At their graduation ceremony the grassy fields were cleared out around the college, making room for chairs and podiums for speakers. Every student was meeting in the hall dressed in cap and gown. Bellamy, Octavia, Clarke, and Lincoln dressed nicely for the occasion. Wearing their best, proud that they had made it this far together. Murphy came to meet them in the hall. "I am so jealous you losers are going to be finishing before me". Knowing when he transferred that he would have to take a couple extra classes putting him a semester or two behind the others.
"It's ok Murphy, you'll get there". Trying to show his support to make up for what a jerk he had been to him in the past weeks. Clarkes phone vibrated in her gown pocket, checking it with a smile she let everyone know Wells and Bellamy's mom just arrived and went to find their seats. "That's my que". Murphy said, leaving them there to finish getting ready. The vice president called everyone to attention, organizing them in lines based on their degree and sending out recruiters to retrieve their cards that had name pronunciations on them. "I'll see you after". Clarke said to Bellamy, placing a kiss on his cheek and heading into her line.
When the students walked out in formation, they could tell their emotions were all running the same. Seeing the same people everyday for years, and now they were headed off in different directions. Wherever jobs, families, and ambitions would lead them. Clarke turned to recognize one of the girls that had been in most of her classes from the start. "Do we place our tassel to the other side now or wait". Clarke placed her hand over the girls, calming her nerves. "We wait, it's going to be ok. Just relax. This day is all about celebrating the accomplishments we've made". "But what if I can't find a job, what if my life ends up going nowhere"? She didn't really know what to say. She didn't know the girl on a personal level, she could only give her something from her personal life and hope that the girl could relate to it. They looked out into the crowd.
"You have a family out there"? Clarke whispered as the first speaker began at the podium. The girl pointed to a taller man and women, older and grey in appearance holding hands in their chairs. "Yeah my mom and dad". "Look at their faces". Clarke noted. Seeing them smile, and wave as they noticed their daughter looking over, "They've never been prouder clearly. Their here to support you no matter what. That's how you know all this was worth it. You can persevere knowing they are always going to be there to support you, good or bad". The girl took a deep sigh, what Clarke said made her feel better. "You have family here with you"? Clarke should have felt sad at the comment. She had no mom, no dad. No one, but instead she scanned the aisles.
Octavia peering over at her with a smile. Then Bellamy as she found him. Not to mention Wells, Murphy, and Bellamy's mom looking very happy out in the crowd. "Yeah, I do". Clarke said. She was surrounded by her own type of family. People who loved her and always had been there for her. Through the toughest times. She didn't feel alone for one second. The ceremony continued, speaker after speaker. The teachers calling students up to their podiums next and shaking their hand while handing them their diploma and letting them leave the stage for a quick picture. The Art department was last, because it was the smallest group of graduates. Clarke raised from her seat, taking small steps as people moved forward. When it came time to reach the stage, she knew this moment was going to be one of the best in her life. She had a surprise up her sleeve, something to make this day extra special.
The professor called out to her, "And I am pleased to welcome one of my brightest students. Hard working and passionate. I know she'll be going on to create great things. Clarke Abagail Griffin Blake". Clarke couldn't hide her smile as she walked the steps onto the stage, reaching out and thanking her professor as she heard familiar woops, and hollers from the audience. As she looked out, walking to take her picture Bellamy was standing, mouth open and hands down by his side, the only one not applauding. It made the surprise so much sweeter. She decided not to tell him but informed his mother and Octavia of what she had planned for the evening. Going fourth until the official day she wanted everyone in her life to know that they belonged to each other and would always be. She winked at him, moving back to her seat.
"Young man if you care to sit down now". The speaker said, noting that Bellamy was the only one standing in the crowd. For the first time a blushed and bright red Bellamy took his seat. They announced final congratulations and finished off with their class year and tassel throw. The students throwing their hats into the air. It was finally done. Finally, over, and where one portion of their life ended, another would shortly be waiting to start. The students ran to families, friends. Clarke went to find Bellamy but to her surprise she felt someone hug her from behind. A pair of hands wrapping around her waist and a firm kiss being placed on her cheek. She ran her fingers over his. Falling back into his hold.
"Did I get you"? Turning around to see his face. "I thought the first time you wanted to hear that was when we were saying I do"? Clarke reached up to cup his cheek, Bellamy pressing into her light hold. "I just wanted everyone to know that you are mine and I am yours". That made him light up, a big smile spreading from ear to ear. Possibly the sweetest thing he ever heard. "I can not wait to marry you". He told her. And they hugged while the rest of the gang came to meet them.
Back at the house, Bellamy was headed to get the grill started. Octavia and Lincoln showed up along with some of their sorority sisters and friends. Murphy hugged Emori, kissing her on the cheek and congratulating her on finishing school. Ever since he transferred, they had been seeing each other more exclusively, and even though he didn't know what that meant yet, it made him really happy to just have her in his life. Bellamy's mom was in the kitchen helping Clarke cut vegetables. "So, what's next for you guys. Bellamy tells me your thinking about doing some traveling"?
"Yeah", Clarke nodded. "There's places we want to go and see before we get more settled down. Finding jobs and maybe buying a house. I don't know if we'll live here forever, even though now I think I would be sad to see it go". "Can't you always buy the place from the landlord if he's willing to sell". Clarke considered it but knowing Bellamy was so far away from his mom. She didn't want to make that decision for him. Aurora must have sensed her unease, reaching out and touching her hand. "Wherever Bellamy is he'll be happy. You guys need to think about you. I'll always be a drive away". That made her feel a little better, knowing his mom was being so supportive. "Plus, pretty soon you'll be planning other big things. The wedding for one". Clarke smiled at the thought of picking out her wedding dress, venue, and all the little things that went into it.
"Yeah we just want to take our time with it, there's no rush". While cutting an onion Clarke heard the screen door open, letting someone in from outside. "And you never know right now a job and home seem like such big decisions for you. One day it might seem small compared to say, I don't know. Having a baby". Clarke felt a spray of liquid hit her from the side. Looking over to see Bellamy had spit out his beer at his mother's words. "Mom! Way to be pushy". Aurora laughed handing Clarke a dishtowel to wipe off. Clarke grabbed it from her hand, adding only to the shock. "Oh, calm down Bell, we're just having a conversation. Your mom's right. Sooner or later a baby is going to come into the picture". Turning to laugh at Aurora, the two of them were thick as thieves. Bellamy rolled his eyes grabbing the bag of hamburger buns and leaving to return for the grill.
"But seriously", his mom added. "I am happy Bellamy found you again. I know how much he missed you over the years". Clarke remembering the time they moved away, without so much as a goodbye after their fight in her backyard. Talking to Aurora became really eye opening for Clarke. She felt comfortable around her, more than a friend would. She was already like family. "When you guys had it out the night before Octavia and you left for school. He was a wreck, he kept coming to me. Asking me what he was supposed to say and do. I just told him to give you space. I think that wasn't the answer he was looking for. Then after all the time passed, he still would come over for dinners or help me with things around the house. Ask if I spoke to Octavia that morning and would ask how you were doing. I think you were always in his mind somewhere, floating around".
Clarke didn't know that about Bellamy, he never shared those things. She had thought about him in their time away but after a while she assumed, he had found someone, was doing something he loved. She never thought he gave more than a second to think of her. When she heard Aurora laugh, she wanted to hear more. More from his mom's point of view. "And when he had the chance to head up here, Octavia calling him and telling him she couldn't make it down. He practically gave me a heart attack, running into the house as I was getting ready for work. Asking me if he should bring anything that you'd like. Flowers, or something to make a nice gesture after all these years". Bellamy being nervous, that was something Clarke would like to see. Aurora pulled Clarke tightly to her, quick and giving her little time to react. She felt his mothers need to just be close and hug her.
"I am just so happy it worked out. And I am so happy that you'll be my daughter in law". Clarke wrapped her arms around her hugging her back. "I am sure my mom and dad would have said the same thing. They always wanted a son". Aurora pulled away, not wanting to make her feel awkward. Resuming cutting and prepping things for dinner she added. "Well I already have a daughter, but the two of them have run me down quite a bit over the years. I can tell you are much calmer than the two of them put together". Octavia walked in holding Lincolns hand, hearing her mother's last remark. "Hey mom, I was not that bad". Aurora looked at Clarke winking. "Sure, you weren't sweetie". The room filled with laughter and everyone pitched in to make the night one that would leave a happy memory on their minds forever.
Next I have an opposite view from Bellamy's side, I hope you enjoyed and continue to read. Stay tuned for more. as always BE KIND