I used to love morning shifts. I could get in early, get if over with, and get out. Now though… it's just getting harder to leave Clarke every morning. I know that sounds totally sappy and pathetic, but there was just something about her. The only way I can think to describe it is magnetic. I know it's ridiculous to feel this way so soon. Hell its only been what? Two weeks? Three? Damn what is this girl doing to me?
The only upside of morning shifts is Clarke is not a morning person meaning she usually sleeps in pretty late. Her day was usually just getting started when I get back.
Todays gig was opening up the gym, which was usually pretty easy especially when Murphy was there to help him out. Speaking of Murphy it looked like he was late again. Shocker. They were supposed to be there at five in the morning and yet Murphy consistently showed up half an hour late.
That was fine with him. Gave him some time to think. He didn't necessarily have a plan in place more like a general idea. He just needed to find a way to get Murphy on board without making himself look crazy.
Like clockwork Murphy walked in at five- thirty but at least today he brought coffee. "I was mentally preparing a speech about how you need to start showing up on time, but now I can't even be mad." I reached my cup out to his, "Cheers."
Murphy just smirked, "Oh come on Bell. Like you could ever be mad at me?"
I cross my arms trying to look serious, "Murphy, it's hilarious how you think I could never be mad at you. When in reality it's quite the opposite. It's actually pretty rare that I'm not mad at you."
Murphy just rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah whatever man. You might have a girlfriend now but don't you dare forget your first love." He winked at me and started to fold some towels, "Speaking of the princess are we ever going to talk about that weird look you gave me the other day when I mentioned Wallace?"
I tensed up at the sound of his name. Clarke has been a mess over that phone call and understandably so. Only her trust in me is keeping her from going to the police. I promised her I could handle this by talking to Dante, Wallace's dad. I tried to explain that if we got his son arrested it would be an insult and then we'd really be in trouble. If I could just get through to him then maybe he'd put his son on a leash. "We uh... we have a problem and I'm going to need your help."
Murphy must have heard the fear in my voice because he put on his serious face that he only reserved for poker and pretending to listen to girls that he wants to sleep with. "Whatever it is Blake, I got you. What's up?"
I ran my hands through my hair and took a deep breath. "So you know the history between Wallace and I.. it turns out he uh… knows some things about Clarke."
Murphy scoffed, "Like what? Princess steal one of his tiaras? There's no way Clarke is mixed up in the drug game…"
I leaned on the check in counter I was supposed to be setting up, "Her dad was some hot shot reporter… he was killed by one of Stephan's guys for knowing too much. Stephan is Dante's biggest competitor. No one who is loyal to Dante would even so much as look at Stephan. Yet here Wallace is, threatening to tell them where Clarke is."
Murphy stared at his now empty coffee cup, "Damn dude, that's fucked up. You said you needed my help, but other than not knowing when to shut up and my uncanny ability to walk away from everything alive I don't really have any super powers?"
I put my hand on his shoulder, "Look, I'm pretty sure it's all just empty threats. His dad would cut him off quicker than he could blink if he even so much as called Stephen. The only thing I'm worried about is him bothering Clarke. So I was wondering if you would help me look after her. Not just you but the other guys too. I want to make sure she always has someone with her."
"Yeah man, I can do that. No problem. But hey I can't be held responsible if after hanging out with me she decides she likes me more than you…"
I shook my head and laughed at the idiot I called my best friend. "The day Clarke chooses you over me is the day I give Octavia my blessing to start dating….It's not gonna happen."
Music started to flood from the speakers. Some new eclectic playlist Murphy has made. I swear I only ever knew like two songs and by the time I learned the rest he'd make a new playlist.
Around 10:30 I decided to cut out early seeing as the gym was mostly empty. Murphy showed up late so he could stay late to cover for me.
I had only made it maybe a hundred yards from the gym when a car pulled up behind me. They didn't seem to be speeding up or slowing down but staying exactly 30 feet behind me. I refused to turn around or even acknowledge them. I already knew who it was, and I wasn't going to let him get to me.
I walked like that for roughly five minutes before I saw my way out. Up ahead on the left was a campus security car and I knew exactly who was in it. I took a hard left and bolted towards the squad car and hopped in without so much as a knock on the door. "Hey Mr. Miller!"
The poor man dropped his bagel, "Bellamy Blake! Have you lost your damn mind? You almost gave me a heart attack!"
I gave him a sheepish grin, "Sorry about that sir. I was just wondering if you could give me a lift back to my dorm. I had the early shift at the gym and I'm exhausted."
The man gave me a stern and borderline annoyed look, "I should make you walk for wasting a perfectly good bagel."
I gave him my most innocent smile, "But you're not going to because I'm you your favorite kid on campus right behind your son." There was no denying that was true. Nate and I had grown up together and when my mom died the Miller's really helped look after Octavia. Mr. Miller was actually the one who encouraged me to get my life straight. Quit working for Dante and go back to college.
He softened a bit, "Alright but lets not make a habit of this. I do have actual work to do."
I watched in the side view mirror as the car that was following me made a dramatic U-turn and headed back the way it came. Whatever Wallace was planning it'd have to wait. I'd rather it not happen at all but he if he was looking for a fight, I'd be happy to give it to him. Scum bag has been a thorn in my side for years now.
Mr. Miller pulled up the front of my building, "Nate tells me you have a pretty new girlfriend. Now I don't want any details, I know how you kids are. I just wanted to say I'm happy for you, and if she's half as nice as Nate told me she was then I hope you're smart enough to not lose her."
I gripped his hand in the awkward way men do when they don't want to hug, "I have no plans of letting her go sir. Thanks for the ride. I owe you." He nodded and I hopped out running towards the front door.
When I reached Clarke's room I hovered outside her room for just a few moments conflicted. I really wanted to go in but I needed to stop being so… well for lack of a better word clingy. I always caught myself trying to spend all my free time with her. I needed to remember she had other friends. I reluctantly walked over to my room, phone already in hand ready to send her a text to her know I was home. You know just in case she wanted to come over. But it seemed like that wouldn't be necessary because as I walked in my room I noticed a mess of blonde curls poking out from underneath my blanket.
Lincoln was up and studying over a bowl of lucky charms, "She woke up the second you left this morning for work. Came over and asked if she could sleep in your bed. Something about a nightmare? I don't know. I don't think she actually fell asleep until a few minutes ago. She was awake when I got up to start studying. She's really nice though. I like her, don't mess this one up.
I gave him an incredulous look, "Man what is it with everyone today. First Murphy, then Nate's dad, now you? I'm not going to mess it up!"
Lincoln just chuckled, "You have to know where this is coming from. We've never you keep interest in a girl for longer than a week or two."
I stripped off my shirt and changed into some pajama pants, "Well this time is different." I climbed into bed and the moment I reached our Clarke she curled into me. It was adorable how even in sleep she instinctively knew my touch. I kissed the top of her head and closed my eyes deciding maybe a nap wouldn't be so bad.
