Clarke POV

I met up with the guys at Rosie's and I smiled to myself seeing Janice there. But it faded when I remembered how much of a bitch I'd been these last few weeks. I sighed regretfully and focused on the menu in front of me. I figured I'd try something new tonight instead of my usual burger and fries and settled on their country fried steak.

When we were ready, Janice came up and said, "It's good to see you, Clarke."

I looked up at her surprised and smiled when I saw her smiling.

"Thanks. It's good to see you, too, Janice," I replied. "We're ready to order if you're ready to take them."

She chuckled and I loved how rich and throaty it sounded. She took our orders and I gazed after her, following the sway of her hips.

"Well, it looks like someone is happy to see you, Clarke," Octavia teased.

I blushed and replied, "It looks like it. So, how's the library working out for you?"

She rolled her eyes and said, "It's the easiest job in the world, but it's sooo boring. The only excitement I get is when old men come up and try flirting with me. It's so cute."

I laughed, "Maybe you and Raven should team up and head back over to the hospital. Apparently, there are some very hot old men frequenting the emergency room."

Raven leaned over and smacked me on the head with a menu, "Shut up, Clarke! You make it sound like we have a thing for old men."

"Well, if the shoe fits," Nate said, laughing.

Nate winced when they both kicked him underneath the table. I looked over at Bellamy and he was looking rather sadly at me.

"What is it, Bell," I asked, concern coating my voice.

"I've been thinking about the job offers," he said quietly. "I think it might be best if I accept the college."

My heart felt like it was breaking because I knew why he was choosing the college. It was safer than being around me every day.

"I understand," I replied sadly. "When you find a place, I'll cover the rent for the entire semester."

He nodded, "I appreciate that. Once I start getting a paycheck, I'll reimburse you."

I shook my head and replied, "You don't have to do that, Bell."

He smiled at me sadly and said, "I know, but we can't keep going through your savings like we have."

"Alright."

"Thank you," he replied and then turned his attention to Nate, "So, have you decided on something yet?"

"Actually, I have," Nate said. "I'm going to apply at the Sheriff's Department. You know, follow in my dad's footsteps."

"That's pretty cool of you," Octavia said. "Also, it's kind of a big fuck you to Jaha, since he wouldn't let you join."

Nate chuckled and replied, "You could say that. I have no loyalty to that man or that town."

"None of us do," Raven said. "Just wish that Jasper and Maya would have agreed to move, too."

"Rae, it's not so easy with a new family," I said. "We're all single, so it's easier for us to pack up and leave. Not so much for them."

"True, but still. I miss that pothead."

I smiled, "Yeah, I do, too. Maya's got him tamed and wrapped around her finger."

"Not when his daughter is born," Bellamy said, chuckling. "That baby girl is going to have him completely."

I laughed with everyone else, but my mood slightly shifted. I missed my mom suddenly and it seemed to dim the world a little bit. I cleared my throat and blinked rapidly to keep any tears from falling.

We continued to talk even after our food had been delivered. I didn't miss how Janice's hand had lingered as our fingers touched when she handed me my plate. It made me come to a decision and after we finished and paid up, I told them that I'd meet them back at the house. They all gave me a knowing look and I stuck my tongue out at them. Laughing, they climbed into their cars and headed back up to the house. With a deep shuddering breath to steel myself, I ducked back inside.

Janice watched me approach, confusion on her face.

"Did you forget something, Clarke," she asked as she came around the counter.

I smiled and said, "I did. Do you think you've got a couple of minutes to talk?"

She looked around the diner, gauging if she was needed and told the other waitress that she'd be right back. We walked outside and a little bit off to the side, away from the diner windows.

"I want to apologize to you, Janice," I said, looking at her. "I've been a bitch to you for the past few weeks and I'm sorry. I'm trying to work through some things that sprung up after I was injured and I became scared. Scared that I may hurt you, but I know now that the way I've acted may have hurt you more."

"Clarke," she said and stepped closer to me. "I accept your apology. And yeah, it did kinda hurt when you started acting like a jerk, especially after I thought we came to a mutual understanding that we liked one another. But, I get it and I'm sorry that you're going through it."

"Thank you," I replied. "That means a lot to me."

We stood there silently and I was wondering what I should say now that the air'd been cleared when she suddenly shivered as a cold breeze passed. I automatically took off my jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders.

As I pulled it closed over her chest, I stepped closer to her and looked up into her eyes and softly said, "I like you, Janice, and I'd like the chance to know you better, if you'll let me."

Her eyes widened in surprise and a small smile emerged. She leaned down and kissed me. I closed my eyes at the taste of her lips and the usual racing of my thoughts slowed down as I enjoyed the moment.

When the kiss was over, she pulled her head back slightly and said, "I'd like that and all I ask is that you don't freeze me out."

I smiled at her and replied, "I won't. Not after this."

I reached up and brought her head down to kiss her again. She sighed against my mouth as her hands moved to my hips. We kissed until I heard the bell over the door and the other waitress calling her back. She leaned her forehead against mine and we chuckled. She stepped back and handed me my jacket.

"Don't be a stranger," she said and headed back inside.

I stood there watching until she disappeared from my view. I shrugged the jacket on and headed home.

Of course, as soon as I got home, Raven and Octavia pulled me upstairs to my room. After dragging out the exquisite torture of annoying them, I finally told them what had transpired between us. There was hugging involved because they were happy for me and in turn, made me a little more excited of moving in that direction. For the second time, I slept well and when I woke up the next morning, I felt something that I hadn't in awhile, hope.