn't my favorite if that wasn't obvious enough. At least Raven and I are on the same page. I'm really dreading school. For whatever reason when we started high school we thought taking AP classes was a great idea. I mean sure it looks good on a college application, but it's more work than necessary. Somehow the three of us are in the top 10% of our class. Don't ask me how that happened. I mean Raven is insanely smart. She got the highest grade in Chemistry and Spanish last year. O took the highest grade in Trigonometry, and I got the highest grade in English and History. We don't have to take PE because we're on the Volleyball and Softball teams. Last year we took all took Drama together and that was a blast. We were even in a play. It was a ton of fun. This year we're taking Dance for one of our electives. Electives are like the only classes we all get together. How lucky right?

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to bump you. Please accept my apology." Who is this girl? At least she gave me a hand getting up off the floor she just pushed me down onto.

"It's okay. Thanks for helping me up." Now we're eye level, and she has incredible eyes. Oh my God, please don't let me be blushing right now.

"I'm Lexa. Lexa Woods. Again, I'm so sorry."

"I'm Clarke Griffin. Please stop apologizing. I'm seriously okay. No harm, no foul."

"Clarke! What the hell…Oh I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were preoccupied." Octavia says with a wink. This girl is killing me.

"I was just leaving. Clarke, I'm sorry again." She says as she walks away quickly.

"Griffin, who's the hottie?"

"You guys suck! She's hot though huh?"

"Ooooh, does Clarky have a crush?" Octavia says as she high fives Raven. It's no secret that I like the ladies, but do they have to tease me?

"Whatever. I'm going to class. See you guys in dance class?"

"Yup!" "See you there princess." They both wink and walk to their classes.

Physics is hard. Why the hell did they give me Physics first thing in the morning? I'm definitely going to need tutoring from Raven. Oh, and I'm pretty sure I saw that Lexa girl in the back of the room. I sit in the front so I can focus, but she definitely had my attention. Ugh, well at least I have English second period. My favorite part of my day aside from lunch time and practice. Since it's the first week of school volleyball will have try-outs just to see if we need any additions to the team. That's always fun. I wonder who will be trying out this year. Okay, time to focus on class.

"Hey Clarke." No way, we have two classes together. That's good and bad.

"Hey. It's Lexa right?" Way to sound not so creepy Clarke.

"Yeah. I'm really sorry about earlier."

"Seriously, please stop apologizing. I'm totally fine. Hey were you in AP physics last period?"

"Yeah that was me. I thought I saw you in the front row. Why'd you choose that seat?"

"I always sit up front so I can focus better."

"Oh, that's smart. I should probably do that in this class. English is my worst subject." She says as we sit down beside each other in the front row.

"I took the highest grade in AP English last year. If you're bad at English, why are you in AP?

"I didn't say I was bad. Juts that it's my worst subject. I just wanted a reason to sit next to you." I'm sure I'm definitely blushing now.

"Alright class. No more talking. My name is Miss Armstrong, but you can call me Miss A. Let's get started."

English was great. I already did the readings for this class. Now it's time for dance class. This should be interesting. O, Raven and I aren't bad dancers at all, but we've never done choreography except when we play the dance games on the kinect. Whatever though, this is going to be so much fun!

"Ray, Clarky! Are you guys totally ready to kill this dance class? Hey isn't that the girl you were talking to earlier?"

"Oh yeah. Hey Lexa!" I shout across the locker room trying to get her attention. Which I totally do by the way.

"Three classes in a row? This must be my lucky day." She says walking over to us. Oh that smile will be the death of me.

"Wait you're taking dance? So are me and my friends." I say pointing at Raven and Octavia while they wave at her.

"Hi! I'm Octavia!" She says excitedly while holding her hand out to shake Lexa's.

"I'm Lexa, and yes I am taking dance. I'm the clumsy one who bumped your friend to the floor by accident earlier this morning." She says taking Octavia and the Raven's hand.

"I'm Raven. I'm sure it was Clarke's clumsiness, not yours." I couldn't help but give dirty looks to her. Lexa must've noticed.

"I assure you, it was my clumsiness. Well I better go change before class starts. See you ladies in there. Clarke." She is so cute, it's not fair.

We all decided to stay in a group and stretch before our teacher showed up. Lexa was helping me while O helped Raven. It's so nice having four people in the group instead of three. I'm fairly certain that Octavia and Raven are more than just friends, but I hate assuming anything.

"Alright class! I hope you all are ready for dance class! My name is Miss Morris-Rivera, but you can call me Teach for short. Alright everybody partner up, we're learning the Waltz first." Our dance teacher oddly looks a lot like Brittany from that one singing show. Glee or something like that. How weird.

"Hey Clarke, do you maybe want to be partners?" She asks me looking down at the ground. "It's okay if you already have someone to be partners with."

"Of course I'll be your partner. I was actually going to ask you but I got a tad caught up in my thoughts."

"Really? I mean cool. I guess we better start."

Dance class was a lot of fun. The waltz was rather simple. So that's what we'll be doing all week then on Friday the best partnership gets extra credit. I'm pretty sure Lexa and I will be winning that extra credit. Raven kept stepping on O's feet and the rest of the class wasn't really interested in the dance. Lexa was an amazing leader though. We clearly have some kind of chemistry between us. This will be an interesting year I think. I'm still super pumped for volleyball.

"Clarke? Are you not going to eat lunch?" I forgot I was still in the locker room. Silly me.

"Oh hey Lexa. Yes I am. Caught up in my thoughts again."

"You seem to do that a lot. What were you caught up thinking about, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I don't mind at all. I was just thinking about volleyball try-outs."

"Oh, you're trying out? So am I!"

"Oh, no I'm on the team. Varsity. So is Octavia and Raven. So you're new or just decided junior year was the right time to try out?"

"Oh that's cool. No I'm new."

"I thought I had never seen you around. Where are you from?" I ask as we enter the cafeteria. I see O and Ray making kissy faces at me. I just roll my eyes and walk their way.

"I'm from DC. I went to TonDC High. Go grounders." She says with a small chuckle.

"That's really cool. Hey, do you want to sit with me and my friends?"

"Yeah, I'd really like that."

"So I just want to apologize now. They can be a little inappropriate and a little weird."

"It's okay. I can handle it." Did she just wink at me?

"Hey guys, are you okay with Lexa eating lunch with us?"

"Uhh yeah!" Raven says as she grins at me.

"Totally Clarky. Hi Lexa." Why do I get the feeling these two are up to something?

Well lunch was interesting to say the least. Here's a quick recap. Raven was flirty with Lexa. Octavia left lunch early a little mad after Raven's flirting started. Lexa looked incredibly uncomfortable. When Raven asked Lexa if she was interested in me, she spilled her water on herself. I felt so bad because it looked like she peed herself. Raven is such an ass. Ugh.

"I'm so sorry Lex. I didm;t think she'd take it that far."

"It honestly didn't bother me Clarke. Although I feel as though Octavia was upset because Raven pretended to flirt with me. Are they dating?"

"No, they're not. It sure comes off that way though."

"So I know it's really forward especially since we only just met, but would you like to exchange numbers maybe?"

"Of course. I have no problem with that. Here, give me your phone." I say and she hands me her phone. I put my number in her phone under "Cute Blonde" and then call my own phone so I have her number too.

"Here ya go Lex. I think you'll know it's me when I text you." I say with a wink then I leave the bathroom.

The rest of the day was uneventful. Except Lexa and I had every class together. It's going to be a good year. Now it's time for try-outs. I'm kind of nervous for Lexa. I want her to make it. How awesome would that be? Except then she'd have to deal with Ray and O more than anyone should have to.

"Okay ladies, gather round me please. Welcome to volleyball try-outs. All of my returning varsity players please stand and line up on the baseline. Okay, those of you still here will try-out for a position and will be placed on JV or Varsity or be cut based on skill level, attitude, heart and of course hustle. The first cut will be at the end of tonights try-out. Good luck ladies!"

I watched Lexa the entire time. She was phenomenal. She'll definitely be on Varsity as a starter. Even Ray and O looked impressed. I wonder how long she's been playing? Finally time to go home and shower then sleep.

"See ya tomorrow Clarky!"

"Good night O. Ray do you need a ride or are you catching a ride with O?"

"Umm, O is gonna drive me. See you tomorrow Princess." She says winking. There's gotta be something going on there.

"Hey, I just wanted to say goodnight. Oh and you're really good. I can see why you and your friends are returning varsity players."

"Hey Lexa. You were pretty impressive yourself. I have no doubt in my mind that you'll make varsity."

"You really think so?"

"I really, really do. Anyways, I'm pretty tired and need to get home to eat and shower. I'll text you later?"

"Definitely. Have a good night Clarke. Drive safe."

"Good night Lexa."

The drive home was smooth. Mom even had me a warm plate of food. She knows how much I love Mexican food. She really is the best mom. I just wish she didn't have work so much. I know she's doing night shifts now so she can attend my games, but it still sucks.

Showers always feel perfect after practice. I wonder if Lexa is still up? It's only 9:30. Won't hurt to text her. I won't come off as desperate or weird right? Am I really arguing with myself over this right now?

To Lexa: Hey Lexa :) 9:31pm

From Lexa: Umm I'm assuming this is Clarke? At least I hope so because I don't know any other cute blondes. 9:34pm

To Lexa: So you think I'm cute huh? 9:40pm

From Lexa: Well yeah. I don't think there's anyone at school who doesn't think you're cute. 9:42pm

To Lexa: I can think of a few but that's irrelevant. What's important is you think I'm cute. 9:43pm

From Lexa: I think it's only fair that get to pick my name for your phone since you picked your name in mine. 9:45pm

To Lexa: I think that's fair. So what'll be? 9:47pm

From Lexa: How about commander because I'm BA. 9:50pm

To Commander Heart Eyes: Hmm okay, I can work with that. You're so not a BA. 9:53pm

From Commander Heart Eyes: I totally am. Anyways, I'm exhausted. I'll see you tomorrow pretty lady. :) 9:55pm

To Commander Heart Eyes: Super BA. Sweet dreams, commander. ;) 9:58pm

At least I can rest easy knowing I may have a chance with her. I'm happy and excited and can't wait to see her again.