CHAPTER FOUR
FIRST OF EVERYTHING
12 hours ago…
I couldn't concentrate on my work anymore. My mind and heart was with someone else. That someone else is happily sitting with Ofelia Salazar in her arms. I couldn't help but be jealous.
Why did she have to be so nice to me? This wouldn't be so hard if she hadn't been so nice. And god, she is so gorgeous. As much as I hate to admit, Ofelia and Alicia make so much sense. They look perfect together.
And I just feel… dull… I look ordinary compared to supermodel Ofelia Salazar.
My mind was obviously drifting somewhere that I wasn't paying attention as I was walking down all the way to the VIP room.
And like the clumsy fool I always am, eventually I crashed into someone. The impact was so huge that we both fell on the floor, with me on top of her.
The person's arms were on my waist. And to my surprise, my lips were pressed right into the stranger's lips. I was in shocked as I felt soft lips moving against mine. My eyes wide open as I pulled away ready to apologize.
"Oh my god, I'm so sor- Lexa!"
Shit!
Shit!
Shit!
We stared at each other with wide eyes, unable to speak. I was blushing heavily. My arms, on either side of her head, supported my weight. I can feel her arms on my waist pressing me closer to the lower part of her body.
Oh my god!
I can feel my heat against my cheeks. I tried to stifle a moan as my breasts are pressed against hers.
And then someone grabbed me by my shoulders and forced me to stand up, away from Lexa.
The guy in a formal black suit approached Lexa and helped her to stand up, "Are you okay, Heda?" his arms on Lexa's shoulders.
"I'm okay Lincoln." she said. "And what are you doing here with Nyko?" she said, obviously irritated as she pointed at the guy behind me.
"We are your bodyguards, Heda. Its our duty to follow you wherever you go." the guy Lincoln reasoned out.
She was throwing death glares at them. "What did I tell you before? I don't need bodyguards. I am perfectly capable of protecting myself!"
"It's your mother's orders." Lincoln replied and bowed his head.
"Fine!" she said then she looked at me. The other bodyguard, Nyko still holding me like a prisoner in both arms. I wriggled with difficulty. "Nyko! Get your hands off her!"
"She attacked you. She might do it again." Nyko said that I rolled my eyes. Why would I do that? He still didn't release me though.
I tried to reason out, "That was an accident! I didn't attack her nor intentionally k-ki…." I trailed off because I felt my cheeks reddened as I recalled what happen seconds ago. That was my first kiss! And it wasn't even special because I accidentally kissed the person I hated most in this world.
"Nyko. I ordered you to let go of her." she said calmly but still with authority in her voice. Nyko finally followed her orders and released me. Thank god! "Now get the hell out of here. If you insist on following me, make sure I won't see your face." She said again, giving the both of them death glares.
"Of course, Heda." the two bodyguards replied in unison, bowed their head and immediately left.
I let out an exasperating breath.
I looked at Lexa and her green eyes were pinned at me that again, I felt guilty of knocking her on the ground. I couldn't help myself as my eyes went on her plump lips and it only made me blushed profusely as I saw the smudge of my pink lip-gloss on the corner of her mouth.
Neither of us said a word as we just stared at each other for god knows how long when someone cleared her throat behind me. I saw Lexa's gaze shifted from me to that person.
"Lexa, what are you doing here with Clarke? Are you guys making out?" Octavia said that made me turned around to face her.
"No, we're not!" Lexa and I both said that made Octavia burst in laughter.
She walked towards Lexa and pressed her right thumb on the corner of Lexa's mouth wiping the smudge. Fuck!
Without words, she walked towards me and pressed her left thumb on my bottom lip. Then she licked her right thumb first, tasting it, then her left thumb. "The lip-gloss on the corner of your mouth, Lexa, is the same lip-gloss on Clarke's lips. Yeah, of course, you guys weren't making out." And then she walked away, laughing as the realization of what had happened crashed on both of our faces.
"Shit!" I cursed loudly as I felt my cheeks reddened again. I think my whole face is red now.
Lexa wiped her lips with her pointing finger and… (fuck!), well, I have to admit, it kind of look sexy when she did that.
What was I thinking? Lexa? Hot? NO FUCKING WAY! I hate her.
Lexa's expression changed, and I couldn't point out if she was embarrassed or angry, "You just stole my first kiss!" she said accusingly.
"What? Are you serious?" I was Lexa's first kiss? That is unbelievable! Oh wait! Did she accuse me of doing it on purpose?
"Yeah. You just did! And you have to pay for it!" she said grudgingly.
"That was just an accident! I didn't mean to kiss you!" I screamed at her. Why the fuck would I want to kiss her?!
"Oh come on! You've been wanting to kiss me from the first time we met!" she said, walking towards me and I stepped back, she continued walking towards me that I felt my back against the wall.
"You are crazy! I don't even like you!" I shouted back again. God, I can't believe this woman.
"Oh really? You've been playing hard-to-get ever since. Is this your tactic to get me to become interested towards you?" she pushed again that I rolled my eyes at her. The nerve!
That was it! She already pushed my buttons. I pushed her away and pointed at her chest with my index finger. I continued moving forward while she backed away, her back was pressed against the other side of the wall.
"I don't need your fucking attention, you…" I gritted my teeth and was trying to figure out words from my head, "You arrogant, spoiled brat, unbearable, evil, daughter of Satan! I hate you with all my heart and soul that I can't bear to see your face like everyday! I wouldn't want to kiss you. I don't even want you!" I said angrily.
She just stood staring at me, speechless, as I continued pointing at her chest and I swear it hurts because I was using force on it. "If you're the only girl in this planet, I would rather marry a fat, old man with lots of pimples on his face than to be with you! And I'm not even straight!" then I stopped myself from pointing at her and think of her lovely twin sister, Alicia. "Besides, I'm in love with someone else. And that someone is hundred times much nicer than you!" I said and walked away from her.
I hope she got my message. I hope she would stop pestering me.
For the rest of the night, I avoided looking at Lexa with all my strength. I didn't even accept the huge tip they gave me because I was so pissed off.
I. Hate. Her.
The next day, I decided to eat my packed lunch at the rooftop just to avoid Lexa. I don't want to be involved with them anymore. And I lost my chance with Alicia anyway.
"Can I have some?" It was Alicia's calm voice that made me turned my head. I didn't expect to see her at this time of the day.
I smiled at her and she gave me her sweetest smile. "Don't you have money to spend food in the cafeteria?" I joked.
She ignored my question as she took a glanced at my lunch box. "Home-made food. Nice. I miss this."
"Your mom doesn't cook food for you?" I asked as I gave her my fork and stared at her while she eats. She is so cute.
"She's usually not home. She travels a lot." then she took a bite again, "This is nice. Your mom made it for you?"
"Yes." I answered and I felt my cheeks blushed as she stared at me. I sighed dreamily. "I'm full. You can have it all." I said, offering my lunch box to her. She took it and ate my remaining food as she smiled.
After she finished eating, she took a gulp at my bottle of water that I felt butterflies in my stomach as we just shared an 'indirect kiss'. "Thanks." she mumbled.
I nod my head and smiled at her.
Alicia is just so breathtakingly gorgeous. She is so not arrogant unlike her evil twin sister.
She stared at the sky that I had the chance to look at her sexy jawline.
After a long pause, she began talking again, "When I was a child, I was always being bullied by my playmates. I was always a loner" She sighed and I listened attentively, "Lexa and I were different in so many ways. She always fights for me, never letting me cry. She studied different fighting techniques, as we grew up so she could protect me. One day, Lexa got sick and I really want to play outside, so I went outside without her, Anya and Octavia were out of the country at that time with their parents. And so I was alone. The kids who bullied me that Lexa fought back took the chance to get even with me. I was bruised and wounded when Ofelia came to my rescue."
I sighed, so this is all about Ofelia. My heart broke again.
Alicia continued, "Ofelia hugged me and let me cry on her shoulders. I felt weak at that time, body and soul. I could never be strong like my twin sister. I could never be friendly like Octavia. I could never have Anya's charisma. But Ofelia told me that I am different than them. And one day, she is going to help me discover it." Alicia turned to face me and smiled. "I grew up falling in love with her, but I was afraid that if I tell her that, she'd ran away from me."
I shook my head, "She would never ran away from you, Alicia."
"I hope you're right. Because I'm planning to tell her my true feelings in her party the day after tomorrow." she patted me in my head, "Come to the party. Ofelia is inviting you." She gave me an invitation card. "Please be there. I would really appreciate it."
She gave me a kiss on my cheek before she stands up and then she walked away.
I couldn't even say No. Guess I have to watch her proposed to the love of her life then. I sighed.
Glancing up at the clock, I grabbed my backpack and hurriedly ran outside the classroom. I need to meet Raven in 10 minutes.
I was running fast when someone called my name. I turned around just to see the Grounders walking towards me minus Alicia.
"Hey! Why are you running so fast?" Octavia asked. Lexa was behind them, her hands on her pocket as she looked anywhere but me.
I frowned. "I need to go. What do you want?"
"Come with us." Anya said.
Not again! "I can't. I have to go somewhere."
"At the Ark?" Lexa asked, still avoiding my gaze. I rolled my eyes at her.
"Us, poor people needs job for our daily living. I need to help my friend sell some pastries. So if you'll excuse me, I really have to go." I said.
"Oh come on. We can, in fact, help you with it." Octavia offered, then she looked at Lexa.
"Why do I need your help for?" I asked.
"Well, we're the best when it comes to selling, so… We'll help you if you agree to come with us after you sell all of your pastries." Anya said that got me thinking. I really need to sell all of the pastries Raven and I did. We need money. But I told myself not to be involved with them anymore.
But I will still see them at Ofelia's party. So there's no way that I could really avoid them, huh.
"Okay. Deal." I finally said, but then I asked Anya, "Is she coming?" pointing my finger to Lexa.
"Of course she is." Anya chuckled. "So let's go." She grabbed my arm and guided me to the parking lot.
"Oh my god! The Grounders are here?" Raven whispered at me as we went inside the coffee shop. Lexa was looking around her with a frown on her face. Anya was interacting with the other customers. And Octavia was hitting on Raven's boss.
"Yup. That's Anya," I said, pointing at Anya, "That's Octavia hitting on your boss. And that's… that's Lexa, the evil twin sister of my crush Alicia."
Raven giggled, "They're HOT!"
I rolled my eyes. "Come on. Let's start working."
Anya walked towards us, "Where are the pastries you baked?"
I handed them the first batch of pastries and smiled. There's no way they're going to sell all of these in one day. But it's worth a try. "That's just the first batch, you know."
Anya smiled and pinched Raven's cheeks. "You're Raven, right? You're cute."
Oh my god! NO! I grabbed Raven's arm and forced her to face me. "Don't! Don't interlocked eyes with her! She can get you pregnant!"
Anya laughed hard. "You're funny, Griffin."
I crossed my arms. "I'm serious. Not her."
Anya chuckled and then she spoke loudly for everyone to hear. "Hey ladies. If you buy one of these, you can have one kiss from me, Anya Trikru. And one from Octavia Blake." Octavia joined in with her with a smile on her face. "So, are you interested? One pastry, one kiss. You can choose where you want to be kissed ladies." Anya winked to the group of girls at the center.
My eyes widen in shock as the customers ran to buy pastry from us. Unbelievable!
Anya and Octavia really knew how to sell things because right now, they had nearly sold the whole pastries and it surprised me that the customers asked for more. Also, I knew that they were just using this tactic to kiss lots of girls. And it was so effective. The girls swoon endlessly when their chance of kissing the two gorgeous Grounders are getting near.
They've sold the pastries and we gain a lot of profit. That is the most important thing. Thanks to them.
"That was amazing." Raven said dreamily, her eyes staring at Anya and Octavia.
"Stop staring at them." I slapped her in her arm to distract her. But then as I turned to Raven, I took a glance at Lexa sitting quietly at the corner of the coffee shop with her iced coffee. She immediately avoided my gaze when she noticed that I was looking at her. I have to admit, she is also gorgeous especially with those long eyelashes of hers. And those lips, they were soft and-
"You're staring at Lexa." Raven teased.
I rolled my eyes.. "No, I'm not." I denied.
"Why isn't she joining her fellow Grounders?" Raven asked.
"She is too snob and arrogant for this." I replied as I turned to look at Anya and Octavia again, both are still enjoying flirting with different girls.
Raven handed me one box of pastry, "Here. Give it to her."
I shook my head, "No way! I don't want to." Raven insisted on giving me the box, she forced me to take it.
"Don't be rude, Clarke. Even though she didn't join her two friends, she participated just by being here. Look at the group of girls who sits next to her. They were secretly taking pictures of her already without her knowing it."
I saw the group of girls Raven was referring to, they were giggling and staring at Lexa. One girl stood up and walked towards Lexa and I saw how Lexa's left eyebrow raised up at the sight of the girl. She is so intimidating.
I walked towards them knowing that she might scare the girl off.
"Hi, Miss Woods. Can I take a picture of you?" the girl said.
"No." Lexa responded, taking her eyes away from the girl.
I frowned. Why does she have to be like this?
"Come on, Commander. It's just a picture." I said.
She turned to look at me, surprise written all over her face.
"No." she said firmly.
I turned to the girl beside me, "Look, I'm sorry. She is always grumpy. Too bad that her twin sister is not here, she might grant your request, she's much nicer than her, believe me."
The girl just nods her head sadly and I felt bad for her. She walked away slowly.
"Fine! Just one picture!" Lexa said in a higher tone that made the girl turned to face her.
I tried to hide my smile, "Sit beside her. I'll take your picture. Give me your phone." the girl excitedly handed her phone to me and sits beside Lexa. "Move closer to each other." Lexa frowned. "Just a little, okay." The girl moved closer to Lexa. "Okay. 1… 2… Wait Commander, could you please smile a little bit?" Lexa gave me a death glare. "Come on. Smile for me." I urged. "Come on…" Lexa sighed. "Please." then at last, she smiled, CLICK! "Woah! you both look cute! Here." I gave the girl her phone.
"Thank you." she said and then she turned and smiled to Lexa. Lexa just nods her head.
As soon as the girl leaves, I sat at the chair across her table. "Here." I gave her the box of pastry. "This is for granting that girl's request." I said smiling.
"Yeah. By forcing me to grant it." she said giving me that annoying look.
I shrugged and lowered my head, "Thanks." I whispered. "Thanks for this. For you and your friends' help." I looked back at her, and she avoided my eyes.
"You don't have to work like this." Lexa said. "I can lend you money if you badly needed it." I looked at her; we stared at each other's eyes. Is this really Lexa? Of course she is, but I can feel she's different now. Does she have a soft side? She coughed and avoided my eyes, "Besides, my offer still stands." she smirked and I knew exactly what she's referring to.
I glared at her, and then stood up, "You're such a bitch. I would never sell myself to you, Lexa!" I walked away, hating myself in believing that Lexa could change.
"No more pastries? Because there are still a lot of customers who wants more." Octavia said, smiling. "Who would have thought that kissing younger girls made my day? They're all cute."
I smiled, "Thanks for the help. Really."
Anya leaned closer to me and wrapped her arms around my shoulders, "That's it? You owe us, right? Now, you have to come with us."
Ugh. I forgot. I agreed to go out with them. "O-okay." I said.
Octavia leaned closer to my other side, "Let's go. We're going to the Woods manor."
The Woods Manor was really huge. When I came here first, I didn't notice how huge the place was because I was mad at Lexa. I didn't even notice that they have this huge garden with lots of flowers and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. They're really super rich. And I felt that I don't belong here.
"Good afternoon, Heda." the man greeted Lexa as we entered the mansion, "Good to see you again, Ms. Trikru, Ms. Blake." then he looked at me and smiled. He knew me already because he was the same man who gave me back my clothes before when I was sort of kidnapped.
I smiled at him awkwardly.
"Is Alicia here?" Lexa asked.
"No. I think she's still with Ms. Salazar." the man said which made my heart aches a little bit. Of course she's with Ofelia. They love each other. I don't have the right to be upset.
"They're probably preparing for the party. Anyway, Titus could you please prepare the ATVs? We're going to go target shooting." Lexa said.
"Target shooting?" I asked Anya.
"You're going to enjoy it, I promise." she said, grinning.
"I'm going to change." Lexa said as she looked at me then she immediately averted her gaze and went upstairs.
"We have our own rooms here, so is it okay if we changed too?" Anya asked.
"Yeah. No problem." I nod.
"Are you going to be okay here? Or you can come with us?" Octavia offered with that teasing smile of hers. Anya slapped her arm and glared at her. Octavia laughed.
I shook my head, "I'm okay. I'll be fine here."
Titus (I remembered his name now) told me to follow him outside. My eyes widen in surprise as soon as I saw the three ATVs Lexa was referring to. Woah! These are amazing! "What do we need these for?" I asked.
"You are all going to the shooting range located at the far end place of the Woods' property. You need to ride these to get there."
I nod my head.
"I missed my baby." Octavia came out of the door and hugged one of the ATV.
"Where is Lexa?" Anya asked.
"Heda is coming." Titus said then his eyes darted towards the door. I followed his gaze and there I saw Lexa and my jaw dropped.
She wears a white long sleeved polo with both sleeves folded in her arms, a very-fitted black leather pants and black 2 inches high-heeled boots.
She was beyond gorgeous. I hate that she was breathtakingly gorgeous. Damn her!
Her eyes were on me and I immediately looked away.
I hate her. I'm not attracted to her. I hate her. She is annoying as hell. I hate her. She is not that gorgeous. I hate her. I hate her. I hate her. I hate her.
I repeated that mantra inside my head over and over.
"You don't have to hide your leering." Anya whispered into my ear, "She already noticed you seconds ago." she chuckled.
"No, I didn't!" I denied immediately.
"Okay." she said, and then she jumped on her ride and started the engine. "See you there. Let's go Octavia!" she shouted and then Octavia laughed and started her own engine.
I just watched them go impressively and then I realized that they left me here with Lexa. Ugh.
Lexa jumped on her ATV and called my attention, "Let's go." she said to me.
I frowned. There is no way I want to ride with her.
Titus pulled me, "Come on. Heda is waiting for you." he pushed me at the back of Lexa's motorbike. "Ride on." he said. "Here is your helmet, Ms. Griffin."
I didn't have a choice but to ride with her. "Okay, okay. You don't have to push me." I told him annoyingly. He just smiled at me.
I hop on behind Lexa and I almost closed my eyes at her scent. Damn her! Why does she have to smell so fucking good?
"Hold me tight." Lexa said.
"I don't want to." I said stubbornly.
"You need to hold me tight because you might fall, Clarke." she said, turning her head to look at me.
"Okay. Okay. Just…" I put my arms around her loosely but then she held the back of my hand to motioned me to hold her tighter. I shivered a little when our hands touched. I ignored it because I think that's just nothing. "You can start the engine now." I said, trying to ignore her hand touching mine.
She let go of my hand as she started the engine and I have to hold onto her tighter to prevent myself from falling down.
I hate her. I'm not attracted to her. I hate her. She is annoying as hell. I hate her. She is not that gorgeous. I hate her. I hate her. I hate her. I hate her.
I tried to calm my beating heart for the rest of the ride.
"It's about time!" Octavia yelled at us, "I thought you're not going to finish making out."
Lexa glared at her. "Stop with the teasing, okay?" she said, "I'm not interested."
"Oh sure you do." Octavia countered.
I scowled at the both of them, "Like I'm interested in her? Because I'm not!" I countered back. Who does she think she is? I'm not interested in her either.
"Yeah. Sure." Anya gave a hearty laugh.
Lexa walked away and I walked at the opposite direction.
I was watching Anya and Octavia that I didn't notice that Lexa went to my side and gave me a pistol. "Here. Try shooting that one." She pointed at the target. "Shoot the center." Then she put the earmuffs on me to protect my ears. She placed her own earmuffs and motioned me to fire the gun.
I fired. But then I failed to shoot the target she was referring to.
"I don't know how." I frowned at my unsuccessful attempt.
"That's okay." Anya said, walking towards us. "Lexa will going to teach you. She is quite a champion when it comes to this."
"Turn around." she ordered me, "Look at the target." she said, then she touched my arm softly that I lost my senses, she put her hands on top of mine then I can feel her breathe against my ear, "You aim for the center. Then…" she put her other hand on top of my other hand, and she guided me in firing the gun.
I was surprised that we hit the center of the target. "That was amazing!" I exclaimed. "Thanks." I said and turned my head on the side that my lips brushed on her cheeks, I immediately pulled away as I felt my cheeks reddened. She was shocked too and speechless as she stared back at me.
"Can I join?" My eyes flew open at the sound of that cheerful voice.
"Alicia!" I smiled.
She smiled at me, "Hi Clarke."
I blushed. She looks so pretty when she smiles. Even though I knew the reason why she smiles a lot recently. One person. Ofelia Salazar.
Lexa walked towards her and put her arms around her twin sister's shoulders. "How is Ofelia?" she asked.
"The usual. She's excited for her party." Alicia answered.
Anya and Octavia walked towards Alicia too.
"So, did you get laid?" Octavia asked boldly which made Alicia blushed. "Come on. You can tell us."
Alicia didn't answer them. She just smiled and walked towards me. "So, my sister taught you well?"
"Yeah." I nod my head.
"You have the dress for the party?" she asked.
I shook my head.
"Good. Because I bought you one." she handed me the paper bag.
"You don't have to." I shook my head.
"I insist. Ofelia wants you to be there. She told me to give you this dress." Alicia smiled at me.
"Oh. Thanks. Tell her I said thanks." So, this is Ofelia's idea. Okay. It hurts but Ofelia is a pretty nice girl, and they're perfectly made for each other. And she makes Alicia happy. If she's happy then I can be happy too. I smiled at her.
We were distracted by gunshots. Lexa fired three bullets and they all landed bull's eye. I was amazed but I didn't show it to her.
"Clarke! Come here!"
"What?" I yelled in annoyance. I'm not yet finish preparing myself and my mother was already shouting at me. I looked at myself in the mirror. The long white silk dress that Alicia gave me fits perfectly. I looked elegant and pretty. I hoped that Alicia would looked at me differently if she sees me like this, but then I know I can never make her like me because she is so madly in love with Ofelia.
"Clarke! What is taking you so long? Come out of your room now!" my father yelled.
"Hold on for a second!" I shouted back. "Jeez!" I went out of my room and was surprised to see two men waiting for me in the living room. "Who are you?" I asked.
"We are here to pick you up for the party, as ordered by Ms. Woods."
I furrowed my eyebrows. "Alicia ordered you to pick me up?"
"Heda Lexa gave us the order." the other guy said.
Lexa? Why would Lexa offered to pick me up?
Then my mother came at my side and whispered to me, "Woods? As in Woods Group of Companies? As in Lexa and Alicia Woods? The two heiress twins?"
"Yes mom." I said in a bored tone. See, that's why I don't want to tell them that I'm going to this special party.
My father yelled in excitement. "What are you still doing here? You have to go now! Miss Woods must be waiting for you!" he pushed me that I want to yell at him but decided not to because it will just ruin my mood, I'll deal with them later.
I gasped in surprise as I saw the shiny black limousine parked at the front of my house.
They opened the door. "Let's go, Miss Griffin."