Chapter 7

It was way too early to be awake, especially since she was on vacations. Clarke was parking her car in front of Lexa's house. She had planned with Aden, Lexa's younger brother, to meet him at their house around 7am. It was Lexa's birthday. Aden had told her that Lexa would wake up around 8am, and the letters were supposed to be spread all over the house when she woke up. Clarke felt excited, but at the same time slightly apprehensive. Things between them hadn't been worked on, yet. They were going to talk that day, or maybe the next day, since Clarke was staying the night. Still can't believe that my mother let me sleep at Lexa's house… Clarke wasn't sure about anything. She missed her best friend, and just wanted things to go back to normal. She also knew that they were going to drink that night, and the truth was, that she didn't quite trust herself around Lexa, while drunk, not anymore. What if I kiss her while drunk? But then again, why would I kiss her? I spent so much time thinking everything through. I know that I just want my best friend back. So why would I be afraid of wanting to kiss her? Why does that even cross my mind? If I don't want to kiss her sober, why do I think I'm going to want to kiss her, while drunk? Clarke had too much to worry about for that night. She was going to meet Lexa's parents for the first time, she would see and talk with Lexa after the week of silence, and she was going to see Lincoln again, after the awful call she had had with him. He had no right to call me and tell me that. Clarke was still sitting in her car, gaining the courage to get inside Lexa's house. She had never been inside that majestic house. Majestic, because comparing this house with my apartment, I feel like I'm living in a hole. She never told me she lived in a house this big. It kind of looks like a mansion, compared to mine. I wonder if it has a pool? It must have, otherwise she wouldn't have told me to bring a bikini. That was a stupid question… Clarke was no longer sure if she wanted to leave her car at all. She decided to just get out. The longer I stay inside, the harder will be to get out. Let's go! She grabbed the plastic bag filled with the letters, and headed to the front door. She was about to ring the doorbell, when the door was wide opened. Aden was in front of her, holding a dog, bigger than him. He had a radiant smile and it did not look like he had just woken up.

-Hi! – Even his voice was bright. – I saw your car arriving. What took you so long getting out of it? For a moment there, I thought you would stay inside of it forever. – Busted… This kid is hilarious. Always sharp.

-Right… I was just... Checking. – Clarke would not tell Aden that she had spent 15 minutes inside her car, just gaining the courage to get out of it.

-Checking what? – God, this kid won't let go.

-Checking… if I had everything I needed.

-Ohh… And you do?

-What?

-Do you have everything?

-What? I mean, yes. I do. I brought everything. – Clarke raised the plastic bag, and Aden's smile just grew bigger. The dog next to him, almost seemed like it had sense his owner smiling, and started jumping and waving his tail vigorously. Lexa had talked about the dog, but Clarke couldn't remember the name. – I'm not afraid of him, you can let him loose. - And just like that, Aden closed the door behind Clarke and let the dog loose.

-He's just a little young and crazy, that's why we don't let him loose around visitors, he tends to-

Aden hadn't finished talking, when Clarke felt herself being pushed into the ground. The dog had his front paws on her shoulders, and was licking her face and neck.

-Benji! Stop! Sit. – Benji was a well-trained dog, because in a second, he was sitting next to Clarke. Looking down on her, still with his tongue completely out and drooling everywhere. – I told you he was crazy. So sorry. Are you ok? – Aden offered her help getting up.

-That's ok. I just never thought he was strong enough to push me to the ground. Benji you called him?

-Yeah. His really obedient, my father taught him that way. You just have to keep a neutral and straight voice, and he will do anything. You can try it, if you want to. – Clarke already back on her feet, straightening her clothes. Thanks God he didn't step on the bag. We could all say goodbye to the perfect present, if he had. Benji was staring at her, as if waiting for her to make him do something. This is a really weird dog… How the hell does he understand what we're talking about? I mean, I know he doesn't, but still. It really looks like he does. Aden was still looking at her, waiting for her to say something to his dog.

-What do I make him do?

-Anything.

-Like, literally anything? Does he know how to play dead?

-Yup. Actually, Lexa was the one who taught him that one. – Of course she was…

-Play dead. – Clarke was still smiling, so her voice didn't come out exactly neutral. She decided to try again. – Play dead! – And just like that, Benji was lying on the floor, with all his paws up, tongue out of his mouth, pretending to be dead. Hilarious.

-Good boy! – Aden fondled Benji's belly, making him "come back to life". – Let's go inside, we have a lot to do before my sister wakes up. – Aden guided her inside. Lexa's house was even more beautiful on the inside. If I thought my mother likes to keep our house all tide up like in a furniture's catalog, then this… God, it's… Wow… How does her mother keep it like this? She has three kids. Well, Lexa doesn't quite count as a kid, but still… - Yes, I know. The house is really clean. We have a cleaning lady, that comes here every day, except for the weekends. My mom is slightly crazy with keeping the house presentable, in case of guests. – Clarke must've had her mouth open, because Aden knew exactly what had crossed her mind.

-Sorry, I just… Lexa never told me she lived in a mansion.

-She doesn't quite like admitting or talking about, the fact that she comes from a wealthy family.

-Well, it's a beautiful house.

-Thanks. So, the rooms are upstairs, where everyone is still sleeping. My idea was to put letters everywhere. So that she would go recollecting them when she wakes up. We should start with the ones in the kitchen and in the living room. – Aden was all excited, talking non-stop. Clarke wasn't sure if he was even breathing.

-Ok. Maybe we should like divide the letters. I could start in the kitchen or something like that, and you ca-

-I can go put a few in the tree house! Yes! – This little and skinny boy was jumping up and down, grabbing two handful of letters. – The kitchen is right up ahead, on the left. Meet you on the living room! – And just like that, he flew away, leaving Clarke alone in the hallway.

Clarke went into the kitchen. Wow… This kitchen is amazing. I mean, I hate to cook and I'm terrible at it, but this kitchen makes me want to cook. Or at least try. She really wanted to go through all the draws, cabinets and the fridge, but she decided not to overstep. Clarke started spreading the letters everywhere. Some on the table, others on the counters, a few ended up on the floor or on the chairs. It looked realistic. It really looked like in the movie, that it had rained letters. When she was content with her job, she left the kitchen. She passed again through the hall that had led her to the kitchen, leaving a few letters on the floor, and went into a bathroom at her right. It was small, it didn't even have a shower, it was probably a bathroom for the guests. It's still pretty amazing though… Once again, Clarke went on spreading the letters everywhere. She was leaving the bathroom, when Aden bumped into her.

-Sorry! – he was still overly excited – The living room and the tree house are ready!

-Ok… The kitchen and this bathroom, are ready too. – Clarke was happy as well, but Aden was in another level of happiness. – Do you always get this excited for your sister's birthday?

-Kind of. But this time I know that it's going to be 100 times better. She never invites friends over. You're the first one. Lincoln doesn't count, he's like a brother. And your gift is sooo perfect! I should've thought of it earlier.

-Thanks… I guess. – So Lexa doesn't invite friends over… That explains why after 5 months of friendship, I had never been here. She had met Aden a few weeks after meeting Lexa. Lexa was really close with her little brother, they would sometimes spend the afternoon together, and Lexa had once invited Clarke to go eat ice cream with them. After that first time, Aden had asked Lexa to bring Clarke every time. – So what now? How much time do we have left?

-Not much. But we're almost done. I'm going to start the breakfast. After that we'll go wake Lexa up.

-We…?

-Yeah! Of course we. She's going to love seeing you. She doesn't know you're already here. It's going to be amazing! – Clarke wasn't so sure about that. – So, we have like 20 minutes. Want to come help me cook?

-Ahh… Sure. I just-

-I know. You're quite terrible at it, I've heard. Don't worry.

-What?! I'm not terrible! I'm going to kill Lexa. – Aden was laughing, and pulling Clarke towards the kitchen.

-Maybe you could wait until tomorrow to kill her.

-I'll think about it.

Aden did pretty much the entire work. He was a good cook, much like Lexa. The only thing Clarke did, was pass him the stuff he asked for. He cooked a queen's breakfast. It had everything: eggs and bacon, chocolate chips pancakes and a grilled cheese toast. He even made her fresh orange juice. Clarke put the food on a tray, adding another letter to it.

-Ok, let's go wake up Heda! – Heda? Aden led the way.

With her eyes still closed, Lexa was no longer asleep. It was her birthday, she knew that Aden would get in her room to wake her up, jumping all around and screaming "Hapotei". She could hear him downstairs, getting everything ready. Lexa noticed that there was another pair of footsteps, something unusual. Definitely not Anya, she's always the last one to get up. Maybe mom is helping Aden with his arrangements. While waiting for her little brother to come wake her up, Lexa found herself wondering about Clarke. She had invited her best friend to her party, it had never crossed her mind to do otherwise. She was confused about where Clarke stood. First she freezes and backs away from a kiss, but then she says she wanted us to kiss. What is that supposed to mean? Lexa knew what it had felt like to question herself. She remembered how it had been like, for her, to realize that maybe she wasn't as the other girls, that she wasn't "normal", that she might like girls. At the time, she ended up talking with her mom. She loved her mom, she had been really supportive during everything. Becca was a really accepting mother, not old fashioned at all, the complete opposite of her father. Lexa knew that her father knew something, although she had never told him a thing, she sensed that he knew something, but he just wasn't big enough to confront her about it.

She was revolting in her bed, already feeling anxious about the day that was coming, when she heard the footsteps coming up the stairs. Lexa went back to her sleeping position, pretending to be asleep. Aden came through the door running and jumped on top of her, shaking her and messing with her hair.

-Hapotei Heda! It's your birthday sis! – When Lexa finally sat up, Aden threw himself at her, kissing her and giving her one of his strong hugs. – I brought you your gift!

And just then, Lexa looked behind Aden, founding who was the other pair of footsteps. Clarke… Her best friend, and the reason for her to be feeling down the last days, was standing in her room, tray in hands, hair up in a messy bun. Clarke looked beautiful, as always… She was wearing jean shorts and a low-cut black shirt. The truth of that moment was, neither one of them two, knew what words to use. They were frozen in time, staring at each other. After 2 weeks, the blue sky collided with the forest green. All their doubts disappeared, all the fears and anger were gone. They missed each other more than they thought, and way more than they were ready to admit.

-Happy birthday Lexa. – Clarke was the first to break the silence, coming closer to Lexa's bed, and placing the tray on the bed.

-Thanks… - The word came out of her mouth too husky. – I mean, thanks for coming. I had no idea you would come this early. I would've gotten ready. I just woke up, I mus-

-Surprise! I was the one who told her to come earlier! Did you like it? Did you? – Aden was back with the jumping and screaming. Lexa looked at him, taking the tray and putting it away, in the night stand. Without a word of warning, she got herself on her knees, and tackled Aden down, starting her famous tickling attack. – Nooo! No tickling! Lexa! Hod op!

-Of course I liked it! Thanks strikbro. This is my way of thanking you. – Aden had already tears of joy in his eyes, so Lexa stopped. He moved away to straighten up, but Lexa was still laughing.

-That was not funny…

-But you were laughing.

-Well, you were tickling me. – Clarke was just standing in the room, watching the interaction between the two of them. – Come on Clarke, Lexa has to get ready. – Aden was already reaching for Clarke's hand, to take her downstairs.

-Actually, Aden, Clarke and I have to talk about something…

-Fine… But I need her downstairs, so you better hurry up.

-I'm Heda, I'll take as long as need.

-Then you'll be eating a cold breakfast. – Aden stuck his tongue out and ran away, before Lexa could reprehend him from doing it so.

Lexa got up from the bed, approaching Clarke. She came close enough to wipe away a tear, that had silently fallen. No words were needed. The second Lexa's hand touched Clarke's face, she leaned on it. Clarke was starting to breathe faster. Lexa wrapped her arms around Clarke's waist, letting her come to rest. Clarke just let go completely, wrapping her arms around Lexa's neck, and resting her head on Lexa's shoulder.

-I'm so-

-Shhh… Don't. Everything is ok. – And it was. The moment their eyes met again, everything became ok. Lexa couldn't care less about the anger and sadness. Clarke was right there, in her arms. Clarke needed her.

They stayed hugging each other for as long as they needed. Clarke's breathing coming back to normal and her fallen tears coming to wet Lexa's shoulder. They felt complete again. Although they knew they still had a lot to talk about, and things to go through, in that moment, everything was ok.

This time, Lexa was the one to break the silence.

-We will talk. Today or tomorrow. I just want you to know that you don't need to explain yourself to me. I'll be here whenever you need me.

-I know… You're the sweetest, and that just makes feel worst about what I did to you.

-Don't.

-But you didn't deserve it.

-So didn't you. All this is happening because of me. Because I had to kiss you.

-The kiss was not just your fault. I wanted you to kiss me. I wanted to kiss you. – She did? – But all this… This is just too much, and I-

-I know. All the questioning. All the overthinking every little thought and feeling. I know all that, because I've been through all that.

-And it's not just that… I also… - Lexa could sense Clarke wanted to tell her something. She grabbed Clarke's shoulders and moved her away, making it possible to look her in the eyes.

-Clarke, whatever it is, if you're not ready to talk about it, you don't have to.

-I know… But I want to. – Clarke still had her arms around Lexa's neck. – I've wanted to tell you this before, but it just never happened. You're my best friend, and after all this, I think you deserve to know. – Lexa dried one last tear from Clarke's face. – I had this friend… Wells. Actually he was kind of more like a brother to me. He was… he's gone now. I lost him… It's been 4 years. I know it's a lot, but it still hurts…

-It's not a lot. You have every right to miss him.

-He was my best friend. He was the one I would go to, when anything went wrong in my life. You've had the pleasure to meet my mother… She… I know she wants the best for me, but she puts me under a lot of pressure. Wells used to be the one there for me. Although my father is more present now, he didn't used to be. After he… after he was killed, I went through a lot. I just went down this spiral of depression. I'm better now, I really am. But that day, when you… kissed me. I just started overthinking and it was too overwhelmed. It went against everything I knew about myself. And I wanted to talk to you, my best friend, but you were the… And so I found myself back at that place, where I got no one, just like after Wells…

Lexa grabbed Clarke closer and hugged as thigh as she possible could.

-I'm so sorry. I was a terrible friend. I should've…

-It was not your fault Lexa. You didn't know.

-But I shouldn't ha-

-You were amazing. You are amazing. You are here for me. Always had.

-And always will.

-I know.

-Oh my god! I just remembered. Lincoln said he called you.

-He did… - Clarke's face said a lot, even before she could put it in words.

-What did he say? I didn't ask him to do that. He's just overprotective. He can be a truly asshole sometimes. What did he say to you?

-He… nothing. He was just mad for you.

-It doesn't matter! He had no right! – Lexa was tense. She was mad at Lincoln. – What happened was between you and me.

-Lexa. It's ok. You don't ha-

-I'm just going to ask him what he said. We're just going to talk.

-Your clenched fists say otherwise. – Lexa hadn't even realized how tensed her body was. – Just calm down. He's your friend. He was trying to protect you.

-I can protect myself! And why would he protect me, from you? – Clarke caressed Lexa's arms, trying to make her calm down.

-Lexa, can we please just forget about this? It's your birthday. We're finally ok. I just want to celebrate with you. And your brother is waiting for us downstairs.

-Ok… - Lexa was not going to forget about it. Lincoln is still coming over today. We'll have a little talk then. – I'm really happy that you shared all this with me. I'm really sorry you had to go through all that, at such a young age. And I just want to say one more time. I'll be here for you. Always. – Lexa kissed Clarke's cheek. – Now, I hear you have the perfect gift for me. Aden hasn't shut up about it all last week.

-I do. – Clarke made a nervous smile. – The first one is on the tray I brought.

Lexa turned to her night stand, where she had placed the tray. There was a piece of paper, she hadn't noticed before. She went to grabbed it. What?! It took her just one glance to know what it was.

-Is this for real?! Are you kidding me? Oh my God! – It's a freaking Hogwarts letter! Lexa opened the letter and read it. – It even has my name on it! How did you do that?!

-There's this site online where you can do it. I don't even know how I found that. Did yo-

Before Clarke could finish her question, Lexa jumped on her, lifting her in the air and twirling her around.

-Lexaa!

-You're the best!

-I know, but please put me down! – Lexa put her down, but she was still hugging her.

-I'm so happy! I don't think you understand my level of happiness right now.

-You haven't even saw the rest. – Clarke smiled mischievously – You really have no idea what you have waiting for you downstairs.

-There's more?

Lexa grabbed Clarke's hand and started running downstairs. She didn't even bother to change out of her pajamas.