Chapter 25

It had only been a couple of weeks since all the most recent events. Clarke, Octavia, and Bellamy carried on as usual. Clarke throwing herself deep into her painting projects and trying to forget about the transition that she was pushing through emotionally. At night the three of them would get together for dinner and movie or Netflix nights. Sometimes Lincoln would join but they were enjoying the time to themselves. Clarke would go to bed, most of the times Bellamy carrying her and cuddling up to her as she needed. She would fall to sleep feeling exhausted, another day over but Bellamy's presence calmed her in a way that even she didn't know he was capable of. All the paperwork and money had been handled and Clarke was still walking on eggshells with it in her care around Bellamy. She didn't want to be the rich girl, the girl who didn't need anything from anyone. She wanted what she had with Octavia and Bellamy. Just the way it was. Sure, groceries were a little bit easier and rent, most of the money had been placed in savings. Occasionally she would be cleaning up dinner and Octavia would strike a conversation about the money getting a raised eye expression from her brother as he walked away. Even if he said it was fine, Clarke wanted to do something to show that it was just a possession. It didn't make her who she was.

One of the afternoons Octavia and Bellamy found themselves deep into their semesters work. Both sprawled out in their own ways in the living room. Textbooks, pens, notebooks. They both had exams coming up and were working hard. Clarke had completed most of her work, staying ahead of the game and was about to work on a piece for art class when her cell phone rang. She recognized the number with the zip code from their hometown. Unsure if it was regarding the sale of the house. When she picked up, she heard a voice on the other line. It was Bellamy's mom. "Hello Clarke, I had gotten your number from Wells and he said I could give you a ring do you have a moment"? Bellamy looked up as he watched her answer, Clarke returning to what she was doing and acting like everything was normal. "Yeah, of course I have time. What do I owe the pleasure"? "If you don't mind Clarke, I would like to keep this conversation between us, as a surprise"? Clarke knew where this was going. She held up a finger to Bellamy to get his attention. Whispering over to him "I'm going to take this outside, Finn's having some study trouble and he has a couple questions for me". Bellamy reassured her he understood before she left the apartment.

Making her way to the swing to sit down. "I walked outside, just to give us some privacy. While I usually don't like keeping things from my friends, I can understand what your asking. So, you have my attention Ms. Blake, how can I help you"? She sounded nervous on the phone taking a deep breath before continuing. "Clarke while I have the utmost respect for your loss, and your family. The situation I am in is not the best. I've been working and saving for years to take care of my family. To do what I can for Bellamy and Octavia. I have been working to help pay for their education, even if Bellamy insists that he doesn't need it. Now that I have a little extra money, I believe I would like to move into a better living situation". Bellamy's mom had lived in town but in these beat up apartments on the far ends side. They were placed near the railroad tracks and were easily broken into on multiple accounts. She lived alone, so it made sense that she would want to move. "I noticed that your home is still for sale. Your parents' home I mean. It's a beautiful house and most likely more than I need for just myself. I would like to have extra rooms for Octavia and Bellamy, and I hope one day for you to visit to. I don't want to pry or assume anything between the two of you, but I couldn't help but notice how close you are". Clarke smiled to herself thinking of their future possibilities.

"Obviously I would like to see the home first, but I know your mother took very well care of it". Clarke cut her off there. "I understand completely Ms. Blake. I can contact the realtor assigned to the listing and request a private showing. At least that way it would entail that you would be the first and most viable candidate to buy the home. I can let you sort out all the legal things on your own". "Clarke I would really appreciate that; it would be amazing, and I can't thank you enough. I can ask for you to keep this between us for now though from Bellamy and Octavia"? "Of course, you can count on it, please expect a call from the realtor soon". She thanked Clarke again before hanging up. Rather than waste time Clarke found the realtor's number, hoping he would answer because she didn't have time to waste.

"Hello Ms. Griffin, I wasn't expecting your call. What can I do for you"? Clarke explained the situation, only now she knew where she was going with it. The house was paid off, she was going to be collecting the money from the sale. Money that she no longer needed, money that she was going to donate to someone in need. Bellamy who had been accepting of her inheritance clearly had been uneasy with the whole situation. Still she wanted to do something to make it up to him, and she couldn't think of a better way. "Are you sure about this Ms. Griffin"? Clarke reassured him that he could collect part of the sale for his commission. Happy with that answer she wrapped up the conversation. "If everything works out with the showing please prepare the paperwork and have her fill it out. Send me it when it is done so I can sign, and I'll get it back to you as soon as possible". "Very good, thank you for the call I'll arrange everything promptly". She had just hung up when Bellamy came outside. "Everything ok with Finn". "He clearly needed my help more than he let on; sorry it took so long". She rose up to hug him, excited and nervous to find out what his reaction would be soon enough.

Later that week Clarke had gotten a heartfelt call from Bellamy's mom again. Luckily while she was in class. She stepped out to explain everything and calmed her over the phone. It lit up her heart to think that she could help someone like this. And she couldn't help but think that maybe her mom would have been proud of her too. That night the siblings arrived home, Clarke in the kitchen signing and filling out paperwork. Bellamy set his bag down on the counter, looking over everything briefly. Octavia hugged Clarke's side telling her hello before getting a water from the fridge. "Someone bought the house, that's good right". He was there rubbing her back. "Yeah it is, and I couldn't think of a better time then to have everything settled. I'm finally feeling ok with everything. My mom, the house, a little better about my life and where it's going". Bellamy kissed her forehead, moving to walk away and start dinner prep. "Actually, could you guys sit down, I have something I want to talk with you about"? She looked between Octavia and Bellamy, they pulled out a stool across the kitchen ottoman while Clarke gathered up all the papers.

"I know that everything seems a little different now with my inheritance and all". Bellamy adjusted in his seat, indicating that he was uncomfortable. "I wanted to donate the money from the house sale to charity, since my mom had it set in her will to pay off the house". "That's great Clarke". Octavia added, being supportive of her friend. "I've been in contact with the realtor and the client, so I'm just signing the papers so everything can be settled. The charity part might come as a surprise to you, but I want to make sure your both ok with it". Octavia looked over at Bellamy, giving him a nudge to be more supportive. "Yeah, babe. Anything we can do to help". Clarke smiled at his answer flipping the papers around and sliding it in-between them. They both eyed the front page. "Ms. Clarke Griffin releases all her property and forfeits the cost to Ms. Aurora Blake. Minus the commission this paper indicates that in this binging agreement Ms. Blake will hold all property rights from here out after sale". Octavia looked up mouth gaped open. "Does mom know about this". Clarke shook her head yes.

"She called me and asked to keep this between us. It's a better living situation for her and she didn't want to make me feel like she was taking advantage of me or making me uncomfortable". As a smile rose to Octavia's face it fell from Bellamy's. "Bellamy'? Clarke asked. Watching him stand up and leave the apartment. Clarke looked at Octavia confused. "I thought he would be happy"? Octavia shrugged her shoulders as Clarke moved to follow him outside. By the time she got out there she could see the lights turn on from his car, he was pulling out of the driveway. "Wait, what did I do wrong". Bellamy must not have heard her, that or he was ignoring her. He pulled out of the driveway and rode off. She pulled out her cell to call him but there was no answer. What Clarke expected the least was for him not to come back until tomorrow morning.

It was morning when Bellamy returned. A rush of emotions. After last night how could he go back to everything being normal. Clarke had lots of money now, would he ever be able to give her something that she couldn't get for herself. Not only that she was successful, talented, and beautiful. She was the complete package. He headed inside using his door to unlock the key. He made his way to Clarke's room where he found her fast asleep. Hoping she would forgive him for his actions. He leaned by the bed, rubbing the side of her head with his hand as he watched her eyes flutter open. "Bellamy, where did you. Where have you been"? Bellamy smiled at her as she sat up, adjusting to talk to him. "I want you to come with me". "Go with you where, why don't we stay and talk please. Just give me a chance to explain". Clarke pleaded, unsure of his feelings for her since last night. What if what she was trying to do out of kindness just made her seem more privileged. He held out his hand. Clarke threw on a hoodie grabbing it and following him outside to his car. She was still in a pair of sweats and flip flops. A sweater covering her top half. "You don't need to dress up, the place we are going we'll be alone". Now she really was worried. Would he pick a private space to dump her? She waited while he drove across town. Past the college and the middle where everything was located. As they took a scenic drive past trees and a more country location, they pulled up a long gravel drive to a very small house.

The house was big to her, but smaller than ones she's seen in the area. It was white brick on the outside, with a garage attached. Black roof and a chimney. The black door had a gold knocker on it with a G engraved in it. Bellamy pulled out the box that Clarke kept in her room. Lifting the key and handing it to her. "Open it". Clarke hesitated for a moment, but not a second more. She unlocked the door opening it to a wide-open space. The house was empty no furniture, no pictures, plain walls that were blank and white. A closet near by where Bellamy hung his coat and took off his shoes. He let Clarke walk through as she moved from the entrance to the dining room and open living room space. She moved from there into the kitchen and looked through the adjacent door at the floating style stairs that led to an upper level. She looked back at him, Bellamy smiling for her to go on. Most of the house had windows looking on the outside, allowing in lots of sunlight and views of the trees and forest covered area.

She headed upstairs there was another bathroom and 2 more rooms. One carpeted and one not. When she looked down the opposite direction there was 1 closed door. By itself, the railing by it so you could look down over to the lower level. She reached for the handle, pulling away slightly before touching it. As soon as the door was open, she noticed the most incredible space. A loft type room, windows on both angles od the ceiling. She looked up through them at the slight trees that peeked over and the blue sky above it. She could bet at night, this far away from the city it would uncover all the stars. She looked around, plain walls but in the corner, there was an easel. Bellamy was waiting by the door watching her. "Did you do this". She asked still unsure what was going on. He shook his head no, watching her. Waiting as she made her way to the easel. There was a note pinned to the cover that laid over it. She unpinned the note, nothing on either side. As she opened it she took a second to recognize the writing. Finally, it hit her, it wasn't one person's writing it was two. The left side read.

"if nature has made you a giver, your hands are born open, and so is your heart. And though there are times when your hand will be empty, your heart is always full. -Frances Hodgens Burnett. My love you give so much of yourself to everyone, your time, your dedication. Let me give you the quiet little place my family left to me in exchange for the time I am able to spend with you by my side. If you'll have me".

It was her dad's writing she hadn't seen it in so long, and she didn't quite understand what this place was until she read the other side.

"My dearest Clarke, this place has been a secret forever. We used to come out here when you were little. When our family had just gotten started. Picnics, and fun. It was a little more run down then. Now I've had it renovated. To the tee. I can always give you money and things, but this place was a gift given to me from your father. A man who didn't have much but gave me all he had. Please use it for your studio, use it as a home, use it as a getaway. Whatever you wish. Make it yours. I hope one day to see what you've made it. Love mom".

Clarke closed the note holding it close to her heart. She slid her hand over the sheet that covered the canvas pulling it off. Under it was a blank canvas, a set of paints, brushes, all brand new for her. This was something that her mom left her. This was her being proud of her daughter and giving her the chance to take what she wanted to make out of life and build a masterpiece. By the time she turned around Bellamy was right behind her. She turned around wanting to explain about his mom, about the house, and apparently, she felt she needed to explain about this lavish gift now too. Instead he cupped his hands around her face.

"You take a second to think about yourself but no time to think about others. When it comes to others in need you just throw yourself in to help them. Like you did me and Octavia years ago. Now when my mom needed it you helped her. You didn't owe her anything and yet you did that for her. You gave her a home. How did I ever get so lucky to have someone like you in my life"? Clarke could feel herself getting teary. "Bellamy I just". He brought his face to hers cutting her off as his lips pressed onto hers for a kiss. "You are the most amazing individual and I know keeping this place from you wasn't fair, but your mom made us all promise to keep it a secret. When she passed away it brought us the chance to show it to you. But your actions the other day just gave me the chance to jump at a much more meaningful opportunity". Clarke watched him as he got down on one knee. Holding her hand and looking up at her. "Clarke I'm not saying we have to get married tomorrow; I'm not saying I want to take you away from the life you had or want. I want to travel with you. I want you to have your own career, your own path. But I want to be apart of it all". He pulled out a small silver ring from his pocket a single diamond stone in the middle. "My mom gave me this, that's where I was last night. I told her I didn't want to take the chance that I could ever loose someone as wonderful as you. She knew where I was going with this and I think you do too. The other day you had the pleasure of pretending to become Mrs. Blake, and now I want that for real. I want all of you, forever. Will you marry me"? It was straight to the point a proposal that should knock her off her socks, though she was standing there still. The house, the money, and now this. Her life had taken a turn. She knew Bellamy for years and she wanted to spend a million more with him. She raised up her hand to wipe a tear from her eye. She was never alone, not when she had him in her life all this time. "Yes, of course yes". He got up pulling her in for a kiss. Wrapping his arms around her tightly, feeling her arms do the same. Their kisses deepened and in the privacy of their new space they dropped to the floor and made their home fill with love.

I really enjoyed writing this part. I would like to continue it because I think there is more to be added to this story but I am wondering if the readers would like me to continue as well. Please let me know if your interested otherwise I can make this the last chapter. Thank you for reading and I appreciate everyone for following and taking and interest in the story. As always BE KIND