Chapter 27: Lexa

I get up early the following day, too excited to sleep. So I go to the galley in search of food, where I find Petrona already in the process of cooking breakfast. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Lexa. What would you like for breakfast this morning, and how many should I expect?"

"Um…as far as I know, it's just Octavia and me. You don't have to cook for me, though. I can do it."

"Yes, I do, not because it is my job but because you need to be healthy if you going to fight. So, what do you want?"

"Surprise me, about the other night…."

"No need to explain."

"Okay, well, thank you for breakfast in bed. It was genuinely nice of you."

"My pleasure, here you go."

"Thank you, Petrona." I take my breakfast and head up to the outdoor dining area, where I find O and Morrigan already eating. "Guess I'm not the only early riser this morning. What are you doing up so early, O?"

She says, "I couldn't sleep, too excited. I have never been on a helicopter before or to Vegas. Have you?"

"I haven't been to Vegas before, but I have been on a helicopter, although I don't really remember it because it was a medivac after I rescued Ash."

Morrigan says, "Don't worry, this will be a much smoother ride. Also, I was able to get permission to land not only at the top of the Grand Canyon, but also we have permission to land at the bottom."

"Wow, that is awesome! Asher is going to love that. Who am I kidding? So will I."

Octavia says, "This is going to be an awesome trip! Now how was your date last night?"

We sit and talk for a while, and I explain about last night and how I saw Finn with the blonde from the dealership. I also tell her about the conversation with Clarke. Soon it is time to go get ready. I decide to wear a pair of black skinny jeans, a tank top with a button-up shirt over it, and a pair of high-top black and white converse. Next, I throw the pair of basketball shorts Ash gave me on that first night, a sports bra, pair of underwear, a t-shirt, and my gloves into my backpack. Hopefully, that is all I will need. I guess if it's not, I can always buy what I need. Finally, I grab the leather jacket from Cree's dad and head up to the helipad.

By the time I get up there, Clarke and O are already there. I ask Clarke how she is. I can tell she's been crying and hasn't had much sleep. She says, "I'm actually okay, pretty tired but excited also. After we talked last night, I called Finn and told him we were done. He keeps saying that she was his cousin blah, blah, blah. I showed him the pictures telling him that I don't know of anyone else who makes out with their cousin, and even if she were, I would be finished with him because that is just disgusting."

I hate the fact that this news actually makes me happy, but it does. I know that it was hard for Clarke, and she is probably hurt, but I really think it is a good decision. I look at Clarke, "I'm really sorry, and I will understand if you don't want to go today."

She says, "No, I want to go. Besides, it will keep my mind off of everything."

Suddenly I hear fast little footsteps followed by, "Xa, Xa, are we really going on a helicopter?"

I bend down just in time for him to tackle me to the ground giggling. Everyone is laughing as Asher is sitting on my chest. "Yeah, buddy, we're going on a helicopter if you will get off my chest."

An hour and a half later, we land on the helipad at the Las Vegas UFC training institute. We're met by Dana and a couple other people I didn't know, but apparently, Asher did. Asher grabbed Ash's and my hand pulling us toward them. As we approach them, Asher looks up at me and says, "Xa, how you know Dana Whiter, Matt Hughes, and Manda Nunes?"

I looked over at Ash, then down at Asher, "Um…buddy, I don't know them. I talked to Dana on the phone, but that's all. The better question is, how do you know who they are?"

He looks at me sheepishly and whispers, "Don't tell mom. I like watchin fights on my tablet after she goes bed."

Everyone starts laughing. Dana looks at Asher, "Don't worry, little man, your secret is safe with me." Dana then looks at me, "Glad to finally meet you, Lexa. As your son just informed you, this is Matt and Amanda. Amanda here is the reigning featherweight champion."

"Nice to meet you guys, this is Octavia Blake, my best friend, and corner woman, Clarke Griffin, my physician, and this is Commander Ashley Fletcher and HER son Asher. Ash is my agent and good friend, and apparently, Asher is a huge fan."

Dana says, "Why don't we go inside, and I'll show you around."

We follow them inside, and for the next half hour, Dana shows us around the facility while Asher points, naming just about everyone he sees. He seems to really follow the UFC. After the tour, Dana looks at me and asks if I am ready to start the process of becoming a UFC fighter. Asher screamed, "Xa, you fight on tv?"

Dana smiles, squatting down so that he was eye level with Asher, "If everything checks out with her physical, 'Xa' will be fighting on tv Saturday night. How does that sound?"

Asher looks up at Ash, "Mommy can I pease, pretty pease go Xa fight. We don't have to tell mom."

Ash laughs, "Yeah, buddy. I already asked your mom, and she said you could go, but we might not want to let her know you have been watching the fights on your tablet, or she may change her mind."

I look at Dana, "So, where do we start?"

"We will start with the physical since everything else is determined by that. I assume you want your physician to go with you."

"Yes, Clarke will be accompanying me through the medical process, and Ash will be with me before I sign any paperwork."

Dana looks at Asher, "So, Asher, who is your favorite fighter?"

Asher thinks a minute before answering, "Well, I used to like onda ousey when she was winning with the armbar but now that she moved to WWE, I no like her anymore. But, I like watching Manda, Justin Gathe, and Henry Cudo. Then there is Rocky, the Tornado, too many. I like 'em all."

Dana smiles, "In that case, why don't I have 'Manda' show you, your mommy, and Octavia around and introduce you to the fighters that are here while 'Xa' goes to see the doctor."

Asher begins jumping up and down, screaming, "Really? Es pease, let's go." He grabs Amanda's hand and is ready to go. I look at Ash, laughing. She just smiles, shrugging her shoulders following behind them.

For the next hour, I talk to a couple of different doctors, the main one being Dr. Hines. If I had known that they would ask me such personal questions, I probably wouldn't have brought Clarke along since we aren't really close, but I would definitely like to be. It's a little embarrassing that she is finding out these things like this. When Dr. Hines began asking me about my scars, I joked, "Doc, these questions are usually second or third date topics."

I could tell that Clarke was uncomfortable listening to how I got each and every scar on my body, but I also noticed how she never took her eyes off of me the entire exam. I'm no longer embarrassed by them, but I didn't really enjoy having each and every one of them pointed out in front of her. When the doctor said something about a pelvic exam and pregnancy test, I couldn't help but freak out. After everything Omar and his guys did, I'm sure the doctor will be able to tell. I don't want Clarke to find out this way. I don't want her, of all people, to think of me as broken because I'm not. Clarke tries to leave the room, but that freaks me out even more, and I beg her to stay. What am I doing? Seriously? I beg her to stay, even turn down her offer to go find Ash. I mean, that would be the logical thing since Ash is the one person who knows everything about me, but for some reason, I just don't want her here. I want Clarke. Finally, the doctors clear me, pointing us in the direction of the training area where we found the rest of the group.

Asher is decked out in UFC gear, and it looks like his shirt has been autographed by everyone he met. He was also wearing a UFC backpack. I can only imagine what he has in there. He ran up to me and said, "Xa, look at all the cool stuff they gave me." I then noticed that O also had on a pair of UFC sweats and a hat carrying a backpack.

"Looks like you guys racked up on gear while I was being poked and prodded by the doctors. Asher, are you having a good time, buddy?"

"Yes, can we stay longer, pease?"

Dana said, "Xa, we still need to talk about your contract, but first, I would like to see what you look like in the ring. Do you mind going a round or two in full pads?"

"Sure, whatever you need from me. Just let me change."

He points me in the direction of the locker room. I go change into Ash's shorts and decide to leave on my tank top. I grab my gloves and head back out to find Amanda in full pads warming up. Great, I get to go up against the champ in front of everyone. Now I'm super nervous. Of course, Ash can tell, and she comes over with a set of pads and begins helping me put them on. As she does, she tells me to relax and just have fun that with all these pads, it will be hard to move, so just have fun. I feel like a hockey goalie and can barely move.

I look at Dana, "How are you supposed to see how I fight if I can't move in all of this crap?"

I climb into the ring and look over at Amanda and see she looks as uncomfortable as I do. Dana explains what he expects and says when the bell rings, go for it. When the bell rings, I head to the middle of the ring and hold my hand up to touch gloves.

Clarke

I can't believe everything that has happened in the last couple of days. My life is a wreck! Finn is blowing up my phone, and I finally just turn it off. I agreed to be Lexa's doctor for the fight and come on this trip to get away from him for a little while. I need space so that I could try to figure out where to go from here. I can't believe I let him control my life so much. I didn't even realize it until I was about to tell Lexa no because going would piss him off. I mean, I knew that something was off with our relationship because I was expected to be available whenever he needed me. Still, he never reciprocated and didn't want me going out unless he was with me.

Now here I am in a room with Lexa, who, if I'm honest, I've been trying to avoid being alone with. Ever since she walked into the Dragon's Den that first night with Octavia, I haven't been able to keep my eyes off of her when she is around. I've tried pushing her away and being rude to her, but the fact is there is just something about her that…I don't know. It feels like my body craves to be near her. I don't understand. I've never been attracted to women before. Hell, I've never really felt this way about anyone. Not even Finn, we have been together officially since freshman year, so going on five years. Then there is that kiss…that kiss was incredible. I know she was drunk, but I just can't get that kiss out of my mind.

The door opening interrupts my thoughts. In walks a woman in a white coat introducing herself as Dr. Helena Hines. She looks at Lexa, "So, I see that you are originally from Afghanistan but are living in San Francisco now. Are you here on a green card to fight? When was the last time you had a physical? And who is with you today?"

Lexa looks over at me, smiling, "This is my personal physician Clarke Griffin."

I shake my head, interrupting her, "Actually, I am in my last year of residency, so…I'm just doing this as a favor for Lexa." When I look over at Lexa, she has a smirk on her face. I guess she finds this funny.

Dr. Hines says, "Okay, Clarke, have you personally given Alexandria a physical before?" So now it is my turn to laugh, Alexandria? I didn't know that was her real name.

"Actually, no, I haven't given Alexandria a physical before. As I said, I'm not really her doctor. I am just doing this as a favor for Alexandria because she is new to town. I'm a friend of a friend."

Lexa speaks up, "That is quite enough of the Alexandria mess. My name is Lexa. No one calls me Alexandria, ever. But, Doc, to answer your earlier questions, I'm not here on a green card. I am a United States citizen. I don't know when my last physical was, but I do know that about ten months or so ago, I had to have my spleen removed."

Dr. Hines says, "Okay, and where was this surgery performed?"

"Um…a military base in Afghanistan."

"And why was it removed?"

"I don't know…I was unconscious. I was told it was ruptured, and I was bleeding out internally."

"Do you know why it ruptured?"

"Yes, I was hit by shrapnel from a land mine, to begin with. Then, after having the wound closed, I was punched repeatedly in the same side, rupturing my spleen."

As I sit there listening to Lexa answer the doctor's questions, I'm a little embarrassed because they are personal questions. I don't really feel like Lexa, and I have this level of friendship yet. I know when she told the story of her time over there, she said she would answer everyone's questions honestly, but…I don't know. I just feel out of place being here. After answering a few more questions, Dr. Hines says that she will be back in a few minutes to perform the physical, asking Lexa to take off her clothes down to her bra and underwear then she walks out the door.

As soon as she is out the door, I look at Lexa and say, "Um…are you sure you want me here for this. I mean…well, this seems way more personal than I thought when I agreed to be here and…Well, I'm a little uncomfortable with all of this. I mean, I really don't know you well enough to see you in your underwear."

She gives me that infuriating, cocky half-smirk, "Dr. Griffin, you've seen me in basically my underwear before. Remember in the locker room at the fights the other week? You even gave me a massage after examining me, so I really don't see the difference besides you are here, and I trust your opinion because I trust Abby. If you would rather leave, I understand, and I can maybe call Abby and have her talk to the doc, but I would really appreciate it if you would stay. I don't trust people that I don't know, and I don't know this, Dr. Hines."

"Okay fine. I will stay." I turned around while she undressed to give her some privacy but what she said was true. I have already seen her pretty much in this stage of undress at the fight. That was when I knew I was in trouble being around her. She has the most amazing body I have ever seen. I mean, Finn played football and basketball, but he is nothing compared to her. Her dark bronze skin, even covered in scars, looks impressive. She is more muscular than most guys, but somehow it works for her. She has these piercing steel-blue eyes that look like they can reach into your soul and see you for who you really are. Even though she is handsome and sexy, that isn't what draws me to her. It is the fact that she is so open and honest, caring, and loyal.

I'm startled when I hear the opening of the door again. I turn around to find Lexa sitting on the exam table in her underwear and bra. I can feel my ears start to burn, and my cheeks begin to flush. I try and look away from her, but I just can't. She sees me staring and smiles but looks away quickly, but not before I notice her cheeks turn pink.

Dr. Hines begins by asking Lexa about her medical history, allergies, and the like. Lexa explains to the doctor that she hasn't had any significant issues medically as far as she knows. She informs the doctor she was in an orphanage until she was almost seventeen when her school was bombed by the Taliban. Lexa explained how she had lived at Ahmed's camp for years, and that's when she started going to Abby's clinic near the US military base. Lexa also says that she can't remember ever being sick, not even a cold.

Once the doctor had this information, she started taking Lexa's vitals, performing reflex tests, and just an overall physical exam. When Dr. Hines moved around to Lexa's back, listening to her lung's things became extremely uncomfortable to me.

Dr. Hines said, "What in the hell happened to your back? Where did you get all of these scars?"

Lexa looks my way but then quickly looked to the floor before answering, "I told you, doc, I was in a Taliban camp for almost six years. Where do you think I got them? Some are from whips, some knives, some from a hot iron, and some from land mind shrapnel."

Dr. Hines then looks over at me, "Did you know about all of these?"

"Um…well, it's like I told you, I haven't given her an exam, but I have heard a good bit of what she went through over there."

"Alright then, I see you have a bullet wound in your shoulder. Where did that happen?"

There is that cocky smirk again before she says, "Read the tattoo doc, and you will get your answer."

I can't help but laugh at her answer. She follows it up with, "It is from a sniper attack. The bullet entered through the front of my flak jacket, going through my shoulder then out the back, lodging itself in the back of the jacket. To make this go a little quicker, I already told you about this one." She pointed to the surgical scar, then pointed to each individual spot explaining them one by one. "I got this one from a knife fight, this one was an explosion, this one from an elbow to the head in a fight in Dubai. Then there is this one from a bullet grazing me in Washington DC, this one from a bar fight in DC. I think that's about it, doc."

Dr. Hines said, "It seems to me that you really enjoy fighting outside of the ring, as well."

"Um…no ma'am. I don't, but contrary to what a friend told me, many people in this country carry guns with the intent of harming innocent people. I can't stand by and watch it happen, so I usually end up getting involved. I would much rather do my fighting inside a ring or cage."

"What do you mean, exactly?"

"Well, ma'am, when I was in Afghanistan, everyone carried guns. It was normal over there, you know. Anyway, I was involved in two major gunfights and one rescue mission. In those, I was only shot one time. Once I became a US citizen, a soldier friend, Blake, told me that I wouldn't have to worry about being shot daily when I got to America. Excuse my language, ma'am, but I call bullshit on that. In the few days I was in DC to receive medals that I didn't want, I was shot twice and had knives pulled on me at least twice. At least when I was in the desert, I also had weapons."

"As much as I really want to hear your entire story, I'm sure Dana is getting antsy to know if you passed the physical, so let me just finish up your exam and do a quick pregnancy test and pap smear since I'm guessing you haven't had one before."

I can't stop a cough and gasp from escaping my mouth. Lexa looks over at me with a strange look on her face before saying, "Excuse me? What exactly is that? Why a pregnancy test?"

I know for a fact that my face is crimson red when the doctor begins to explain the exam to Lexa. She says, "You are going to need to look where and do what? I don't think so!"

I'm not sure why but she is seriously freaking out about the doctor doing a pelvic exam and pap smear. I'm not extremely happy about being in here for the exam either. I need to figure a way out of here and fast. So I say, "Um…Lexa…I -I think I will just step out of the room while the doctor does this exam. I will be…."

She interrupts, "No, please don't leave me! I don't want anyone going…um…well, I don't want anyone going down there, you know." I can hear and feel the panic in her voice. She seems so…I don't know, scared.

Dr. Hines looks at me with a questioning look. I know what she is probably thinking because I'm having the same thoughts, and it makes me angry, but I don't know if it happened or not, so I shrug my shoulders. I can't help but step close to Lexa taking her hand. As soon as our skin touches, I feel that same electrical charge that I felt at the club when I touched her. It's like my entire body reacts to her. I look her in the eyes, asking if she would prefer that I go get Ash, but surprisingly she says no. Then she asks, "Clarke, will you please stay and just hold my hand. You can close your eyes turn your head whatever, but please don't leave."

Seeing the fear in her eyes breaks my heart. I would've never thought that anything would scare her after all she's seen and done. I can't bring myself to say no, so I stay and hold her hand. I get her to talk to me about her yacht so that she doesn't think about what is happening. Once the doctor is finished, she tells Lexa to get dressed, and as soon as she has the pregnancy test results, she will let Dana know. She goes on to say as long as she isn't pregnant, she is cleared to fight. I say, "That's great. Lexa, I'm going to be right outside the door. Once you are dressed, we will go find the group, okay?" She just nods, and I follow the doctor out of the room.

Once outside, I look at Dr. Hines with a questioning look, but I'm scared to ask the question. I'm torn between the need to know and not knowing if it is any of my business or not. Dr. Hines must see the conflict in my eyes because she says, "If you want to know…."

"I do, but I don't. I mean, is it really any of my business what Lexa's been through? If she wants me to know…she should be the one to tell me, right?"

"Clarke, she wouldn't have asked you to stay if she didn't trust you. I know you said you were just doing a favor for a mutual friend but honestly, I think there is more between you two than either of you let on."

"What? Nothing is going on between us. The only reason she trusts me is that my mom is the doctor in Afghanistan that treated her. As far as do I want to know, I think if it is any of my business, she will tell me, so no, I don't want you to tell me."

"Alright then, she seems to be a strong person who is carrying a lot of baggage. I hope she does well in the fight. Please let me know if you or her ever need anything, and good luck with your residency."

I stand there stunned. What did Dr. Hines mean there is more going on between the two of us? Whatever! I mean, I don't really know her that well except that I am drawn to her for some reason, and I have been trying hard to fight it.