Lexa woke up in a strange environment. Her bed felt different, and the smell of her room felt strange. It was only when she opened her eyes and looked around, that she realized the reason for the way she was feeling. She was no longer at home. Her new bedroom didn't feel like hers, yet. The walls were still too white. Still in her fetus position, under the covers, Lexa looked around her new room. It was filled with boxes and bags to unpack. After the realization of all the stuff she still had to do that day, Lexa covered her head with her sheets, taking shelter in there. She stayed there, surrounded by darkness and warmth, until she felt a weight on top of her. That weight started to move and talk, and after a while, Lexa gave up, coming out of her covers. She was greeted with a bundle of joy, that was her little brother.

-Morning Lexa! Did I wake you?! Mom told me to come wake you up. She said we have a lot to do before we go. – Aden jumped a few more times, shaking Lexa, as if to make sure she wasn't sleeping.

-Morning strikbro. I was already awake. Where did you find all that energy? Care to share a little with your favorite sister? – Aden smiled and threw himself at Lexa.

-I'm going to miss you Lexa… So much… - Lexa tightened the hug, bringing her little brother even closer.

-I'm going to miss you too. But you can still call me anytime, and I'll come by to visit you guys, we're only a few hours away. I'm not going away, Aden. I could never leave you guys. You know that, right? – Aden moved back, coming to look Lexa in the eyes, trying to make sure her sister was telling the truth. Lexa could see it in his eyes, the battle he was fighting with himself not to cry. His eyes were the bluest Lexa had ever seen them. Aden was trying to show her, that he was strong. A little tear found its way out, and Lexa got it before it could fall from his little face. At that, Aden straightened his back, and made a strong face.

-I know. – Lexa brought Aden in for another tight hug, kissing his forehead, and his cheeks, and his nose, and everywhere, until she heard a laugh breaking out of her brother. – Lexaaa… Stop that! No more kisses! – Aden was now laughing and pushing Lexa away. Lexa stopped kissing her little brother.

-Come on, strikbro. We have stuff to do, and I need to get dressed to do them. – Lexa ruffled Aden's hair, as he was making his way out of her bed.

-Don't take too long, mom is cooking breakfast.

-I won't, don't worry. I'll be out in a second. – At that, Aden left her room, closing the door behind him. As Aden was leaving her bedroom, all the feelings sank in, it was like, only now, she was realizing, that she was no longer going to see her family every day. Lexa stayed sitting on her bed, frozen, letting herself being pulled down by her feelings, until she started to feel tears forming in the back of her eyes, and a knot coming to install on her throat. Before she could drown on all that, she got out of bed and shoved it all away. I'll deal with that later. Not now.

Lexa took a quick shower, got dressed and left her room. Her mother was organizing her kitchen, while Aden was making scrambled eggs with bacon. Her father and Anya were sitting on the sofa in the living room, one on the phone and the other going through all the channels on the Tv. Lexa tried to photograph that, as a picture, keep it forever in her memory. The end of a chapter, and the beginning of a new one.

-Hey, Lexa, come help me in the kitchen. Your sister, decided not to move… - Becca was unpacking her third box that day, a box filled with crockery. – I've been organizing your kitchen. We've got you the basics, just so you can cook your day-to-day meals. – Basics?... Our definition of basics is more than most people can afford. – After breakfast, we'll go buy some food, for next week. I don't want my daughter to starve. – Her mother smiled at her. They both knew, Lexa would never starve.

-Thanks mom. – Lexa started taking the plates for breakfast, and set them on the island counter. Her living room was open to the kitchen, only the island, separating the two divisions, although it was an island big enough to sit six people, three on each side. After the table was set, Aden started putting the food on the table, and Becca called the other two to the table. Anya came at first call, but Titus was still in the middle of his phone call, so he stayed sat on the sofa.

-Sweetie! The food is cooling. – They were all already siting at the table, waiting for father. Titus turned around, looking at them, and waived away, signaling for them to start without him. It wasn't the first time. Titus was a person of contradictions. He wanted his family to have their meals together, but then, at the time, he was always the last one, always in the middle of something that couldn't wait. They would always end up eating without him, not wanting to eat the food cold.

The kitchen was cleaned, so they went out, like they had planned. Her father stayed behind, working. They went to the mall in order to buy food, and new clothes. Becca had decided that, since Lexa wouldn't be with her, she should buy her some new clothes. Lexa didn't oppose to the decision, seeing she would be going to a party that night, some new clothes seemed like a good idea. The visit to the mall was quick, Lexa bought a pair of black skinny jeans and a few shirts, seeing I don't own a few hundred already. But I'll never say no to shirts. When they got back home, they still had time to finish cleaning the house. There wasn't much left to do, besides Lexa's bedroom, but that one was something Lexa would do alone. The house had two bedrooms, the second one was thought to be for Anya, seeing she was planning on coming to Polis, the next year, to study as well.

Still, before lunch, Lexa had the time to unpack a few bags and a few boxes, meanwhile, her mother and her siblings cleaned the bathroom. Titus finally stopped the phone calls and helped with the stuff her mother couldn't do, like hanging the curtains and the ceiling lamps, or installing electric things.

At lunch, Lexa's room was starting to feel more like hers. Her desk already with the books for the first semester and her new notebooks, her room started to have some colors, after her father hanged the curtains and her ceiling lamp, she had her Harry Potter collection in show on an entire shelf of one of the bookcases, with her Ravenclaw's scarf in display as well. Her collection was starting to get too big for just one shelf, with all the books, movies and miniatures. Every time she could, she would add something new, the latter being the elder wand, also on display in the shelf.

They ordered something to eat, Becca not wanting to cook. After lunch came the goodbyes. It was harder than Lexa was expecting. She had already had her moment with Aden, and with Anya everything was always fine, but with her mom, that's where it got complicated. Becca started crying half way through their hug, letting a few tears come to rest on Lexa's shoulder. It was silent, and if not for the small tears that fell, Lexa would've never known her mom had cried, since the moment they broke the hug, Becca showed practically nothing. No tears in her face, she had cleaned them with her forearm, before moving away from the hug. Lexa could see all the sadness in her eyes, but no tears. With her father, it was something different. He never showed sentiment, and that was not the day he would do that.

-I'll be coming to Polis once a month, if you need anything just let me know. I'll also be transferring money to your account every month, but if you need some more, just call me. Also, I want you to keep in mind that, you're here to work, to study, not to have fun and play around. And this house is to be kept clean and organized. – When the speech was complete, Titus gave Lexa a short hug and a kiss at the top of her head. – Make me proud. – And there it was, the weight on Lexa's shoulders, her father always expecting the best of her, it made her anxious and scared, scared that she wouldn't be able to fulfil what her father expected of her.

-I will… - At least I always try to…

They left the apartment, her mother coming back once more to kiss her, before leaving. Lexa closed the door, and it was like she exhaled all the air out, air that she didn't even know she was holding inside. She was alone, but she didn't feel lonely, she had the entire house to herself, she felt relieved. She went to her room, and finished unpacking all the boxes and bags. It took her almost the entire afternoon, since she was a perfectionist, everything had to be in the right place, just like she had pictured in her head. Lexa laid down on her bed, feeling tired, but then she remembered her conversation with Clarke, the night before. She looked at her phone. What? Is it already this late? They'll be here soon and I have nothing ready! Lexa was starting to panic when her phone, that she was still holding in her hands, just above her face, buzzed. In the middle of her little panic, the buzzing of her phone scared her, which made her drop it, just on her face. Ouch! Stupid Lexa… It's just a text message. After insulting herself for being such a scaredy cat, Lexa read the text message.

Clarke:

We're leaving the residence now. Octavia is taking her brother's car. We'll be there in 20 minutes. See you J

20 minutes?! Shit! Lexa ran to the bathroom, and took her clothes while running. She turned on the water and got inside the shower. She took the fastest shower she had ever taken. She decided to put on a shirt and some shorts, just to wear something, and then she would get ready, once they arrived. She was just slipping her shirt down her head, when the doorbell rang.

-I'm coming! – Why am I screaming? They're downstairs, they can't hear me. Lexa ran to the door, looked at the intercom, seeing Clarke and two other girls. She opened the door, enable to stop the smile from forming in her face. She hadn't seen Clarke since her birthday party. Lexa only had the time to run back into her room, put on her slippers, and run back to the door. She opened the door, just to see them get out the elevator. Clarke locked eyes with Lexa, smiling. Before Lexa could notice, Clarke had thrown herself at her, hugging her tight. Lexa hugged her right back, holding her as close as she could. Clarke's perfume invaded Lexa's nostrils, and for the first time, she felt at home in that house. It was Clarke, her friend was the piece missing. – Hi Clarke.

The moment her eyes locked with Lexa's, Clarke felt this strong force, pulling her towards her, and she just couldn't resist it. Before she could stop herself, she was throwing herself at Lexa. The moment they collided with each other, Clarke felt warm and grounded, it was like Lexa pulled her down, in a good way, like, if her friend was what was keeping her from flying way, into the darkness of her own mind. She came to rest her nose at Lexa's neck, breathing on Lexa's warm and vanilla scented skin.

-I missed you more than I thought. – Clarke whispered into Lexa's ear. After their moment, they came back to real life. Clarke hadn't introduced her new friends to Lexa. – Sorry. This are Raven and Octavia. And this is Lexa. – Clarke introduced the two new girls to Lexa, keeping her eyes on Lexa, trying to read her expressions. She had been so fast at hugging Lexa, that only now, she was realizing what she was wearing. With her hair soaked, she was wearing a large white T-shirt, that was getting wet by her hair, and cute black shorts, really short. – Is that what you're wearing to the party? I like it.

-Right… - Clarke laughed and Lexa took her hand to the back of her head, trying to mask her embarrassment. – I lost track of time while cleaning my room. I just got out of the shower. – A picture of Lexa in the shower crossed Clarke's mind, but she quickly erased it. Not now. I really need to control my mind. What's wrong with me?

-She could always compete for Miss wet shirt. I would totally cheer for you. – Clarke turned to look at Raven, who was drooling over Lexa, in a not so discreet way, not that she seemed to care. – I mean… Clarke, why didn't you tell us your friend was this hot? – Clarke looked back at Lexa, seeing her get even more embarrassed, and smiled. That's so cute…

-Raven! Do you really have to do that with every pretty girl you meet? – Octavia always coming to the rescue.

-I only thought this would be a nice way to break the ice. No need for jealousy, Octavia, you know you're my favorite. – Raven tried to put her arm around Octavia's shoulders, but was pushed down, by a not so amused Octavia.

-Sorry for my friend, she tends to say things without thinking, when she finds herself in awkward situations. – At that Lexa seemed to regain her posture. – We brought drinks. Do you have a fridge where we can put them? – Octavia raised two bags with beers and vodka.

-Sure. The kitchen is just down here. – Lexa guided them to the kitchen, closing the front door.

-So, this is your apartment? It's amazing. – Clarke was looking everywhere around the apartment. It was as beautiful as the house Lexa used to live in, and way too big for just one person. – Your parents got you this apartment just for yourself? It's so big, don't you feel lonely?

-My father bought this one, because Anya wants to come to Polis as well, so, she'll have a room once she comes here. And about the loneliness, I can always invite you to spend more time here. You would never let me alone, would you? – Lexa winked at Clarke, and she smiled. Of course not, I can come and stay here as many times as you want. Did I really just thought that?

-So, your father is like rich, or something? – Raven always straight to the point. Octavia elbowed Raven on the side. – What? Have you looked at this place? I wish I had this place, I would throw the best parties in here.

-Of course, you would…

-We're not rich… we're just… my father's family has money… and so does my mom's family, so… yeah. And my father has this company… - Clarke could see Lexa was uncomfortable talking about that, she actually remembered Lexa saying something about not liking to talk about that.

-So, Lexa, do you need help with what to wear? Because, we could totally help you. Right? – Clarke looked at Raven and Octavia, asking for their agreement, trying to change the subject of the conversation. She then looked at Lexa, who mouthed a silent "thank you".

-I'll help. – Octavia had been the one helping Clarke with what she was wearing that night, as well. Octavia had been the one choosing the black dress Clarke was wearing. If it had been for Clarke, she would have gone with some black jeans and a random blouse with a cleavage, but Octavia had convinced her to wear the dress, because the nights were still warm, and, according to her, she looked damn sexy in the dress. She had no idea why she agreed so easily with someone she had just met, but she thought that, that decision could be the first of many of this new chapter of her life. She was no longer under the supervision of her mother, she could let go now, and be more like herself, or at least find out who she was as a person, an independent person. So, there she was, wearing a short and fluid black dress, that accentuated her figure, that she had only worn once, and then forget of its existence. The moment she had seen Lexa reacting to it, she mentally thanked Octavia for convincing her to wear it. Although Lexa had tried to hide it, the hunger in her eyes was too visible not to notice, even though her friend had erased it quick, Clarke had still been able to see it. It made her feel confident and sexy. Clarke was so lost in her thoughts, that she almost lost track of the actual conversation happening in front of her.

-Yeah… I'm good. I'll make the drinks, while you guys get ready, if that's ok. – Raven stayed behind in the kitchen, while Lexa took them to her room. – Do you have anything I can mix with the vodka?

-I think so, my mom bought some juice and coke, I think. Just check the fridge. – Lexa took them straight to her closet, where Octavia easily started checking every piece of clothing she owned. Clarke sat next to Lexa on her bed, while looking around the room. It looked just like Lexa, organized to the perfection, simple but pretty, and the Harry Potter shelf she was so proud about.

-I like what you did with the room.

-Thanks. So, are you enjoying, as much as I am, the new life of freedom? – Lexa laughed. Clarke could see her friend was happy, it was like her face was more relaxed. Probably because she doesn't have her father trying to control her every move.

-I am. And I met these two girls, they're really nice. I just feel like I've known them my entire life. – Clarke was trying to whisper, Octavia was still in the room, although the girl was so committed with finding the right clothes for Lexa, that Clarke could be screaming and the girl wouldn't notice. – Is that weird?

-Maybe a little, but I just let two strangers get into my apartment, so, I don't think I'm the right person to be asking that question. – They both laughed at that. – But they do seem like two great girls. I get why you feel like that, they have this way to make you feel like you've known them forever. I mean Raven was really direct back there, and Octavia is going through my closet like it's her own. So, yeah… I get that feeling.

-I think we're both weird. That's probably why we're best friends. – Clarke smiled and gave a small bump into Lexa's arm.

-You're probably right. So how-

-I think I got it. – Octavia turned around, carrying a lot of clothes. – I have two choices, you'll have to put it on, so I can decide which one is better for tonight's party. – Clarke and Lexa were interrupted by an excited Octavia. – Come on. We don't have all night. And I want to start drinking before we leave the house. – Lexa got up and Clarke did the same. – Here. Try this first.

-A dress? – Lexa made a face, and Clarke laughed. Lexa would never go in a dress, not to a party like that, but then, only a friend would know that. – I would prefer pants.

-Ok ok. Then try this one, instead. – Octavia gave Lexa two hangers with clothes.

Lexa removed her, already wet, white large T-shirt. Clarke wasn't expecting for Lexa to start undressing there, in front of them, but Lexa had always been someone really confident of her own body. She has all the right to be. I mean, if I had that body, I would probably show it around as well. She wanted to look way, give some privacy to her friend, just like Octavia did, but she couldn't. She was gawking her friend up and down. Her eyes locked with Lexa's and Clarke felt warmth coming up her chest, installing in her cheeks. Busted… Lexa smirked, like she knew exactly what was going on, inside Clarke's head. That damn smirk. She's so cocky sometimes. Lexa put on the dark grey button up shirt, that fitted her perfectly. She then started taking of her shorts, but at that Clarke looked away. Ok… That's enough for today…

-Ok, you can both turn back, I'm dressed. – Lexa had put on black skinny jeans, tucking the shirt inside. She looked extremely hot. That's not going to be easy to resist. No. Just… Why did I think that? Clarke had spent her holidays with her parents, going through the night from Lexa's birthday. They had kissed, for real this time. She tried to blame on the alcohol, but deep down she knew she wasn't that drunk. She had wanted to kiss her friend, and that feeling couldn't be forgot. They hadn't talked about it, yet, but this time she didn't think talking was necessary. Clarke had come to the realization that she wasn't gay, because she felt attraction towards boys too. She just wasn't sure if she was ready to accept that she could be bisexual. It was the best answer she had come across to, but she just wasn't ready to accept it.

-Wow. You look great. And that means, my work here is done. – Clarke's thoughts were, once more, cut off. Octavia left the room, going to join Raven, who had just turned on the music in the living room.

-She really is good at fashion. You look good. – Clarke and Lexa were left alone in Lexa's bedroom. The tension around them was palpable. Before any of them could say or do anything, Clarke decided to get them out of there. Not now. I need more time. We can't just kiss again. The truth was, Clarke had no idea where she stood, and until she knew, she wouldn't play with Lexa's feelings. Or at least she would do her best not to give in. – Maybe we should join them out there.

-You're right. We should. Let me just grab some shoes and I'll meet you guys. – Clarke left the room, going back to the living room, where she found her two new friends. If I can call them that. Can I? I just met them two days ago. The girls were sitting at the table, drinks in hand and cards on the table.

-Finally! I thought you would never get ready. I set the game already. Come sit here, I made drinks for all. Hope you like vodka with coke. – Game? What game? Clarke went to sit down, noticing the empty glass on the middle of the table with the cards displayed around it, face down. She grabbed her drink and took a sip, her throat warming. She knew exactly what game they were about to play, and she also knew that, she was about to get drunk. It's practically impossible not to get drunk playing "ring of fire". Lexa came into the room, her hair dried and falling down on one of her shoulders. Lexa took one look at the table and her face went blank. Just like Clarke, the memories she had about playing that game, weren't the best.

-Ring of fire? That's the game we're playing?

-You know the game? It's cool, isn't it? We always get super drunk when we play it. – Raven was excited and proud about her choice.

-We both know the game. And we also remember getting drunk after playing it. – Clarke smiled, trying to mask her worries. Lexa sat in front of her, next to Raven, and just like Clarke, she took a sip of her drink.

-Let the games begin! – The party was a few blocks away from Lexa's apartment, so they had planned on walking there, not wanting to drive the car. Octavia's brother, who would be at the party, needed his car back that night, so they had decided that, once they wanted to call it the night, they would take a taxi to the residence.

The game went on for almost an hour, the conversation fluid around the table. It was around 11pm when they decided they should start leaving the apartment. Clarke was starting to feel all warm and giddy. Once she got up, that's when she noticed how drunk she already was, since the room started to spin. Lexa came to hold her by the waist.

-Are you ok? – God, she's so close… and she smells so good… Why does she smell so good? That's not fear for me. Clarke's thoughts were completely out of her control, and controlling her actions was starting to get hard as well, but she wasn't ready to give up just yet.

-Yup, just needed a moment to let the alcohol sink in. I'm fine. – Clarke smiled and straightened herself up, trying to look sober.

It took them another 20 minutes until the four girls were ready to leave the house. They took the last bottle of vodka coke with them, it was half empty and they were planning on finishing it before reaching the party's precinct. The moment they set feet outside, they heard the music from the party. Clarke took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. This looks like the perfect night to start living.