Chapter 102: Clarke

After my talk with Samiya, I walk out into the hall to find Dakota waiting for me. I smile at her and ask, "What's wrong, Dakota? Do you need something?"

Of course, she just shakes her head no. "Did you not want to shower and get cleaned up for the party tonight? I put some clean clothes on the bed in your room. I promise I will be fine. All of the people here are my friends. You don't need to worry right now."

She stands there for a moment, looking like she was contemplating what I was telling her. I hold my hand out to her, and after a few seconds, she takes it. Then she looks at me and asks, "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, you can ask me anything."

"What's going to happen to me…I mean…Zaria and Kalen are related to Lexa, so…but me, I'm not. I'm just a broken kid who doesn't have any family or friends."

I'm not sure what to make of that girl yet. She seems so protective of Lexa and me, even though we just met. I wonder what happened between Lexa and Dakota while they were missing? I am also curious as to why she doesn't seem to like Ash.

"Dakota, you will have options when we get to California. You will be able to decide what you want to do. My question for you is, why do you think you are broken? Also, what happened between you and Lexa out there? Finally, why are you so protective of me?"

Dakota looks from me to the floor, shaking her head. Then she looks back up at me through tear-filled eyes, "Lexa, she-she saved my life more than once. She is the only person who has ever acted like she cared what happened to me. She came back for me after everyone else was already out. Lexa rescued me from the bad room. I owe her everything, and the one thing I could do while she was fighting for her life was to make sure you were alright because you are what matters most to her."

"Okay, but why do you think you are broken and what happened in the bad room?"

Tears start flowing down her cheeks. She tries to wipe them away before I see them but can't. Then she says, "They did things to me because they couldn't control me. They…they killed my mom also. They…"

I take her in my arms, "Oh, honey! I'm so sorry. Does Lexa know any of this? But, sweetie, you are not broken. They can only break you if you let them. Why don't you take a long hot shower and pull yourself together while I pick up Lexa? Then we will sit down and talk, the three of us on the way to Washington, okay?" She just nods and heads to the bathroom.

I go looking for Ash. I find her outback, starting the grill with a table full of steaks and potatoes. I smile at her and say, "Thanks for pulling all of this together for me. Mom just called and said that all of the tests look good, so she's going to take out the chest tube now. I'm going to head back over to the hospital and pick her up. Do you need anything while I'm out?"

"Um, I don't think so…unless you think it's okay for her to have a drink or two. In that case, we need some tequila and beer."

"Sure, I'll be back in a bit. Go ahead and start the potatoes but wait until we get back to throw the steaks on." She nods and I head out.

I take the car that Abram lent us and stop by the store for the beer and liquor on the way to pick up Lexa. I'm also able to pick up an iPod for Dakota. When I get to her room, she and mom are talking about the wedding and when they think we should do it. I walk into the room with a bag of clothes that I picked up from the store on the base since no one thought to grab any of Lexa's things before the plane left. I hand her the bag and say, "So, what were you two talking about?"

Lexa smiles and says, "I was just asking Abby when she thought would be good for the wedding. I want you to be able to enjoy it even with the pregnancy. She suggests sometime between now and the second week of December since the second trimester is usually the easiest. So my thoughts are, let's get home and settled in for a couple of weeks and shoot for the week of September 19-25. What are your thoughts, love?"

"Um, that sounds alright to me, but will it give us time to pick out dresses and…."

"Once you talk to the guy at the island and tell him what you want, you won't have to worry about anything but getting a dress. That should give us plenty of time to get things sorted out, but if you want to wait longer, we can do whatever you feel like. I just want you to be happy."

Abby says, "I will meet you out at the car."

Lexa opens the bag with the clothes in it and says, "What are these?"

"About that, we were all so worried about finding you that no one thought to grab any of your clothing off the plane before it left. So, I bought you some new ones from the store on base. I got you some boxer briefs like you like, a pair of Belarus Air Force PT shorts and sweats, a sports bra, tank top, t-shirt, sweatshirt, and a pair of flip flops. If I forgot anything, we could run by the store on the way to the house. I'm really sorry…."

I'm interrupted by her lips on mine. She pulls back sooner than I would have liked and says, "Hey, it's fine. These will do just fine. All that matters to me right now is being with you. How are you feeling?"

"Me? I'm feeling a lot better now that you are here. I haven't felt the need to toss my cookies since you woke up, and that is saying a lot. The cramping has eased off some, and the bleeding has stopped. I'm ready to take you to bed and have my way with you."

"Really? I like the sound of that, but do you think it is a good idea considering what happened earlier. I mean, are you sure it's okay to have sex right now?"

"Yes, sweetie, it's fine as long as I feel up to it. Trust me when I say I definitely feel up to it. My hormones are running wild, and I'm horny now that you are back." It doesn't take her long to get dressed. I hold out my hand for her. Then lead her out of the hospital to where mom is waiting by the car.

Mom says, "I see from the backseat full of alcohol that we are having a celebration."

"It was going to be a surprise, but yes. We are celebrating the safe return of my fiancé, and I think we will announce the date of the wedding, also."

Lexa smiles and says, "Great! When is the big day?"

"I was giving it some thought while you were getting dressed, and I think that I want to have it on September 18th. That is a Saturday, and if we get to the island on the 16th, that will give us time to make sure everything is like I want it, and then we can spend the next week there on our honeymoon. How does that sound?"

"I think that sounds perfect. I'll call the resort as soon as someone gives me my phone and let them know. I will also go ahead and set up the zoom call for…wait, what's today?"

Abby laughs, "It's Wednesday, September 1."

"Oh, wow! I will set up the call for Friday. That should give us time to get home. Does that give you two time to get whatever you need together for the call?"

"Babe, we will make it work. I just want to be your wife and spend some time relaxing and having lots of sex with you without anything looming over us."

Mom coughs, "Clarke, I've told you both over, and over that I Do Not want to hear about your sex life. We really need to have some boundaries here, girls."

Lexa

On the short ride to the house, I took Clarke's hand and said, "I want to ask you something…."

"What, babe?"

"Would you mind if I ask Samiya, Dakota, and the twins if they wanted to stay on the Untouchable for at least a little while?"

"What? No, that would be amazing. I think that would be a good idea."

When we get to the house, I help Clarke unload the booze, and she shows me around back to where Ash and Blake already have the potatoes on the grill. Blake rushes up and hugs me, and Ash smiles at me before nodding at Clarke. Finally, Ash looks at Clarke and says, "Are we good, now?"

I look at Clarke, confused, and she smiles and nods at Ash before saying, "Go ahead and put those steaks on. My fiancé wants a good meal after coming back from the dead."

I walk up and hug Ash while whispering, "What was that about?"

She just shakes her head, "She blamed me for not having your six, but it's all good now."

Samiya, Dakota, Jasmine, Nasrin, Elias, and the twins walk out, and I pour tequila shots for all of us. Zaria looks at me with a questioning look before she says, "You realize we are all underage and have never been allowed to drink before, right?"

"I do, but at the same time, you have all been through more than most people twice your age, so as far as I'm concerned, you're allowed to drink at least while I'm around. But I guess you should ask our mom if it's okay." I look over at Samiya and ask, "So, what do you think? Is it okay if I have a toast with my brother, sister, my mom, and all our new friends?"

Samiya looks at me for a moment before she says, "Well…considering that I haven't actually been a mother before…I guess one time wouldn't hurt."

I smile and say, "In that case, Samiya, Zaria, Kalen, Elias, Nasrin, Dakota will you join me, Ash, Abby, and Blake for a shot and toast? Jasmine, you and Clarke will have to stick to the sparkling cider."

Jasmine says, "Why does Dak get to drink, and I don't? We're practically the same age."

"Um…I-I just thought that she was older than you…."

"Well, only by a few months. I'm fourteen, and she's fifteen. Just because she looks and is built like a giant statue doesn't mean that she is that much older." Jasmine says with a pout.

"Fine, you can have one too!"

Everyone grabs a shot glass, and I raise my glass, "To family…biological and otherwise." I raise my glass, and Ash, Abby, and Blake touch it, then the rest follow their lead. I throw back the shot, and everyone follows suit. Zaria, Kalen, Elias, Jasmine, and Nasrin cough, but they all keep it down. Kota doesn't even flinch. I think to myself; she really is like me. The rest of us laugh as I pour another round. The twins wave it off and go for juice instead. I look to Samiya and ask, "Would you all like to stay with Clarke and me on the Untouchable? At least for a little while until we figure everything out."

She starts to cry, "I would like that very much, and as much as I would like to speak for them, I don't think it is my place. I know that technically they are my kids, but I haven't been a part of their life since they were born. So I feel like they should have a say in what they want given everything they have been through."

"I understand." I look at Zaria and Kalen, "Would the two of you like to stay with me for a while and get to know one another since we are family?"

Zaria glances at Kalen before saying, "It's not like we have a lot of choices in the matter, so I don't see why not?"

"That's not true! You have plenty of choices, all you have to do is tell me what you want, and I will make it happen. You are free now."

Kalen speaks up, "That may be true, but we don't have a clue about anything other than what we have been taught and told."

"I understand. How about we make a deal? You stay with me until you figure out what it is that you want to do. I will get you enrolled in school, and you can just be normal fourteen-year-old kids and then go from there."

Zaria says, "What about Jasmine?"

"What about her? She is welcome to the same opportunities as you. If she wants them."

Zaria looks over at Jasmine and asks, "So, what do you think, sweetie?"

Jasmine smiles and says, "You know that I will follow you anywhere. I will do whatever you want."

I make a mental note to ask Zaria about her relationship with Jasmine.

Nasrin looks at me and asks, "What about Elias and me? What are we going to do?"

"That is completely up to you. I feel like you are in the same boat that I was in when I finally escaped Ahmed. All you know is fighting. I can get you access to schooling so you can get your GED which is equal to a diploma if you want to go to college. If school isn't what you want, I have other connections that we can explore, also. I promise that I will make sure you get whatever you want. We can talk about all the options later. But right now, let's celebrate!"

I look over at Clarke and smile. She gives me a head nod towards Kota, meaning that I should let her know her options as well because she isn't going to speak up on her own. She hands me the iPod, and I walk over to Kota. "Kota, what would you like to do?"

Like always, she shrugs her shoulders. "Would you like to come to stay with Clarke and me, at least until you decide?" She smiles brightly and nods yes, before hugging Clarke. "What the hell? I'm the one who asked, why are you hugging her? Also, here is a little something for you. I've preloaded it with a variety of music so you can decide what you like."

Clarke chuckles, "Don't be an ass, honey. She just likes me better."

This gets everyone laughing and Kota turning pink while reaching for another shot. I might need to watch her with the tequila. I think.

I go over and join Ash by the grill, "Are you alright? How are Callie and Asher?"

Her reply is, "I'm fine now that I know you are going to be alright. You had me worried. I thought…I thought I was going to lose you after everything…and Clarke hated me, although I couldn't blame her. I hated myself for not following you. Now for some reason, that Dakota kid has a problem with me. Callie and Asher are good. School started back, so they've been busy. We didn't tell Asher that you were missing because we didn't want him to worry."

I just nod, "I understand. I'm glad you didn't tell him. I'm sorry that Clarke blamed you when it was totally my fault, not yours. I will talk with her about it…."

She interrupts, "No! Leave it, we are all good now, and there is no reason to bring it back up. I just want everyone to move on and enjoy the night. I feel like we have many logistics to work out once we make it back home. Speaking of home, how does it feel to know that Samiya is your mom?"

"I'm still not sure. It will take some time to get used to, but I look forward to getting to know her and the twins better. I would also like to figure out what Dakota's deal is. I swear I see myself in that kid. She has the same haunted eyes and disposition that I did."

"Yeah, there is definitely a story there. I just can't figure out what I did to piss her off." Ash says with a laugh.

Clarke walks over and hugs me from behind, and kisses me on the neck. I lean into her and moan. Ash smiles before saying, "Maybe you two should go to your room if you are going to make noises like that. Remember, we have children around."

I punch her on the shoulder, "Trust me, we will be taking full advantage of the bedroom tonight, so you might want some earplugs."

Clarke turns red and gasps, "Lexa!"

I can't help but smile. I love embarrassing her and watching her cheeks turn pink. But then, she suddenly winces and grabs her belly. "Clarke, what's wrong? Are you alright?"

"Um…yeah, I think…I think it was just the babies moving, but it felt stronger than the last time."

I walk up behind her and put my chin on her shoulder while placing my hands on her belly. She moves my hands to where she felt the movement. I turn her around and squat down so that I am at eye level with her stomach. I start to rub her belly and say, "Hey, there, my little girls. Are you restless? Is that why you are making mommy's belly hurt?" Clarke flinches again and moves my hand. "Holy shit! I felt that! Wow, you two little ones are really active, and that's a good thing but be easy with your mom. She's been through a lot these last few days, and that's all my fault. But I'm back now, and I promise to make it up to all three of you. I'm not going anywhere without the three of you until I see both of your beautiful faces enter this world." I lean in and kiss Clarke's stomach, and I'm rewarded with a kick and then another one. I stand up and see tears running down Clarke's cheeks. I place my hands on both sides of her face and use my thumb to wipe the tears before pulling her in for a passionate kiss.

Abby clears her throat, "Um, can I feel my granddaughters?"

Clarke smiles, "Sure, come here. Samiya, would you like to feel your granddaughters?"

Samiya looks surprised but quickly says, "If you don't mind, I would like that very much."

Abby and Samiya walk over to Clarke putting their hands on her belly. They don't have to wait long as I can see Clarke flinch again, and Abby squeals with delight. "I can't believe they are already strong enough to be felt from the outside."

Clarke replies, "You shouldn't be surprised. They have Lexa's DNA after all."

Everyone laughs at her comment. But, then, Abby says, "Clarke, we need to do another DNA test when we get to Washington."

"Hey, I can't help if I have super powerful DNA. Babe, are you okay? Do you need to go lay down or something?"

She kisses me, "Nope, everything is perfect. Well, except the fact that the food isn't ready yet." She glances over to the grill where Ash is standing, "What the hell, Ash? How much longer?"

Ash quickly wipes her eyes, "Go ahead and grab a plate. I'll put them straight from the grill onto your plate. That way, they're nice and hot."

I grab mine first. My mouth is watering at the thought and smell of the steaks. Ash places my steak and potatoes onto my plate as I whisper, "Hey, are you alright?"

She sniffs, "Yeah, I'll be fine. Seeing the two of you like that makes me…it makes me wish I had been there for Callie and Asher. I know it wasn't my fault, but…I-I want to experience what you are." She starts to cry.

I wrap my arms around her and whisper into her ear, "I'm sure that if you talk to Callie, she will be up for having another baby. If not, you could always adopt one of the ones we saved from the facility. They are all going to need loving homes."

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to bring down your celebration…I just really miss Callie and Asher. Especially seeing how happy you and Clarke are together."

"Give me the tongs, and you go and call your wife. Then we have an announcement to make. Better yet, after you finish talking to Callie, put her on speaker so that she can also hear what I have to say." She raises her eyebrow at me as I shoo her away and begin handing out the food to the line of people.

Once everyone has their plates of food and Ash is at the table with Callie on speaker, I pour everyone shots. Then, I stand up and offer my hand to Clarke, who takes it and stands as well. "We have something that we would like to share with everyone. As you know, the last couple of weeks have been…I'll go with interesting."

Clarke cuts her eyes at me, "I'm going to say that the last couple of weeks has been hell. Anyway, what we want to say is that we have chosen a date for our wedding. We will have the wedding on September 18th on the island of Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives. We won't have time to send out paper invites, but everyone will receive a digital one."

Ash holds up her glass and says, "I'm so happy that you decided to take a chance on Lexa, Clarke. I know that you both have been through a lot, but I honestly believe that you were made for each other, and together, you can survive anything. I love you both."

Everyone raises their glasses, then slams the shots back. Samiya stands, "I would like to congratulate you both on not only the wedding but also your babies. From the short time I have known Lexa and Clarke, I know that their love will carry them through anything that this world can throw at them. I have seen how much Lexa loves Clarke firsthand in the way she came back over and over to be with Clarke. I wish you and your family happiness and love."

Clarke takes my hand and squeezes it. I just nod because I know what she is thinking. She looks at Samiya and says, "It's not just our family. It's your family too. That goes for everyone at this table."

I smile and say, "Can we please eat before the food gets cold? I'm starving and haven't had a good meal in days."

As everyone eats, the conversations flow all around me. I can't help but think how lucky I am. I look over at Blake and say, "Yo, Blake, I have a question for you about when we first met. Do you remember a little boy named Ali?"

He smiles, "Yeah, he followed you around like a puppy dog. I never saw you without him. Why?"

"It's hard to explain, but one of the things that I saw in my 'dreams' while I was apparently dead was him. I wasn't sure it was real or not because I didn't remember him. In the 'dream,' I saved him from some bullies, and then you taught us some moves so that we could protect ourselves."

He laughs, "Yeah, that was the first time I met you. It was my first tour over there, right out of boot camp. You were around ten or eleven when I spotted the two of you watching us train outside the fence."

"Do you know what happened to Ali?"

He frowns, "It was about two years after I met you, we were out on patrol, and I saw the two of you sneaking out of the orphanage like you all often did. Our lead vehicle hit an IED, and then all hell broke loose. I lost track of you both during the firefight, but when it was over, I found you holding Ali's lifeless body. He had been hit in the crossfire. After that, you shut down. You would barely talk to me and wouldn't talk to anyone else for over a year. Maybe that's why you didn't remember him."

"Wow, I don't remember any of that." I look at Clarke and see she's tired, so I stand up and hold my hand out to her. "Guys, thank you all for this, but I'm tired and think it is time Clarke and I head to bed."

Ash smiles, "Sure, tired, more like horny. See you love birds tomorrow at ten to catch our ride to DC."