Chapter 20

In only a few short months, and what seemed like tons of papers, projects, and lectures the semester came to an end. They were finally finished. At least until the spring semester. Clarke had finished a talk with her advisor about her next step. She was a junior now, she had finished the bulk of her work and the rest of the time in school she had would be dedicated to pulling in extra hours and major classes. That meant 1 more year of art classes, her senior year she would spend on her final project and present it to the board at the school. Not exactly the easiest of tasks but she knew that she would do just fine either way. She drove home ready for the long winter break. It seemed by the looks of it that Octavia had gotten home before her. She had boxes out on the front porch, and she was hanging decorations for the holidays. She stepped out of her car, leaving all her school stuff behind. "Hey, aren't you a little early for Christmas"? Octavia stumbled off the ladder running towards Clarke, "No I wanted it to be a surprise for you". She wined. Clarke smiled throwing her arm around her shoulder, "And here I thought I would have to set up everything around here alone once again". Octavia and Clarke always celebrated the holidays a little bit early, partly because Octavia would drive home to visit her mom and Bellamy. Clarke who still wasn't close with her mother would stay behind. "It hurts me to think that you think so little of me". Octavia said jokingly her hand on her heart.

Octavia moved in front of Clarke, catching her attention. "Okay so you know how you and I always do Christmas early, because I always need to leave". Clarke met her stare, "Yes…" Waiting for the punch line. "Well I just wanted you to know that this year is different, I'm going to stay here with you"! This was good news, but Clarke didn't want to be the one to take Octavia away from her family. She was about to protest when Octavia gave her more good news. "Lincoln actually doesn't really have a family, just an aunt in another state. So, I invited him and Finn here for Christmas Dinner". Clarke's smile fell from her face, and that was the catch. "Here? For dinner? On Christmas". That meant a lot of cleaning and a lot of work, there goes her relaxation. Clarke moved around her, so her back was facing away from the decorations. "O, that all sounds great but, we always have a quiet holiday. That's a lot of prep when it's just me and you. And by me and you I mean me". Clarke could have jumped out of her skin when she felt a pair of hands cover her eyes from behind. Nothing in Octavia's face signaled that she had company, let alone who it was. She jumped turning around. "Oh, I don't think you'll have to go through it alone". It was Bellamy, she squealed at the surprise. Throwing her arms around him in a hug.

He pulled away from her just enough to press their lips together. Nothing existed right now except for him and his girl. "When did you, how did you. I just can't believe you're here". Clarke was ecstatic, she could barely get the words out. "I finished with school and I knew that Octavia would be coming down this year again, the thought of you staying behind because you wanted to avoid your mom. I just couldn't stand not seeing you for another second." Clarke yelled again rising on her tippy toes and wrapping her arms around him. "So, you're here for how long, the holidays are still a week or so away". Bellamy cupped her cheek, brining her eyes to his. "I'm here for the whole break, until spring starts again". That would mean that they would get almost a whole month together. This was going to be the best vacation Clarke had ever had, hell the best holiday that she ever had. She reached one arm away from Bellamy grabbing Octavia and bringing her to her side. "I have the best friends a girl could ask for". They decided to head inside to catch up, all three of them. One small happy family.

A short section, but I am working on submitting more. I hope your enjoying the story so far and you'll stay tuned for more. Thank you to all the readers and followers. As always BE KIND