Chapter 52: Lexa

On the flight back, I asked if everyone would stay for dinner, then call Petrona and asked if she would set up the grill by the pool and have some hamburgers and hot dogs ready for me to grill. She argued that she didn't mind cooking that way I could enjoy my company. In the end, she won.

We all relaxed by the pool while Asher splashed around until dinner was ready. Cree, Bellamy, and Octavia joined us for dinner. Callie was sort of out of it, and we were all trying to find things to talk about. Finally, Abby asks, "Lexa, why don't you tell Bellamy and me the whole story about how you managed to win this yacht. I know you said you won it in a fight, but I thought that the UFC fight was your only professional fight."

I glanced at O, and she nods so I ask her, "Have you told Bellamy?"

Bellamy says, "About fighting in illegal fights? Yeah, she did, and I can't say that I am thrilled about it, but she said I could come to the next one and check it out."

I look at Abby and then tell the story of how I won the tournament and bet Mickey that I could finish all my fights in the first round. Octavia speaks up, "I told her it was a stupid bet, but she didn't listen. Now, after hearing all the stories from everyone, I realize that she doesn't usually listen to anyone."

That gets a laugh out of everyone, even Callie. Callie smirks, "Yeah, she is pretty cocky, and I think that she thinks she's invincible. I mean the way she smarted off to those guys in the bar in DC and then how she just jumps in front of bullets. I just hope that it doesn't catch up with her one day."

"Hey, it's not cocky if you can back it up. At least that is what Kid Rock says in his song."

Everyone laughs except Clarke, who says, "I know she worries me with the way she's so nonchalant about putting herself into dangerous situations. Don't get me wrong, I know she can handle herself, but it still scares me. Although I do find her cockiness to be a turn-on."

I about choke on my sip of margarita and turn pink at that comment. We all continue to talk and have a good time until around ten when I can tell Asher is getting tired. Abby says that she should really head home. Clarke says, "I should really be going as well. I have to be at work bright and early in the morning."

Even though I had a feeling that Clarke would be going home to stay with her mom, it still made me sad to hear her say it. I guess Abby saw the disappointed look on my face because she says, "Clarke, you don't have to come with me. You can stay here if you are more comfortable here."

Clarke says, "Thanks, mom, but I really think I should go with you so that we can catch up. I mean, you have been gone for over a year. Besides, I can always come by and see Lexa after work."

Abby says, "Whatever you want to do is fine with me. Just know that I won't be upset if you decide you want to spend some or all of your nights with Lexa."

I say, "Thanks Abby, it means a lot to know that you trust me with your daughter."

Abby replies, "Why would you think otherwise, Lexa?"

"Uh…Uhm…I-I don't know. I just thought maybe since you know everything about me and well…what I've been through and done, you wouldn't want your daughter to be involved with me. I just thought I may not be good enough for Clarke because I haven't exactly had a normal life, and…people around me tend to get hurt in the crossfire."

Clarke looks between Abby and me, "See, mom, I told you that you needed to talk to her."

Abby looks at me and says, "Alexandria Sahar Trikru, you should know me well enough by now to know that your past doesn't matter to me. I respect you and know that you are an amazing person who would never intentionally hurt Clarke. From what I have seen so far, you make my daughter extremely happy and have been there for her when she needs you the most."

"But what if…what if she gets hurt because of me? I mean, she sort of already has been hurt because of me, and I don't want it to ever happen again."

Clarke speaks up, "We have talked about this before. It's not your fault. I love you, and I want to be with you, and unless you tell me that you don't feel the same way, we will be together. Do you hear me?"

I smile, "Yes, ma'am, I hear you loud and clear. I love you too. Will you call me when you get home so that I know you have made it safely? Oh, and I may have had a security system installed when I had your door repaired. Your temporary code is 2211, but you will need to call the company and set up a new one as soon as you can."

Clarke says, "Cielo babe, you didn't have to do that, but thank you. You are amazing, and I will call you later."

She walks toward me, and I open my arms for her. Her body fits perfectly against mine, and I melt into her embrace. She kisses me goodbye then she and Abby head out. I look to Callie and Asher and say, "Alright buddy, let's you, I, and your mom go downstairs and make that adventure jar before you go to bed."

He gets up and grabs Callie's hand and pulls her toward the stairs saying, "Come on, mom. Why you so slow."

Once we get downstairs, I sit Asher at the desk in my office and give him some paper to write on while I find a jar to put the adventures in. By the time I get back, he has about ten slips of paper folded and ready to put into the jar. Once the jar is complete, we take it into his room and put it on his bedside table then Callie tucks him in. I give him a kiss on the forehead and tell him that we will play some video games in the morning before they leave.

Callie and I walk out of his room. I grab the tequila out of the fridge along with a couple shot glasses leading her out to the firepit. I pour some shots then say, "You can have my bed tonight, and I will either take the couch or sleep in one of the guest rooms. I know you probably want to be close to him, especially tonight. I just want you to know that you are not alone. I'm here for whatever you or Asher needs." I pour a couple more shots. "I know this has to be rough on you after everything that has happened in the past, but Ash loves you and Asher more than anything in this world. She will be back this time. I know it in my heart."

She starts to cry. Great, I really hate when people cry around me. I never know what to do. I move closer to her and wrap an arm around her, and she leans her head on my shoulder before she says, "It's hard to believe that not long ago, I really resented you and your relationship with Ashley. I could tell she loved you by the way she looked at you, and I never thought that she would give up on you, especially for me. Not after the way, things happened between us back then and not after I saw the way she looked at you. All I wanted was a chance for her to get to know Asher…I never really thought I had a chance to get her back. I'm sorry for everything that I have said or done to you in the past. You are an amazing person, and I am glad that I have you by my side while Ashley is gone. I don't know how Asher would have survived without you here."

"Callie, I'm not going anywhere. I know things started off rocky for us, but I think everything worked out the way it was supposed to, and I think that we are in a good place with our relationship now…at least, I hope we are. I would do anything for your son and you too, for that matter. Also, I promise that if I have to, I will go and bring Ash home. I will not let the government leave her to…well, I won't let them forget about her. I will bring her home if I have to."

She sniffles and then smiles at me, "I know you will. Thank you. I think it is time for me to go to bed. It has been a long day. I will sleep in the guest room; I don't want to take your bed."

"No, I insist. You take my bed."

"Okay, but only if you stay on the couch. I will just feel better knowing you are there if Asher needs something."

"Sure, no problem. Do you need something to sleep in?"

"That would be great."

I grab her a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. While she gets ready for bed, I make up the couch and then check in on Asher. As I stand there watching him sleep, I can't help but think how cute he is and how I would like to have one of my own one day. Callie sneaks up behind me and says, "You know you are really good with him."

I jump, and she laughs. "You scared the shit out of me, woman. You are lucky I didn't punch you. Don't ever sneak up on me."

She just laughs and pats me on the shoulder, walking away. My phone beeps, notifying me of a text message. I look at the screen and see it is from Clarke.

Clarke: We made it home safe and sound. You failed to mention that you had cameras installed and that you had my car window replaced. You know that I don't expect you to do all of this, right?

Me: I know, but it makes me feel better. Besides, the cameras are only on the outside. Although I did debate having some installed inside, it just felt like an invasion of privacy to do that. I just want you to feel safe while I'm not with you.

Clarke: You are beyond amazing and thoughtful. I don't know what I did to deserve someone like you, but I'm glad you are mine.

Me: I'm the one who doesn't deserve you, but I'm glad I was finally able to convince you to give me a chance. I love you, Clarke Griffin.

Clarke: My next day off isn't until Monday, um…would you like to go on a date with me then? I mean…if-if you aren't busy.

Me: I would love to, but please tell me that I don't have to wait that long to see you.

Clarke: I hope not. It just depends on work. I will call you during my break tomorrow. Sweet dreams, Cielo.

Me: You too, Albi. Don't work too hard, love.