Chapter 14
Clarke woke up that morning feeling the best she had in a while. She could feel the rise and fall of Bellamy's chest as she looked up at him. She rose quietly and quickly so she was careful not to wake him up. She threw on her robe and stood at the edge of the bed. Not to be creepy, but just to savor the moment that was there in front of her. The moment that they had last night. His hair a mess as his curls pressed against the pillow, his bare chest exposed as the blanket resided around his waist. He turned, most likely adjusting to her missing presence and she stepped back slightly. He turned over on his side pulling the pillow against him and snuggling into it. A low "hmm" sounding from him throat. That wasn't the only thing Clarke noticed, as she reached for the door, she could hear him mumbling. Low and breathy, "Clarke". He must be thinking about her.
She figured most of her roommates wouldn't be awake yet and crept out into the kitchen so that she could start to make coffee and breakfast. She peered over into the living room, Wells and Murphy's girls must not have hung around much after last night because they were both sprawled over their sleeping spaces alone. She laughed as Murphy's mouth hung open sucking in air. She was warming up to him, getting used to him hanging around their group just like her other friends. Clarke grabbed the flour and a few other ingredients. Mixing up a quick pancake batter and sprinkling in a little bit of cinnamon into the batch. She heard footsteps and looked over her shoulder as Octavia reached out to hug her from behind. "Last night was great wasn't it?" She looked over at the boys, noticing Bellamy missing from the room. "No"! Octavia hit Clarke's arm and Clarke held her finger up to her in a shh motion. "You and Bellamy, I have to say I'm not surprised Clarke. It's about time you guys admitted the way you were feeling to each other". Had it been this obvious to everyone except her? "I just never expected to feel this way about someone O, especially someone I was such good friends with. Bellamy really seems like he's changed. He's so…" she thought about last nights events. "Protective of me, and kind. He's been caring, and gentle." Laughing to herself knowing he's been a little rough too. "That's all good news though, he doesn't care just about everyone like that Clarke. The only other time I've seen him so protective was over me, and I had to beg him to stop treating me like a child". Clarke didn't mind him being so protective, rather she preferred it. It made her feel safe. Octavia opted for a quick subject change. "Hey so I was thinking today we could gather everyone up and head for the beach, relax a bit for the day and maybe do a movie tonight, or Netflix"? Clarke had been dying to catch up on some shows that she had missed over the school semester.
"Yeah that sounds fun". Octavia grabbed one of the pancakes from the plate Clarke had flipped them onto. Biting into it and giving her thumbs up to her friend for a job well done. The sliding door to her room opened, Bellamy walking out of it still shirtless but now with his pair of jeans on. He walked over to Clarke, assuming her and Octavia had already talked about last night since she didn't seem surprised, he was leaving Clarke's room. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and Octavia eyed them as they started to become all gushy. "Morning princess". Octavia was about to intervene thinking her brother was being stupid, remembering Clarke hated that name. Instead she waited as Clarke smiled flipping the next pancake. "Morning babe". That was different. Octavia satisfied jumped down off the counter she was sitting on and poured herself and Lincoln a cup of coffee taking it back to her room. "Something smells delicious" Bellamy mentioned as he pressed a kiss to her shoulder over her robe. "Pancakes, would you do me a favor and grab some sausage out of the fridge. I want to get breakfast set up before I start packing lunch." Bellamy made his way over to the refrigerator pulling random objects out in addition to the sausage. "What are we packing for". The we implying he was going to help her. "Octavia suggested we take a trip to the beach today, it's not far probably 30 minutes but I would rather pack a lunch and get everything ready early so it's good to go". Bellamy poured himself a glass of juice taking a large sip. He pressed his back against the counter watching Clarke cook. "The beach sounds nice, I might get a little jealous though." Clarke looked at him. "All those guys seeing you in your bathing suit, when I know I just want you all to myself". Again, there was his protective side. A little possessive but it was very sexy the way he talked about him wanting her. Making her wish she had stayed in bed with him after all this morning. She didn't bother responding to him though, the satisfied took on her face was enough to tell him she loved the way he was acting. Bellamy placed his glass of orange juice down before running over to the couch and flipping over it landing on top of Wells. "Blake"! He yelled, and Clarke just couldn't help but laugh.
After breakfast was cleaned up and lunch's all packed Clarke and the others got ready. She practically had to fight Bellamy off her in her room as she grabbed her clothes to shower. His wandering hands insisting that they take one together. "Bellamy we can't just fool around when everyone can see us, we have to be a little sneaky about it". She felt his hands run inside her robe across her stomach and pulling her into him. Bellamy growled. "I don't care if anyone see's us princess, the world should know that your mine". She loved that. Leaving him to get ready Clarke left for the bathroom to shower. Not long after Octavia and her were running around grabbing towels, blankets, and suntan lotion. "Everyone got everything"? Clarke shouted. She heard a knock at the door. Bellamy seeing, she was busy ran to go open it. Octavia looked at Lincoln checking to see if he invited Finn. "Did you invite Finn to the beach, we aren't expecting anyone else". Lincoln shook his head; he didn't know what she was talking about. Bellamy opened the door, his mouth gaping open when he saw who it was. "Echo".
Echo stood there in a tight little eyelet dress with a black bathing suit underneath. She had on a wide sun hat and lunged forward throwing her arms around Bellamy and letting her bag fall to the floor. He didn't want to be awkward giving her a tight squeeze, even if he didn't want to. Allowing her inside he looked at her, questioning what she was doing there. How did she know where he was? Forgetting everyone else in the room. "Echo what are you doing here"? Echo looked at him surprised. "I wanted to see you on break, so I went to your house, but it was empty. I used the key under the mat at first when no one answered, and I found a printed copy of the google maps you printed out. I assumed you must be here with your sister and I thought I would surprise you". She looked around at everyone in the room, they all had blank stares looking at the girl who had just impeded on their fun day. Clarke must have gone to get something for their trip because she was missing from the group. "Echo we broke up, you cheated on me. I told you I didn't want to see you again". Echo looked down embarrassed as she knew everyone could hear him. She looked up at him with a pouty face. Running her finger down his chest. "But I missed you". Murphy called out from across the room. "Yea did you miss him too when you were spending another night in a different guys bed"? She peered over at him in disgust.
Octavia walked over to her brother. "Bellamy, hey" he turned his attention to see her. "What's going on Clarke is going to be back any minute so we can head to the beach. You need to". Just then Clarke appeared in the room looking around at everyone. "The beach, I'd love to go with you guys, then we can get a chance to talk Bellamy". Clarke didn't know who this girl was talking to him or what she was doing here. She placed down some sunglasses and flip flops on the table. Walking toward her. "Hi, I don't think we've met I'm Clarke". She looked over at Bellamy as Echo grabbed her hand while throwing herself against Bellamy's side. "Hi, I'm Echo Bellamy's girlfriend". HUH? What the hell was going on. She stepped back, Bellamy reaching toward her to explain. She slid her hand away from his. She didn't care what kind of explanation there was, this random girl was in her apartment insisting she belonged to Bellamy when just last night her and Bellamy had a romantic night to themselves. This morning he had called her his. Now she didn't know what to expect, but she felt betrayed, hurt, and alone.
All Bellamy did was watch her, his eyes in silence telling her they needed to talk. She cleared her throat trying not to cry. "I actually forgot something in my room, Octavia come help me find it and why don't the rest of you head into the car. Octavia and I will take our own. Your more than welcome to join Echo, you can hop in Bellamy's car with the guys". Bellamy tried to protest again "Clarke". She turned away from him as Echo reached out tugging at his hand. He glared over at her. "You heard her let's go hun". Bellamy hated Echo at this moment, he wanted to rip away from her and cause a scene, but it might ruin the whole day. He could drive to the beach and take a walk with her, tell her to get the hell out of his life and away from him because he had found someone, he really cared about that felt the same for only him. Then he could explain to Clarke everything, maybe ask the guys to help back him up if he needed it.
Octavia followed Clarke to her room. Clarke threw herself down on the bed, breathing in. She could still smell Bellamy's cologne on her sheets. She balled up her fist punching her bed. "Clarke, I don't know what you're thinking but this girl is nothing to Bellamy. Trust me, don't throw away". Clarke sat up looking at Octavia with tears in her eyes. "He didn't even say anything O, he didn't even stick by me. He just stood there letting her grab at him. And I'm so dumb because I was just another notch on his bed post". She was beyond hurt, she let Bellamy in again after all these years, she let her guard down. "Clarke that's not true please, listen to me". Clarke didn't want to listen. She wasn't mad at Octavia, but she listened to her tell her that Bellamy was into her last night and look where she was now. Clarke wiped the tears away from her eyes. She had to be stronger than this. She wasn't the girl in her back yard anymore. Instead she pulled out her phone, Octavia rubbing her forehead trying to see what she was planning to do next. She was surprised when Clarke spoke to the person on the other end. "Hi Finn, it's Clarke. Yeah, I'm good. Listen we are going to the beach today and I could really use some company." Clarke listened on the other end before responding. Finn sounded eager and excited. "Yeah Octavia and I will pick you up in ten, see you then." Clarke hung up the phone. "Clarke, I don't know if you are thinking straight right now. Finn's nice but". "But nothing" Clarke said. "Besides Bellamy has Echo you heard her." Clarke left grabbing her keys, ushering at Octavia to follow her. Octavia knew this was going to be a bad day. Her best friend, her brother. Both people she cared for deeply. How could she make them see they were both making the wrong decision? She just had to let the cards play out, and she joined Clarke in the car.
Everyone had pulled up to the beach, Bellamy getting there first and then Clarke a few minutes behind. He was surprised when he saw Finn step out of their car, he didn't know he was invited. He could feel his jaw tense as Finn opened Clarkes car door, bringing his hand around her waist as she moved to the trunk to get some supplies. They all walked onto the sand carrying their shoes and finding a place to sit. As Clarke set out the blanket Bellamy walked over to her, leaving Echo to get her own blanket and towel out of the bag. "Clarke, I need to talk to you, but there are somethings I have to do first." She wasn't looking at him. "Echo is". Clarke looked at him cutting him off. "Your girlfriend, who you seemed to forget to mention not only last night but the minute you got to our place". Bellamy could feel his stomach turn, he didn't like hurting her like this, especially when she didn't understand that Echo was not his girlfriend. He wanted to protest but Clarke just held her hand up. "It's ok save the excuse. I was just stupid enough to believe that you actually cared about me". "But Clarke I". Finn showed up with an umbrella placing it over the blanket Clarke had just set out. "Hey Clarke, want to go for a walk before we get into the water"? Clarke looked at Bellamy then back at Finn. She grabbed the bottom of her shirt pulling it over her head. She wore a baby blue triangle bikini underneath her clothes, as she shimmied off her shorts, they hung on her hips even lower than the one she wore at the car wash, but still tied at the sides. Bellamy watched as Finn looked over her, his blood boiling. "Yep, let's go". Clarke took of grabbing his hand. Leaving Bellamy jealous as ever.
Bellamy moved toward Echo not giving her a chance to speak. He grabbed her arm motioning them to start walking. "Explain yourself Echo". He let go pressing his footprints into the sand. Echo could tell he was mad at her. "Bellamy I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I was wrong. I should have never treated you the way I did, and I miss you so much". "You cheated on me Echo. I told you I never wanted to see you again and the feelings haven't changed. I don't want you near me, I don't want you here, and I don't want you in my life"! She looked at him, clearly, she didn't get the message. "But baby". "I'm in love with someone else". Love, did he just say love? It was a quick comment, but he had known Clarke all his life. She rescued him and O when they needed someone the most. She was kind, genuine, beautiful, smart, and so much more. Of course, he loved her, he just didn't realize it sooner. No matter how she felt for him, whether it was love or not he had to tell her, because he knew she cared for him too.
"Love, who do you love"? Bellamy didn't need to explain himself to her. "Are you telling me she's here? The only other girl other than your sister is that blonde bimbo from the house." Clarke was not a bimbo. "Echo watch your mouth. Clarke isn't like that; she isn't like you". Echo couldn't believe this; he had thought Clarke was better than her. She stormed off returning to the blanket to get her stuff and pulling out her phone. She pulled up her social media searching for Clarkes name. Private, of course. She was about to leave the beach when she felt someone grab her arm. "I saw you talking to that guy over there". She looked up at the stranger. "Yeah that's Bellamy. We were supposed to have a beach day, but this skank blonde snatched him from me. He's supposed to be my boyfriend." The stranger let go of her arm, "I think we should talk. I may know a way you can get him back, at least for the afternoon". A smile shined on her face. Little did she know she was playing a dangerous game with an even more dangerous man.
Clarke and Finn were on their walk, still holding hands. Finn was rambling on how he was so happy Clarke called but her mind was elsewhere. She looked out over the ocean to the side of her, thinking about Bellamy. It wasn't fair, just when she was happy and content. She really trusted him, she let him in. It wasn't long before she heard someone join then. Bellamy stopping in front of their paths. "Finn, I need to talk to Clarke". He looked over at her, she seemed unimpressed by Bellamy's presence crossing her arms in front of her. "I don't think Clarke wants to talk to you, why don't you just give her some space". He stepped in front of her pushing Bellamy back. "Excuse me, don't touch me. I think Clarke can answer for herself." Clarke still ignored him. "See, so why don't you go back to the blanket and let her be". He pushed him again. This time Bellamy turned his attention to Finn. Pressing his chest back against his hand. "Don't put your hands on me. You have no idea what's going on so back off before you get hurt". Bellamy clenched his jaw stepping forward and breathing down at Finn. He was already heated from Echo and he could take care of Finn no problem if he pushed him anymore. Clarke reached out touching Finn's arm. Bellamy watched as she asked him to let them talk. Bellamy grabbed her hand, but she ripped it out of his grip. Walking faster in front of him.
"Clarke! Clarke!" He yelled out running up to her side. "Clarke I never meant to hurt you. I don't care about Echo. She isn't my girlfriend". Clarke stopped looking him over. "Then what was she doing here, how did she know you were here. Girls don't just show up and say they are your girlfriend when they aren't". "Crazy one's do" Bellamy laughed. Clarke didn't think this was funny. She turned walking to the water and letting the tide wash over her feet. "Clarke, she found my google maps print out, I'm telling you the truth. I care about you. Please". Clarke didn't know what to believe. She just shook her head, her voice catching in her throat. "I just need to think ok, I need space". Bellamy understood that and he held back from wrapping his arms around her like he wanted to the whole time. They walked back to the blanket without saying a word. Finn was there next to Lincoln and he looked ticked at Bellamy. Clarke just smiled at him reassuring him that she was ok, before laying down next to Octavia. She put on her sunglasses resting her head and falling asleep.
Bellamy waited patiently as Clarke napped on the blanket. He was playing in the sand by his chair feeling it scrunch into his toes. How much time did she need, he was only here for another week? He wanted to tell her he loved her, he wanted to show her he cared. He also respected her though and he wanted her to know that if she wanted space, he could give her that. Clarke woke up rubbing her back. "Ow". She was getting a little red and in the heat of the events when they got to the beach, she forgot to put on suntan lotion. Bellamy got up grabbing the lotion. "Do you want me to put some on your back"? Clarke looked up lowering her sunglasses. She pulled her hair up and laid back down in the sand. Octavia was playing with Lincoln in the water and so we the rest of the guys. "Yeah, I guess if you could".
Bellamy grabbed the lotion and placed a knee on each side of her as he knelt down. He rubbed up her sides and middle back first feeling the smooth surface underneath his hands. He then took a little more and began running it over her upper back and shoulders, where she was a little pinker. He was careful not to apply too much pressure but massaged her gently. Clarke slipped out a moan as he rubbed into the tops of her shoulders. Bellamy couldn't help but smile, remembering last night. "Can you rub some on my legs too"? Bellamy moved his body down further putting enough in his hand to get her lower back and legs. He finished her back and rubbed up the back of her thighs. Squeezing her muscle in his grasp. He wasn't sure how she would feel but her cheeks of her butt popped out slightly, the little material she was wearing barely covering her up. He took lotion and rubbed it in an upper diagonal motion. His thumbs grazing over the area as he stared at her laying there.
"Bellamy". He broke his focus realizing he was staring for a little longer than he should have. He cleared his throat. "Um, Yeah"? "I'd like to get up now". He realized that she was still pinning underneath him. He got up handing her the lotion so she could put some on her front half. He watched as her hands ran over her chest, dipping down between them so she wouldn't get burned. Her hands then running up her legs toward her inner thigh. Bellamy sat back down in his chair placing a towel in his lap. He could feel himself getting excited. Octavia was in the water, Lincoln holding her in his arms where the water was too deep. "Clarke! Come in, the water feels so good". "Yeah Clarke, don't be a spoiled sport". Finn yelled. Clarke shook her head at her friends, knowing that if she didn't join them they would probably send Wells to go get her and throw her in. "Bellamy you too, get in here you big mope"! Murphy yelled over at him. "I'm good right here" realizing if he stood too soon, he might have an audience. He watched as Clarke ran over to the group first touching the water to see how cold it really was. "It's freezing you liars". She laughed pushing herself into the cold ocean. When a wave rose to hit her belly, she squealed jumping up so that it wouldn't hit her top half. Finn swam over to her wrapping his arms around her waist. "I've got you". Bellamy stilled watching another man around his girl. Trying his best not to go stomping into the water after her. "Space Blake, she said she wanted space". He whispered to himself, trying to calm down. What he didn't expect was Clarke pushing herself out of Finns arms as soon as he had grabbed her. She just smiled at him, and that gave Bellamy hope.
He watched as everyone spent time in the water splashing and diving under waves. They all were having a lot of fun. Calling it quits they all ran out, adjusting their swim clothes as they shook drying off with their towels. Clarke looked around for hers noticing it sitting in Bellamy's lap. "Oh sorry". He handed it over to her. She wrapped herself in it and sat on the blanket pulling out snacks for everyone. Another person walking around the beach handed a flyer to Octavia, before passing to the next group. "Hey guys there are fireworks tonight on the beach, do you guys want to stay the day, we can head back after to make it for movie night". Octavia looked over everyone as they shook their heads that they were in. They all spent the next couple hours doing random things. Sunbathing, breaking off into groups to go for walks. Murphy let Octavia and Clarke bury him in the sand, protesting as they left him in it. Wells and Bellamy threw the football around a bit.
Clarke watched as Bellamy stretched out his arm throwing the football in a spiral motion. She was laying next to Octavia on the blanket. "So are you going to give him the silent treatment this whole time". Clarke giving her the side eye. "I don't know what to say to him O. Last night was so perfect, I thought I finally put all the pieces back together. And then that girl…. showing up this morning. He didn't even try and tell her he had feelings for me". She swirled her fingers around in the sand. "I don't know, maybe he doesn't feel the same I do". "Clarke Bellamy is crazy for you". Octavia propped herself up on her side to talk to her. "This Echo chick showed up on her own will. He had nothing to do with it. I know they definitely weren't dating, or I would have told you last night". Clarke listened to her friend, if anyone knew Bellamy it would be his sister. They shared everything with each other. "So what do I do now, just act like everything is ok. What if it's awkward between us"? "Just leave it to me" Octavia said pushing herself up. "Octavia no!" Clarke felt a tug at her bathing suit top pushing herself deeper into the towel and bringing her hands to her sides. Octavia ran to Murphy whispering in his ear and handing the top to him. "Are you trying to get me killed"? Murphy laughed going along with it anyway. Murphy took off with Clarkes top in hand. "Hey murphy, give it back"! Octavia yelled catching Bellamy's attention.
Bellamy was about to throw the football back to Wells when he saw murphy taking off with a blue object in his hand. He looked over hearing Octavia's pleas. Clarke sinking into the towel unable to move. That was Clarke's bikini top, dammit Murphy. He sprinted towards Murphy swooping in to save the day. Playing around Murphy zig zagged in the sand. "Murphy, I told you, hands off". He yelled, catching him on a turn. Murphy fell to the ground throwing the top and raising his hands up in surrender. Bellamy grabbed the top running over to Clarke. "Hey are you ok"? She smiled at him. "Yeah, could you do me a favor. Hold this towel up and around me. Bellamy could see what she was planning grabbing the towel and shielding it around her. Clarke took the top quickly tying it around the top of her neck and tucking her breasts in their material. He tried not to peek, but he couldn't help himself, watching Clarke blush as she noticed the turn of his head. "Ok can you tie the back"? He placed down the towel reaching up to the strings. When he was done Clarke stood up holding out her hand. "Walk with me"? Bellamy agreed intertwining his fingers with hers.
"Bellamy" Clarke began. "I wanted to apologize; I know that Echo showing up here wasn't your idea. You've been nothing but a good friend this week and last night…." She tucked a hair behind her ear. "Last night was amazing, I have never been so comfortable with someone like I did with you. I know it might be hard, but can we just forget this whole thing happened". It took him a second to answer. "Yes!" Clarke smiling at his quick reassurance that they were ok. "And you don't have to apologize, you did nothing wrong. I know how you feel, trust me". Bellamy explained to Clarke how Echo cheated on him, and the conversation he had with her on the beach. She felt bad that Bellamy had been treated like that and wanted to make it up to him. They spent the rest of the day sitting together in the sand, holding hands and brushing each other's skin until sunset.
The temperature was colder now. The fireworks were going to start in a few minutes, so they all settled down on their towels ready for the show. Clarke grabbed her clothes from her beach bag. "Hey I'm just going to go change ok." Standing out of Bellamy's arms. "You want me to come with"? Clarke shook her head, "No I'll be quick". She ran to the bathrooms, leaving the group. When she reached the girls room she moved inside. The lights were dim, but she had enough light where she could find a changing stall and pull the curtain closed, allowing her to have some privacy. It's not like anyone was in there anyway, the bathrooms were used for the beach during the day. There were only small groups of people who stayed behind to watch the show. Clarke untied her top hanging it on the hook, she was about to do the same with her bottom when she heard what sounded like crunching sand. "Hello". There was no answer. She shook it off reaching for her bra. She clipped it behind her adjusting the fit. She picked out her long sleeve white hoodie. Throwing it over her head. It was thin material that clung to her sides, but it was warm enough for the summer nights. Crunch, there it was again. She peeked outside of the curtain to look around.
A large shadow threw back the curtain catching a hand over her mouth. Pushing her back into the changing area wall. The curtain sliding close behind him. He pushed off the hood he was wearing to reveal his identity. It was Jake. Clarke should have been surprised but she was so tired of his games. She muffled under his hand. "Yell and you'll regret it". He removed his hand. "What are you doing here Jake, don't you have anyone else to stalk"? He moved closer so their bodies pushed up against each other. "We never got to finish our conversation from last night". "That's because there is no conversation Jake, I told you I want you to leave me alone". She moved to the side, but he was too quick mimicking her step. "So you just go off and find another girls boyfriend to steal". "What are you talking about Jake". Clarke eyebrows furrowed. He wrapped his hands on either side of her Clarke's gaze looking down at him. Whatever he planned on doing it was shifty. "I know that you" he moved his face closer. "Spent time with another girls man last night". Reaching down to kiss her shoulder. She grabbed his hands pushing them off her. "I can tell you I did no such thing. And whoever I spend my time with is my own business". Jake reached to her swim bottoms fidgeting with the strings. "I remember when you wore this at that summer party, the big bash on campus the week of orientation. Remember how we snuck away to my place." It made her sick to think of him touching her. "Let's not hash up old times, now if you excuse me."
Jake grabbed both her shoulders as she stepped forward slamming her back. She could feel the wood of the changing room smack against the back of her head. He reached down pressing his lips to hers. "Jake stop". He continued forcing his lips on her cheek, her neck, her collarbone. "Jake get off me". He pushed his body forward against hers brining her arms down and behind her back so he could grab them with one hand. He reached down brining the other to trace the top of her bikini bottom. "I think rehashing old times is the best option right now". She felt a finger snake down trying to probe further into her bathing suit. "Jake stop! Let me go or I'll scream". He looked up at her before pushing his finger further along. "I think the only person you'll hope will save you is a little preoccupied right now". The wheels turned in Clarkes head, the only one who would suggest that he had a girlfriend, Echo.
Bellamy was waiting for Clarke to return looking in the direction of the bathrooms. "I think I'm going to go check on her". Octavia nodded, Bellamy standing up, walking toward the changing area. Echo ran out of nowhere in front of him. He sighed, when will this girl give it a rest. "Echo what are you still doing here"? "I told you I missed you Bell. I want us to talk more. I know you said you didn't want to be with me, but I really think." The first firework went up in the sky breaking their conversation. Bellamy looked up. Echo took this as her opportunity to catch him off guard. She leaped forward taking his face and bringing his lips to hers. Pressing deeply down into their kiss. He had his arms around her, pulling her off. "Echo stop, like I told you I'm not interested". Echo tried to push back to him, Bellamy keeping his distance. "Tell me what's this girl have that I don't". She looked at Bellamy expecting him to not have an answer. "Everything Echo". Echo crossed her arms mumbling to herself. "What was that" another firework going off, so Bellamy had a hard time hearing. "According to what I hear she's not worth the time". De ja vu crossed Bellamy's mind. He was in Echo's face. "Where did you hear that from". Echo stepped back ignoring him. "Now you don't want to talk, tell me where did you get that from". Echo looked at him with a smile. "I have my ways of finding out information".
Bellamy was in a rage; he knew Echo was up to no good. He knew little to nothing about Clarke and knew all of her social media accounts were private because he had requested to be her friend earlier in the trip. Thankfully Octavia was there to rescue him. "What are you doing here crazy"? She said stepping in between them. Maybe he couldn't do anything, but Octavia certainly could. Bellamy looked at his sister. "She knows something about Clarke". Octavia pushed Echo on the shoulder. Stepping toward her, testing her. "What have you got against my best friend"? She wondered pushing Echo's shoulder again. Echo looked a little scared. "If your holding something back I am sure there is more than one way to get it out of you. By that I mean you can either just tell me or I can rip your hair out of your freaking skull". Echo's eyes widened, yep she was scared. Echo held her hands up. "I just know that she likes to be a little loose with the guys she's with, whether they have a girlfriend or not". Octavia knew that wasn't true, not Clarke. "Your lying, now I break your face". Octavia held up her fist and Echo threw herself to the ground blocking her face. "No, No, it's true I heard it. Some guy stopped me earlier when I was leaving the beach. Said he had gone out with Clarke and he had gotten her to put out so early in their relationship. He said she liked to flirt with guys when her sorority would hold functions. That's why he stopped talking to her in the first place". Another lie, Clarke was always friendly but never flirty. The only guy that would be spreading lies like that is one that was capable of making them up himself. Though Clarke barely had many enemies. Ding, a light bulb went off in her head. She turned her attention away from Echo who scooched back enough to place some distance between her and Octavia. Taking off in the opposite direction.
"Bellamy, it's Jake". Bellamy looked at his sister worried that it might be too late. "I'll go check the bathrooms". Octavia went to go fill the guys in in case he needed back up. By the time Bellamy reached the bathrooms the firework show had been in full swing. Pop, Bam, Boom. The noise made it hard to hear anything. He called inside the lady's room. "Clarke are you in there". Come on baby answer me, he thought. He waited a couple minutes. That was still too long as the anticipation that she might be in trouble built inside him. He walked into the dim setting of the ladies changing room. There were a could sinks, bathrooms, and at the end there were a few showers with curtains. He pulled back the first two revealing an empty space. It wasn't until he heard a mumble at the end that he ran to it pulling open the curtain. He reached over grabbing the hoodie and throwing the guy back, making him land hard against the cement floor. He looked at Clarke as lines of mascara ran down her cheeks. "Are you ok". Reaching out to her. She shook her head. She had one side of her bathing suit bottom untied and her top looked wrinkled like someone was scrunching it in their hand. He turned around picking Jake up off the floor before slamming him down. He could hear a crack, not knowing if it was Jakes head hitting the floor. He wailed punches down on him. Having the upper hand that he was probably disoriented by the fall. "You think you can touch her; you think that you can treat a girl like that. You think you can treat Clarke like that. Well here's your first lesson". Bellamy's fist was bloody, he was punching with all he had. Jake tried to grab him at first but now he barely responded. Murphy and Wells ran into the locker room pulling Bellamy off him. Octavia ran into the shower covering Clarke up with a towel and grabbing her things. She ushered her out of there and back to her car. Clarke was clearly shaken but was in better condition now then when Bellamy found her. Lincoln and Finn joined the guys, helping them clean up and leave Jake bloody in the girl's bathroom. Most likely he wouldn't remember what happened and even if he did it was all their words against his to protect Clarke and Bellamy. They all packed up heading home.
When the group arrived home, Bellamy motioned to Octavia that he could take it from there. Lincoln and the guys dropped Finn off, not wanting any more drama for the night. Even if he didn't join them, he asked Lincoln to text him later to let him know Clarke was ok. Octavia helped Murphy, Wells, and Lincoln bring everything in and unpack. Bellamy got Clarke into the bathroom and ran a warm shower. "Ok we are going to get you all cleaned up ok". Clarke was shivering still in her bathing suit bottoms. Bellamy dropped the towel, helping her with her shirt over her head. "Did he…." He didn't even know if he could ask. "Did he hurt you, how far did he get"? Clarke shook her head. "No, he didn't get far, he tried but the most he got was feeling me up and kissing me on my shoulders and neck". Bellamy even thought that was too much. "I'm just a little shaken is all. I'll be ok". Bellamy turned to leave her to finish undressing so she could shower. "Bellamy"? Clarke asked. "I don't…Want to be alone. Can you stay with me"? Bellamy nodded, just turning his back to give her some privacy.
Clarke took off her top and bottoms opening the curtain to slip under the warm water. She could feel its relief wash over her, making her clean. All the sand, Jakes touch, washing off her body. Now all she wanted was the comfort of something else. She pulled the curtain open looking at Bellamy stare at the wall. The bathroom steaming up. "Any chance you'd wanna join me"? Bellamy turned around looking at her. Before she needed space, now she needed him. He was happy to join her. He took off his t shirt and shorts. Slipping next to Clarke in the shower running his hands on her shoulders kissing them lightly. Grabbing the soap to lather it and massage it over her skin. Clarke could feel the comfort he brought set in. She moved back against him bringing his hands up to cup her breasts. He fit his chin into the crook of her neck. They stayed like that for a little while longer before rinsing off. It didn't need to be about sex or intimacy. They had just felt the need to be close to each other, vulnerable in a way.
Bellamy and Clarke dried off wrapping towels around themselves. They left he bathroom for her room. Everyone else ready to settle down for a movie. Bellamy pulled a t shirt out of his bag, tossing it over to Clarke who stood on the other side of the bed by her dresser. "You can wear that tonight if you want". Clarke picked it up smiling and pulling it on. She had on a pair of grey cotton shorts. She looked amazing just as she was. No makeup, hair slightly wet from the shower after toweling it dry. She threw it up in a messy bun, little wisps of her curls at the bottom of her neck and hanging over the sides of her face. Bellamy threw on a white t shirt and a pair of sweats. They left the room to head to the living room. Octavia brought over a tray of comfort food and snacks. Trail mix, garlic bread, left over wings, popcorn, and some diced fruit. "I didn't know what everyone wanted so I grabbed a bunch of stuff". Placing it on the table in the living room. "Thanks O". Clarke smiled at her. The familiar dun dun of Netflix hit the screen. "Ok guys what will it be". Murphy rubbed his hands settling into his blow-up mattress and getting comfy. They had a lot of choices but in the end they all settled on pirates of the Caribbean. Funny and simple. Perfect for movie night. "I think Jack is so sexy" Clarke laughed as Octavia made her statement. "Beard and all huh"? She said tossing a piece of popcorn at her while she laid in between Lincolns legs. "I guess I'll have to grow one". Lincoln teased pinching her side. Octavia looked up reaching for his chin. "On second thought maybe not". Placing a light kiss there they turned to watch their movie.
Bellamy could feel Clarke heavy against his chest she must have fallen asleep during the movie. It had been a long day. He reached over trying to nudge her slightly kissing her temple as he did. "Clarke, baby. Let's go to bed". Everyone else was ready to call it a night too. Clarke hummed in his arms, turning into him and finding her nook. "I can't move my legs forgot how to walk". Bellamy laughed pulling himself up so he could pick her up. He cradled her in his arms wishing everyone good night and brought her to her room. "Ever think they'll give up all this cutesy stuff and just go back to being normal"? Murphy said as he placed his arm over his eyes. Octavia sat up reaching for Lincoln. "I hope not".
Still more to come.
I hope you are enjoying the story and will continue to read. New chapter coming soon and lots more in store for the Bellarke couple. As always BE KIND
