Chapter 6

Clarke opened the door and paused as she looked over at Raven, who was sitting up in her bed. Raven ran her hand through her hair, and Clarke noticed her eyes darting around the room.

"Is she in the room?" Raven asked after a moment.

"No," Clarke answered. "She's not usually here. I don't actually know where she is right now. Probably either outside on the steps or maybe at the library. She likes to read there."

Raven nodded and Clarke figured that meant their conversation was over for the moment. Raven had had a lot of questions, but they seemed to come in spurts. Clarke could tell her friend was completely freaked out by all of it. Not that she could blame her or anything. Raven was very much a logical person, and what was happening very much defied logic. Clarke was just glad she believed her and that Raven didn't think she was trying to play an early Halloween prank on her or something.

"And how exactly does that work?" Raven asked. "You know—her moving things."

Clarke shrugged as she closed the door. "I'm not really sure. I don't think even she really knows. The only thing she's said about it is that the lighter something is, the easier it is to move. And she has to concentrate." Clarke smiled. "Which is how she smacked you in the face with that piece of paper."

"But then at other times, she can go through things, right?" Raven asked, ignoring Clarke's remark. "You said your hand went through her when you first met her or whatever. So does she become solid whenever she moves something or is it something else that's happening? Can she touch a person or is it just inanimate objects."

"She can," Clarke answered. "She touched my hand once."

Clarke tried to sound nonchalant as she added the last part, but Raven's eyebrow rose. Clarke ignored the look, though, and walked over to her closet. She could still feel Raven's eyes on her, but at least she didn't have to see her roommate's smirk.

"Can I ask you a question?" Raven asked after a minute..

"If I said no, would it stop you?" Clarke joked, looking over her shoulder.

"Bite me," Raven replied, rolling her eyes.

"What's your question?" Clarke asked.

"Are you sure I'm allowed to ask?" Raven retorted.

Clarke shook her head as she grabbed a sweater and jeans from her closet. She knew Raven would eventually ask the question, so she wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of trying to get it out of her. As predicted, as soon as she began getting her clothes on, Raven asked, "What's the reason you're really helping?"

"What?" Clarke asked.

"That ghost—"

"Lexa," Clarke supplied.

Raven sighed. "Fine, Lexa. I want to know why you are helping her. And cut the crap about feeling bad for her. Yeah, it would suck to have to be stuck for all eternity or whatever, but you're putting a lot of work into helping someone you don't know."

"Who says I don't know her?" Clarke asked. "Maybe I haven't known her that long, but I could easily imagine her being friends with us if she wasn't—"

"Dead," Raven interrupted.

Clarke rolled her eyes. "Have you ever thought about using tact?"

"It's not like she's here to hear me," Raven replied. "And what, is it insulting to say she's dead. Am I supposed to say former human? How about deceased American?"

"Don't be an ass," Clarke said.

"Answer my question," Raven demanded.

"Why am I trying to help her?" Clarke asked. "Why wouldn't I? Wouldn't you want someone to help you if you were in her place. I know I would. Just like I would want someone to help my dad if he was stuck here."

Raven narrowed her eyes. "You like her."

"What? No! I just—"

"Like her," Raven interrupted. "She was who you saw on the way to the library. And I believe your exact words were that she was gorgeous. Plus, I've seen her picture. Ignoring her terrible 90's clothes, she was kinda hot. If you like that sort of thing, which I know you do. Just admit it. You like her."

"I'm not admitting anything," Clarke replied.

"That's because I'm right and you don't want to admit it," Raven said. "And this brings up my next question. How are you going to hook up with a ghost?"

"I'm not hooking up with anyone," Clarke replied in annoyance. "Ghost or otherwise."

"And if she was just some girl you'd met?" Raven said. "What then? Would you still be saying this?" Raven smiled as she grabbed her towel. "I'll let you ponder that while I'm in the shower."

"I'll be sure to be gone when you come back, then," Clarke replied.

Raven laughed. "That's fine, but you have to come home some time."

Clarke glanced at her phone as it lit up with another text message. She didn't have to look to know it was Raven messaging her once again to give her shit about Lexa. Clarke had been true to her word and had left by the time Raven had gotten back from the showers, and she hadn't been back to the room since. Mostly because she needed to get as much work done as possible after being behind all week, and partly because she didn't want to deal with Raven's questions and accusations.

Not that Raven was entirely wrong. Ghost or not, Lexa was attractive. Clarke had thought so from the moment she first saw her in the hallway. But there was more than a little problem with having a crush on a ghost. Not only was it impossible for anything to happen between them, but she was working on helping Lexa to move on. Soon, if everything went well, Lexa wouldn't even be around anymore. And Clarke would be lying if she said the thought didn't make her a little sad.

"Getting an early jump on that paper for my class?"

Clarke looked over her shoulder and saw Dr. Ellison standing there with a smile on her face.

"Oh, I—" Clarke lowered the lid to her laptop.

"I was just kidding," Dr. Ellison said, walking forward. "I noticed you sitting over here when I came in a few hours ago, and then when I saw you were still here as I was leaving, I thought I would stop over and say hi."

"Yeah, I was just doing some research," Clarke replied. "And some reading and homework. I've been here most of the day."

"I see," Dr. Ellison said. "Well, I'll leave you to it, then. Good luck."

"Thank you," Clarke replied. "I'll see you in class tomorrow."

Dr. Ellison nodded before turning on her heel and walking away, and Clarke opened her laptop again. She had been working on a paper for one of her other classes before getting distracted with looking up Lexa once again. She knew she had already been over everything multiple times by now, but she couldn't help hoping there was something she had missed. Because at the moment, she was at a loss as to what to do next.

"That really is a terrible picture of me."

Clarke smiled as she looked at the screen. "I don't know; I think it's kind of cute."

"Well, then maybe you should have your college ID picture out there for the whole world to see and tell me how it feels," Lexa replied.

Clarke laughed. "I'll pass."

Clarke closed her laptop and turned in the seat to look at Lexa, who had fallen silent. The ghost had her hands behind her back and she was looking down with an unreadable expression on her face. Clarke could tell by the look in Lexa's eyes that she had something on her mind, though. It was the one thing that always seemed to give her away, which Clarke had quickly come to realize after getting to know her.

"This isn't your usual spot," Lexa commented as she walked over to the table next to Clarke.

"Someone was already sitting there when I came in this morning," Clarke replied.

"So, you've been here all day," Lexa said. "I stopped by your room this morning, but I guess you were already here."

"Was Raven there?" Clarke asked.

"Yes," Lexa replied. "Unfortunately, I couldn't exactly ask her where you were or if you were going to be back in your room anytime soon."

"Raven wouldn't have known anyway," Clarke said. "Part of the reason I came here was to avoid her."

"I assume there is a reason you are avoiding Raven," Lexa replied. "Does it have something to do with last night?"

"Not exactly," Clarke said. "She's just being very Raven about something. She's actually pretty okay with last night. Better than I thought she would be. She had a lot of questions, but I knew she would. Raven's always liked to figure out how things work, and this is just another thing she's trying to figure out. She wants to know how you can move things, so don't be surprised if she wants to try to do some experiment with you."

Lexa nodded. "I should probably let you get back to what you were doing. I don't want to interrupt your studies."

"Actually, I was just looking through some of the newspapers again to see if I missed something," Clarke replied. "You don't have to go if you don't want."

"Are you sure?" Lexa asked.

"Yeah." Clarke smiled. "If you haven't noticed, I kind of like having you around."

"Then maybe I will stay around for a bit," Lexa said.

"Can she lift this?" Raven asked, holding up one of her thick, engineering textbooks.

"No," Lexa answered.

"No," Clarke relayed.

"Did she even try?" Raven asked. "I didn't feel that weird, cold feeling near my hand. Tell her to stop being lazy."

Clarke rolled her eyes. "I don't need to tell Lexa anything; she can hear what you're saying."

"I'm aware," Raven replied. "But I still want you to tell her to stop being so lazy. I'm trying to figure out how this works, and to do that, she had to work with me. So tell her to get off her ass and try lifting this."

"I don't need to try to know I can't lift it," Lexa stated. "Although, I'm beginning to be willing to try in the off chance that I can throw it at her."

"I think she's getting tired," Clarke said, looking at Raven. "Maybe you should pick this up tomorrow."

"Is there a reason you didn't tell her what I actually said?" Lexa asked.

Clarke kept her mouth shut, knowing if she answered Lexa that Raven would want to know what the ghost had said. Clarke was trying to keep the peace, though, which was surprisingly difficult considering one person couldn't even communicate with the other. But Raven and Lexa had been butting heads for the past two days. Raven wanted to test Lexa's limits, which Lexa was in no mood to do. When Lexa did humor her, Raven often wasn't satisfied with her effort. And then there was Clarke, who stuck in the middle. Sometimes quite literally.

"She said something, didn't she?" Raven said after a few moments as she narrowed her eyes at Clarke.

"No," Clarke lied.

"Yes," Lexa said, though Raven obviously couldn't hear her response.

"Can she pick up a pencil?" Raven asked. "Maybe she could write things down."

"No," Clarke answered even though she really didn't know whether or not Lexa could communicate through writing.

"We could get her a whiteboard," Raven continued. "Then she could just erase it and keep going."

"While I can hold a pencil, it would take too much concentration to be able to effectively communicate by writing," Lexa said. "At most, I maybe be able to write a few words before I would have to stop."

"She says it would be too hard," Clarke told Raven.

"She says it would be or you say?" Raven asked.

"She does," Clarke said. "She said she would only be able to write a word or two before she would have to rest. It would be difficult for her to concentrate long enough for it to really work."

"Fine," Raven replied. "But since she won't, can I ask her some shit?"

"Yes," Clarke answered when Lexa nodded.

"Hold that thought," Raven said when there was a knock on their door.

"I'm afraid to know what your friend is going to ask," Lexa commented as Raven walked toward the door.

"That makes two of us," Clarke replied. "It's no telling with Raven. You should probably escape while you have the chance."

"Luckily, I can escape anytime I want," Lexa said. "It's one of the advantages of being able to pass through walls."

"Hey, guys," Bellamy said with a nod when Raven opened the door. "I'm looking for Octavia. Is she here?"

"No, but she usually comes back from class around now," Raven answered, opening the door wider. "Wanna wait?"

"Yeah, sure," Bellamy replied. "Thanks. What are you two up to?"

"I was just going to ask—Clarke a question," Raven said.

"Oh yeah?" Bellamy replied, looking toward Clarke.

"Yeah, I was just going to ask her if her new friend, Lexa, was cute," Raven said, barely containing her smirk.

Clarke rolled her eyes. "You've seen her picture, Raven."

"That didn't answer my question," Raven replied. "I'm trying to get an accurate mental imagine of what she looks like." Raven lowered her voice. "So it won't be so weird when I'm talking to air."

"I don't think her looks have changed very much considering," Clarke answered.

"Fine, since you won't answer my question, maybe I should ask her if she thinks you're cute." Raven replied.

"Ignore her," Clarke said, glancing at Bellamy but really talking to Lexa. "She likes to embarrass me."

"Why would you be embarrassed?" Raven asked. "You've been single since finally dumping Finn, and I think we all agree that it's time you start dating again. Wouldn't you say, Bell?"

"I don't know what this has to do with Lexa," Clarke replied.

"Yes, what does this have to do with me?" Lexa asked

Raven shrugged. "Maybe she knows someone else who's single. And if she thinks you're cute, she can tell all her friends just how hot she thinks you are."

"You know, I think I'll wait in the hall for my sister," Bellamy said, pointing his thumb over his shoulder.

Raven watched as Bellamy left the room and the moment the door was closed behind him, she said, "That was fun. I wonder when he's finally going to ask you out."

"Hopefully never," Clarke replied as she stood up. "It would be like my brother asking me out."

"Gross," Raven said.

"Exactly," Clarke replied.

"Who are you waving at?" Monty asked, furrowing his brows.

"Just a girl I know," Clarke answered. "I don't think she saw me, though."

Monty nodded. "Oh, well, if you want to go over and say hi, I can walk back to the dorm by myself."

"Are you sure?" Clarke asked.

"I think I know the way," Monty joked with a smile. "I'll see you later, right? Octavia said something about all of us going to dinner tonight."

"I'll be there," Clarke said with a nod.

"Good," Monty replied. "I feel like we haven't seen a lot of you in the past few weeks, and it'll be good to catch up." Monty gave her a wave. "I'll see you later."

"I didn't mean to run your friend off."

Clarke waved at Monty and then turned to Lexa when he was no longer looking at her. "It's fine; we ran into each other after class, so we were just walking back to the dorm together."

"How was your class?" Lexa asked. "You said you were having a quiz today, right?"

"Class was fine," Clarke said as she and Lexa slowly began walking. "As was the quiz."

"I'm glad," Lexa replied. "I would hate to think I've put you behind in your classes."

"I was a little behind, but I think I've finally caught up with most of them," Clarke said, running her hand through her hair. "Tomorrow evening I'm going to have to spend half the night in the art building, though. I have a couple pieces due next week and I haven't touched them since—"

"Since you met me?" Lexa asked.

"Yeah," Clarke admitted.

"I'm sorry," Lexa replied. "It wasn't my intention."

Clarke shook her head. "It's not your fault. I just hadn't really felt up to going over and working on them. Actually, I haven't really felt like it for most of the year. I always used to put some music on, clear my mind, and just paint, but it's been a lot harder lately. It's not as easy to just forget about everything."

"Since your father died?" Lexa asked.

Clarke nodded. "My mom suggested I take the semester off, but I thought that would make everything even worse. Plus, I knew he wouldn't want me to do that because of him. It's why I'm only taking one painting class this semester, though. I didn't know if I would be able to keep up if I took more since I haven't been feeling very creative."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Clarke," Lexa replied. "From everything you've told me about your father, though, I'm sure he would have been proud of you whether you took some time off or not. He sounds like the type of father anyone would be lucky to have."

Clarke couldn't help but smile. "You know, I think he would have liked you. He would have told you some of his terrible jokes and then he would have asked how he could help."

"That sounds familiar," Lexa replied.

"Hey—I don't tell terrible jokes," Clarke said.

"If you say so, Clarke," Lexa replied. "But that ghost pun you told me a few days ago would suggest otherwise."

"I was just trying to make you laugh," Clarke said. "And you did, so you couldn't think it was that terrible."

"I laughed because it was terrible," Lexa remarked.

"You know, I was sitting in class today and I couldn't help thinking about what it'll be like if everything goes well and you're able to move on," Clarke said, putting her hands in her coat pocket. "I've gotten kind of used to having you around. And, you know, having someone laugh at my terrible jokes."

"I may not be going anywhere, Clarke," Lexa replied. "There's no guarantee anything will happen even if you do solve my murder. It's possible that I will be here forever."

"It's not like I want that for you, either," Clarke said. "Even if I will miss you."

Lexa gave her a small smile. "Truthfully, I don't know if I'm really ready to go right now. A few weeks ago I would have said I was more than ready, but now I'm not so sure."

"A few weeks ago?" Clarke asked.

Lexa have a curt nod. "Yes."

Clarke smiled. "Well, nothing says we have to figure things out right now. We can always wait until you're sure you're ready. Okay?"

"Okay, Clarke," Lexa said.

"Clarke! I wasn't expecting you."

"Yeah, I just thought I would drop by," Clarke said, giving her mom a hug as she walked into the house.

"I'm surprised," Abby replied. "I can't remember the last time you just dropped by. Which leads me to believe you're here for a reason. Plus I can see it in your eyes. You always get that look in your eyes when you want to ask me something but you're afraid of what my answer is going to be. It was the same look you had when you were fifteen and asked if you could get a tattoo."

"Thank you for not letting me get that, by the way," Clarke said.

Abby laughed and motioned toward the living room. "I noticed your friend isn't with you today."

"Lexa?" Clarke said. "No, she said she intruded enough the last time."

Normally, Clarke would have told her it was fine, but she actually preferred to talk to her mom alone this time. It wasn't that she didn't want Lexa around, but she didn't know what Abby was going to have to say, and she really didn't want to bring it up to Lexa until she knew what her mom had to say.

"So, what are you here to ask me?" Abby inquired as she sat down on the leather loveseat. "Actually, no," Abby held up her hand, "first you're going to tell me whether or not everything is okay. Are you being careful?"

"Yes, I'm being careful," Clarke answered. "I haven't really talked to anyone about the murder aside from Lexa's foster sister, who I told you I was going to see last weekend. And Lexa trusts her, so I trust her. Even if I wanted to talk to someone, I've kind of hit a wall on this whole investigation. I figure it's best if I don't talk to the cops because I really don't think I would be able to explain why I'm asking about a twenty year old murder. But that's sort of why I'm here. I was wondering if there's another option for helping Lexa."

"What do you mean?" Abby asked.

"I mean—is there something you can do to help her," Clarke replied. "Not just to solve her murder, but to possibly bring her back."

"You're asking if I could bring her back to life?" Abby asked.

Clarke nodded. She didn't exactly know the extent of her mother's powers, but she did know she was pretty powerful. She had seen with her own eyes a few of the things Abby could do—moving objects without touching them, changing the way an object looked—but those things had been relatively minor. Clarke had a feeling it was just the tip of the iceberg, though, and she was there to figure out just how powerful a witch her mom was.

"It would be difficult," Abby said.

"But not impossible?" Clarke replied.

"It would take far more power than I have," Abby said. "Bringing someone back to life is not something I have ever attempted. Although, I will admit it did cross my mind before." Abby gave a light sigh. "After Jake—I did look into what it would take to bring someone back. But I stopped because I knew it wasn't something he would have wanted. I know because it was something we discussed long ago. He believed that when it was his time, it was his time. He didn't want anyone messing with that just like I wouldn't want it happening with me."

"So, you don't think it's something people should do?" Clarke asked.

"Not usually," Abby replied. "But this situation is unique. Lexa didn't just die; her spirit is stuck here on Earth. Contrary to some people's belief, there aren't a lot of ghosts around. It's not natural for the spirit to linger like hers is. Which is why I'll contact the others from the coven. I don't want you to get your hopes up, though; there's no guarantee they will say yes or that it will work even if we perform the ritual."

Clarke stood from the couch and walked over, leaning down to hug her mom. "Thank you."

"You really like her, don't you?" Abby said.

Clarke gave her a sad smile. "I—" Clarke shrugged and shook her head. "How can I? I met her less than two weeks ago."

"I think sometimes you just know," Abby replied, reaching out, and taking her daughter's hand. "I knew with your father. I had known him less than a day when I told myself he was the one I was going to marry. Some people just have this special connection to each other. They may have just met, but it already feels like they've known each other their whole lives."

Clarke gave her a sad smile. "I just hope this connection isn't over before it's really begun."