Chapter 23
After break was done Wells and Murphy returned home, making sure to promptly send Bellamy's boxes of his things back to his new apartment. By the time the driver got there Bellamy ran out, carrying 2 boxes in hand. "Hey, can I help you with something". Clarke ran over to get the top box off the other. "No, I'm all set I only have 2 more anyway". Clarke looked at the pile. "You only have 4 boxes of things, Bellamy they're not even big boxes". He laughed. He never had much in his life, he liked it that way. This way he couldn't get too attached. He was this way with his possessions, with money and sadly with people. Until he met Clarke, where he could hold onto the one thing that mattered most to him. He grabbed her around her waist, she was in a pair of jean overalls and a t-shirt. "You know this look works for you". "Really" she said. "I call it starved artist". It was past lunch time and she had forgotten to eat so while Bellamy finished getting his things settled Clarke went to the kitchen for a snack.
Octavia arrived a couple minutes later with bags in hand, she had to get some materials and supplies for the beginning of the year fundraiser their sorority was having. Lincoln was close behind her to help; he had been spending a lot of time around the apartment. Even though it was small Clarke shared a room with Bellamy and Lincoln shared Octavia's. So nothing really changed. Bellamy took out a panini maker from one of the boxes, most of the time he would be running to class and would make a quick sandwich before. Clarke looked at it as he placed it down, picking it right back up and showing it to Octavia. "O, we have a panini maker now". Octavia's mouth dropped open as she exaggerated. Bellamy just laughed shaking his head as Clarke looked back at him. She was trouble. Clarke and Octavia got to work on their signs and Lincoln and Bellamy hung out in the living room watching whatever was on the television. "Hey before I forget Clarke, Finn said they are having the opening match in the dome tonight. Wanted to know if you all wanted to join". Clarke looked over at Bellamy to gage how uncomfortable he was at Lincoln's comment. Surprisingly, he wasn't. "Um, well I mean it's up to everyone else, but I could go for a good soccer game". She ran into her room to get her new favorite piece of clothing. "I can sport my soccer jersey". Bellamy was still paying attention to the t.v. but Clarke noticed the sides of his mouth rise up into a smile without looking at her, yeah, he heard her. "I'm in I've been meaning to get involved in the other sports for the school anyhow". Octavia said. They all agreed, and the night continued as always for them. Which was normally quiet for Clarke and Octavia, only now they were plus 2 in the apartment.
"Can you believe that game, who knew our team was any good" Octavia opening their door to the apartment. She was waving the streamer in her hand as she moved to the kitchen to place her things down. "I know I can't believe we've been missing out on this for years; we have a lot of catching up to do." Clarke laughed. The girls had a couple beers at the game and Lincoln and Bellamy had 1 each as they watched the girls have their fun. At one-point Finn had just scored a goal for the team, he had been on a roll and Octavia and Clarke ran down to the side lines yelling his name and cheering him on. Bellamy was happy to see Clarke so lit up by it all. "And the guys on that team are really cute, Finn was holding out on us this whole time, that little shit". Octavia laughed. Bellamy looked at Lincoln shaking his head. Ok so maybe they were having a little bit too much fun. "Okay I think it's someone's time for bed before they hurt themselves". Lincoln grabbed Octavia in his arms pulling her in for a kiss before walking back to her bedroom. Usually this bothered Bellamy, seeing his sister in some guys arms. He was her big brother, he wanted to protect her. Over the weeks he had hung out with Lincoln a lot though and he knew he was a good guy.
"That means you too Princess". Bellamy picked up Clarke throwing her over his shoulder, Clarke squeaked, and her fist lightly patted his back as she protested, he put her down. They got into their room, Bellamy plopping Clarke down on the bed and moved to grab a change of clothes for sleep. He turned around and sure enough Clarke was right behind him, "Jeeze I didn't even hear you get up". He laughed looking down at her while he took his shirt off. "Not used to living together still, after all this time"? What she was insisting was that he was not expecting her when really, he meant that she was so drunk when he put her down, he assumed she'd pass out. "Not at all, I think this way of living has grown on me. In fact, I think it will be even harder to get rid of me when you decide to kick me to the curb". Clarke let out a big laugh holding her stomach. "and what makes you think I would ever do that". Bellamy moved in close, so his chest brushed against hers, looking down inches away from her face. "Because I don't know how lucky I could ever be to have you in my life. I might have to pinch myself to see if I'm dreaming". He felt a small pinch on his arm jumping from the surprise of it. He rubbed the mark, soothing it of its sharp pain. "Ow that hurt" he laughed. "You said you needed a pinch, and you're not going anywhere Mr. Blake". He liked the sound of that. Mr. Blake, it had so much professionalism and authority to it, and coming off Clarkes lips it was very sexy.
"Well I think the only place I need to be now is bed, and that means you too. Why don't you go get changed and we can head to sleep early"? Clarke stepped forward closing the space he created from his jump. She locked her eyes with his pulling the jersey off her head, tossing it aside and standing there in her bra. Her fingers worked quick to unbutton her jeans and she slid her thumbs in the sides of the material that hung around her hips pushing them to the ground and stepping out of them. She arose back to meet his eyes, this time coming closer, so she was pushing into him on purpose. "I think I'm ready for bed now".
Clarke just watched him to see what he would do next. Eyeing him as his stare raked over her body. He reached around her to the clasp of her bra unclipping it and tossing it to the side, he pressed his lips along her stomach as he made his way down removing her underwear and letting her step out of them so she was naked in front of him. A low growl coming from his throat as he ran his fingers up her body. "Now your ready". He picked her up, feeling her wrap her legs around his hips, he carried her over to the bed. Laying them down and working his lips all over her skin. He wanted to taste every bit of her like he had so many times before. In their space, in their home. He kissed one of her shoulders, moving next to her chest. Taking in one of her nipples to his mouth and pulling it in with a gentle suck before applying more pressure. A delicate moan escaping her mouth as he did. He looked up at Clarke as she waited, eyes clothes for him.
He released her nipple missing along her torso, down further to her hips, and pelvis. He kissed the inside of her thigh as he brought her leg up revealing herself to him. Tonight, he didn't want to play, he just wanted to intertwine their bodies together. He moved back up Clarke leaning himself just over her head and looking down at her. A finger sliding along her jaw line. "Baby look at me". He requested. Clarke opening her eyes as she felt him settle in between her legs, adjusting until they were both comfortable. "You have no idea how much you turn me on". Clarke smiled shy up at him, trying to look to the side. He moved her face back to him. "No really, every inch of you is so beautiful, sexy, it's really hard for me to hold myself back". Clarke tangled her fingers in his hair at the back of his head, leaning him down for a kiss. "Then don't". She said, feeling him moved into her center, filling her with himself. It would never get old. Their want and need for each other. Their intimate lives were very pleasurable and fulfilling. Working together to move their bodies, grind their hips so they could satisfy their urges. Clarke letting go when she was ready to finish and Bellamy watching her unravel. He was never far behind, and that was the way she liked it.
When they were done, they laid next to each other, their efforts spent. Clarke looked over at him as he pulled her over into his side. She settled in the crock of his neck, her own personal nook. Bellamy pulling the covers over them and kissing her one last time on her forehead. "Good night Princess". She closed her eyes drifting off to sleep, "Good night Bellamy".
The new semester had started Clarke threw herself into her classes, and Bellamy started out at his new school. Clarke was nervous at first that after a couple weeks he wouldn't like it and maybe think he made the wrong decision. Instead he came home happy and stress free, ready to help the girls make dinner and clean up. He worked on his homework flipping through books and catching up on the things he missed. Clarke brought him a hot tea as he studied, his face buried in a book. He looked up reaching over to her for a smile. She had her time to work on art pieces too and papers on techniques from various artists. Bellamy had even accompanied her and Octavia to a couple of sorority meetings. She sat in his lap while all the girls went over the usual business.
"I vote that we do more this semester with the surrounding community. It can raise a lot of awareness for the college and funding for our program". One of the leaders in the sorority added. "Oh, we always do stuff for the community, we need to focus on 1 goal at least per semester and work towards that". It was an interesting point Octavia made. "What do you suggest". Another sister intrigued to hear her point of view. "Well this semester there is a large focus in the news and in the media on environmental awareness. I think our school could use a new recycling program. I see way too many papers wasted and sometimes garbage spilling over. We should figure out a way to use garbage pick up hours to our advantage, maybe for tuition or college credit". Clarke had never seen Octavia so responsive to the sorority projects, sure she always helped, but she was taking a step above that. Taking charge, she really was good at this leading thing. "Maybe we can even find a way to buy cheaper recyclable material". Bellamy had a proud look on his face geared toward his baby sister. She was really focusing on her studies and extra curriculars, their mom would be proud.
On the way home they noticed a car in their driveway. It looked like an officer from on campus. The girls got out of the car, linking arms and keeping a distance. Bellamy moved ahead of them to make sure that everything was ok, and they were in no potential danger. "Hello officer, can I help you"? He looked at the three of them. "Are you the owner of this residents"? He held a handout to Clarke and Octavia, signaling them to stick behind them in case there had been a break in. "I'm one of three, my sister and my girlfriend live here as well. Can I inquire what this is about? Did something happen to our home"? The officer looked between the three of them. All her had was a simple notebook in his hand, covered with scribbles the they were not sure of the meaning yet. "I think we should step inside". Bellamy looked back at Clarke, she pulled her house key from her pocket, unlocking the door and turning on the lights. They welcomed the officer in their home and asked if he would like anything to drink. He declined, being on official business and all but insisted they sit down. "I'm here to talk to a Ms. Griffin". Clarke was focused on the ground, she was sure that she hadn't done anything wrong, what could he possibly want with her?
"That's me". She held her hand up quietly. Bellamy reaching a hand over to rub her back from the chair beside her. "Mrs. Griffin we were informed by the police of another county that there had been an accident. Are you the daughter of Abby Griffin"? Clarke could feel the lump in her throat. All she had; her mother was all she had left. "I am, can you please tell me what kind of accident. Is my mother ok"? She reached out for Bellamy's hand in his lap, gripping it hard. Never breaking her stare from the officer. "Ms. Griffin was at the hospital she was employed at when a patient came in. He had been on a binge and was having hallucinations and symptoms of possible overdose". Clarke listened closely, waiting for the end of the story. "Your mother was trying to restrain him with several other hospital staff when he pulled the syringe out of her hand and stabbed her in the main artery in her neck. They tried to stop the bleeding, but she had lost too much at that point. I'm sorry Ms. Griffin but your mother has passed".
Clarke felt the jolt to her heart, her father and now her mother. No other family to speak of, she was an orphan. She turned into Bellamy's shoulder needing him more than she had ever needed him in her life. Bellamy stood up holding Clarke in his arms. Octavia came around to take her while he showed the officer out, thanking him for coming the long way and alerting them of the news personally. When he was back inside Octavia was with Clarke in her room, lying on her bed. Clarke was shaking from all her emotions, tears streaming down her face. Bellamy joined them, laying next to Clarke. He felt helpless, his sister and him knew what it was like to be on their own, but they still had each other and their mom.
"No matter if it's blood or not we are still here for you we are still your family Clarke". Octavia said, rubbing her friends back, tears streaming down her face as well. She looked over at Bellamy. This was the night on the field all over again. Except this time there was no pushing away, they would be here for her. Clarke cried for hours it must have been early in the morning, around 4am when they heard their doorbell ring. Octavia was laying on the couch, the television lighting the room. No one was getting sleep tonight. Wells was at the door; he had driven all this way when he heard the news from his dad. Octavia threw her arms around him, happy to see him there. "Where is she, does she know". Octavia released him, shaking her head. "Oh god, O. This never should have happened". Octavia knew that Wells was equally upset, he knew Clarkes family longer than her and Bellamy had. She led him to Clarkes room where Bellamy was laying, Clarke sprawled laying across his chest. Her eyes red. Bellamy lifted her off, letting Wells take her place. The only guy he would never be afraid to let in Clarkes life. Clarke reached out for Wells and the two of them, left them to it. They had a lot to talk about. Both were hurting and Bellamy was willing to give them their space.
The sun had risen, and a new day was here. Only a couple hours after Wells had arrived. Bellamy crashed in the living room and Octavia went into her room. The whole house quiet. He knew he didn't drink coffee but this morning he could probably use it. He walked over to the kitchen to make a pot. Turning it on and placing new grounds into the filter. He walked over to Clarkes room. Wells and Clarke asleep on the bed. Both looking exhausted. Quietly he moved away, letting them be. He pulled out his phone, calling his mom. "Hey Bellamy" his mom sounded tired on the other end; he assumed their whole small town was aware of the news a couple hours after it happened. "Hey mom, I'm here with Octavia, Clarke, and Wells. I just wanted to call you and say hi. I wanted to ask if you knew what I should prepare for. I don't really go through this often so is there going to be a funeral. Should I be packing things for Clarke. I mean what do I do here I feel kind of helpless". Bellamy's mom calmed him from the other side of the line. "Your doing everything you can by just being there for her. I'm so happy she has someone and that someone is you Bell. There is going to be a funeral, but that's up to Clarke. Maybe if you know her class schedule you can contact her professors, tell them what is going on so she can be excused from class. She will have to come down to make the arrangements. Since there is…." She struggled to say the last part remembering Clarke's dad's accident. "No one else".
Bellamy pulled the nearest piece of scrap paper to him writing all this down. He didn't want to forget anything and wanted to be the best help he could to Clarke. "Do I need to plan a reception or maybe put something in the paper"? His mother assured him that everything would go better once Clarke got into town to decide. It was really all up to her. "I just feel so much for her mom, she's been through enough". "I know baby, just hang in there and be there for her. You guys have a place to stay if you need it". Bellamy thanked his mom for her help and hung up the phone watching Wells hold Clarke as they moved out of her bedroom. Bellamy got up taking her in his arms. "I didn't wake you did I". Clarke shook her head slightly grabbing onto his shirt and keeping her face close to his chest. "Okay well why don't we get some food in you and then we can take as long as you need before we talk". He could feel the tears bleeding through his shirt. He just waited until Clarke was ready to move, standing there holding him like she needed him to breathe, to live. He closed his eyes, he made a promise to himself that whatever their next move was, they would do it together.
There's lots more in store before the ending, I hope you've enjoyed the chapter and will continue reading. Thank you to all those supporters and readers. Don't forget to review if you like it or are looking for anything from the story. Thank you again and as always BE KIND
