Chapter 26
By the time they woke up the light was shining through the window. Clarke was laying on the floor with Bellamy's arm around her. She breathed in the air from the empty space. It filled her lungs and reminded her instantly of the comfort she once felt at home. Between Bellamy and the warmth that was filling the room she knew that she never needed to pinpoint a singular place as home anymore. Home was wherever he was. Where her friends were. They were a family.
As Clarke looked down remembering the events of the night before still wrapped in Bellamy's embrace, she spotted the silver ring on her finger. She knew there was no rush but maybe one day, they would have their own little family. There was plenty of time for that though. She felt a set of lips followed by tender kisses being brushed over her shoulder. Bellamy was clearly awake. "Good morning Mrs. Blake". The statement made her blush, "I don't think we can jump to that before the wedding. I'd like to hold onto the title Griffin a little while longer if you don't mind". Bellamy's eyes scanned up to the ceiling, his smile faltering a bit. "Oh no, I didn't mean that I don't love hearing the sound of it. I just want to cherish this too. These moments, all our moments together. The first time I want to hear Mrs. Blake is when I am standing at the alter with you. Holding your hands and looking into those warm brown eyes of yours".
Bellamy turned to smile at her. His previous feelings and worry gone. He would always have the insecurity that he would never be good enough for her. Where he came from, his family. But Clarke managed to always make him feel good enough. Make him feel like he could be himself, and not hide anything. Those insecurities would be long gone over time. Clarkes phone let off with a ding. Checking it to make sure everything was ok. It was a text from Octavia. "Hey Clarke when you get a chance can you call me; I really need my bestie right now". Clarke sat up, feeling Bellamy's arm fall off her and the cold hit the skin that was previously warm from his body. "Everything ok"? She knew that Bellamy would be worried about his sister. That is probably why Octavia choose to text her instead of him. She wanted to keep this quiet, so he didn't get himself too riled up in his own thoughts.
"Yea, it's just Octavia checking on us. Why don't we pack up her, and head home"? "Already"? A lazy grin on his face indicating that he had much more celebrating ideas in mind. Clarke leaned in to kiss his lips. "Yeah, I just want to make sure to get home not too late. Then we can do more celebrating there". That was enough to get Bellamy up and going. He was throwing on his clothes and Clarke watched him with a giggle. "What? Like you said I just don't want to be home late. And other stuff". He laughed exiting the room. Clarke picked up her cell dialing Octavia's number. She answered right away but the girl on the other line was far from fine. She could hear the quiet sniffles. "Hey Octavia, what's wrong". She also heard another voice in the background and recognized it as Raven's. "MEN CLARKE THAT IS WHAT'S WRONG". Clarke could see where this was going and moved to gather her clothes in her hands. "I'll be home soon. Getting my things together now". "Thanks Clarke". She sniffled as she hung up the phone. Family thought Clarke. Your always there for your family.
When they pulled in the drive Clarke made a distinct move to open the door quickly but knew that Bellamy would guess something was up. She diverted from her actions into a quick plan. "Oh shoot, I forgot I wanted to run to the store for brunch ingredients. I completely forgot on the way here. Would you mind..."? She trailed off hoping he wouldn't catch onto her lie. Bellamy leaned in kissing her lips and putting the key back in the ignition to start the car. "Of course, I don't mind. Anything for my princess". She closed the door watching him pull away before heading to the house. When she was about to walk in and yell for her friends, she could already see Octavia's red eyes and puffy face. Dried tear marks and a hoodie pulled over her head. She rushed over to her. Octavia looked behind her to check where Bellamy was. "I figured you'd want to keep him out of this, so I sent him to the store for some supplies".
Octavia grabbed her, pulling her in for a hug. "I actually think we could use the manpower this time. Maybe Bellamy's temper could play in our favor". Octavia turned her head to look at Raven with a glare. "Raven I don't think now is the time for jokes". Clarke rubbed Octavia's back as she settled against her shoulder. "What happened O, everything was fine when we left". "Octavia took a deep breath pulling away and looking at Clarke. "Yesterday I was finishing up a run-in town when I saw Lincoln standing on the sidewalk across the street with another women. At first, he was holding her hands and then they were hugging, and it just seemed a little too close to me. He pulled away and kissed her cheek before watching her walk to her car". Clarke didn't want to jump to conclusions. "It could have just been a friend O". Octavia looked at her like she was crazy. "It was a long hug Clarke. They leaned into each other and he was rubbing her back. Like he was cherishing it. Then when she went to leave, he was watching her go to her car and I swear he was eyeing her butt. I ran out of there as fast as I could. And in case I was over thinking it I texted him and still have not heard back. What does that tell you huh"? Ok Clarke had to admit it didn't look good for Lincoln at this point. But it didn't make sense. He was spending all his time with Octavia, helping around the house. He was a super sweet and nice guy. He just didn't seem like the type that would do this.
"I say we do some digging. Do you remember what the girl looked like? Maybe she's on his social media…maybe we can". Raven held up her phone to Clarke. "Already managed to dig into her account. And let me tell you she is perfect". Clarkes eyes bulged out of her head at raven. "Oh, I mean she is such a hoe". Octavia grabbed Raven's phone feeling very thankful for her friend's computer hacking skills. This girl was impressive. She had tons of work out videos. Pictures of marathons she had run in, pictures with friends where her hair and make up looked flawless and on top of it all she had a couple videos where she was playing guitar singing songs she had written. There was only one photo Octavia came across that had her and Lincoln in it and it was from what was dated years ago. The caption read, "Here with you, is the best place to be". Octavia could feel the tears well up in her eyes as she handed it back to Raven. "Oh my god, I want to hate her, but I also want to be her. How is this possible"? Clarke just rubbed her back as Octavia sank into her arms. Before any of them could say another word, they heard the door open. A cheery Bellamy walking in with a bag full of bagels and cream cheese, juice, and fruit. "I figured you guys wouldn't object to bagels, but if you do, I could always run out for more". He scanned the scene in front of them. Watching Octavia's blank teary expression. Clarke's shocked face and Raven's grin. Why was she grinning at him, you know what doesn't matter? Right now, his baby sister was clearly in distress and needed him. He dropped the bags on the nearest table and ran over to the couch.
"O, what's wrong? Something happen are you ok"? He raised her face to his to look over her and make sure she was alright. "Bellamy before you". Clarke started to say but knowing Octavia wasn't harmed he couldn't help where his mind was going, and it was no where good. "Where is he"? He asked. Standing up straight and crossing his arms with a pissed off look. Clarke got up from beside Octavia and walked over to him. Touching his arm and trying to calm him down. He just stared at Octavia. "Tell me O, or I will find him on my own". Octavia choked out the words from her mouth. "Probably with some other women". She said before running to her room and slamming the door. Bellamy had enough to formulate what was going on.
He grabbed the keys to head back out, Clarke on his tail. "Bellamy, we don't know the whole story, you need to wait. You're not thinking you're just acting irrationally". Bellamy stopped his hand on the door. "Irrationally, that is my baby sister in there Clarke". Pointing to Octavia's closed door. "I know ok, I know but I don't even fully understand the full story yet. We need to just take a second". "And what, calm down. That is the last thing that I need to do right now. When things happen to family you act. You act so that nothing has the chance to happen. I need answers now". "I know ok, I just figured you could at least". Clarke was trying her best to calm him down. He wasn't thinking and Lincoln would probably end up dead if Bellamy managed to find him now. Instead her words only angered him more and he spat out the next sentence without thinking. "Just because you've been staying with O all these years does not make you family, ok. You of anyone should know that actions speak louder than words". Clarke could feel the burn from his words. On so many levels was he wrong. She knew he was mad, and he probably was saying things out of anger, but Octavia was her family. She would officially be after the wedding. But the first thing that came to her mind other than that was that she knew actions spoke louder than words. So instead she toughed up as she saw Bellamy realize what he just said. The changed expression in his face. "Clarke I". He reached for her hand and she ripped it away. Grabbing the keys and moving around him. "I know actions speak louder Bellamy because the last action I made was leaving my family in words of anger and if I looked back, I might have gotten to see them one last time".
Clarke knew this wasn't about her, but she couldn't help it. Mistakes were made in her life and this once particular mistake hit her mind hard. She left Bellamy standing on the porch shouting for her as she pulled out of the driveway. Headed into town. She looked through the glass watching the people on the sidewalk. Families, students, animals on a walk. She slammed the brakes, whipping into a parking spot of a café as she noticed Lincoln sitting outside. She got out of the car slamming it behind her. Not caring who was around to hear. "Hey you, I need to talk to you now". Lincoln looked at her in shock. She pulled out the chair to sit down and slammed her hand on the table with it. "You want to tell me why you've been two timing my friend behind her back". Lincoln looked speechless as his cup rested against his lips. "No answer"? She whipped out her phone pulling up the picture of the girl's profile she saw earlier. "Explain or I will hurt you". Clarke could feel the rage of her fight with Bellamy, her rage to protect her friend. Finally, she was taking out some much needed anger. Lincoln put down his cup, sighing. "I can explain". Hands up in surrender, Clarke watched him. Ready to listen.
Lincoln sat there intimidated for the first time from the petite blonde. He had hung out with Clarke a lot in the past few months. She meant a lot to Octavia and he wanted to be close with her friends if they were going to be his friends someday. He decided to get to the point, looking at the picture in Clarke's hand. "Her name is Lexa and she is a friend of mine. We grew up together basically, well for a while until we moved away from each other. When I started going to school here, we happened to run in to each other. From time to time we have lunch, drinks, chat".
"Have sex"? Clarke was direct. He could be lying. It would be hard to tell since she didn't know Lincoln personally. Lincoln laughed at her comment, sitting back and crossing his arms. "No, sex is something we do not have".
"Is that as in anymore or just not right now". His smile faded as he realized she wasn't joking. "We have had sex once, yes. But that was in high school. Not that it would matter now". "Why not old feelings don't always die. Maybe you saw her and there was some type of spark". Lincoln leaned forward. "No spark, not for me at least". Clarke remembered Echo and her ex. Ex's didn't always give you a chance before throwing themselves at you. Maybe this was a similar situation for Lincoln and Octavia had just misinterpreted it. Lincoln called out to Clarke as she tried to re-focus. "Lexa is gay Clarke. That's what I meant by not for me". Well that certainly changed things.
"Oh, I mean I'm not judging or anything I just figured…. I'm sorry we have a lot to talk about". "Why don't you start with the fact that you came over here looking very scary accusing me of having sex with a woman who you apparently already knew". Clarke remembered showing him her profile pic, this part she was not proud of. "Raven actually showed it to me, to us. We kind of stalked her social media". Lincoln raised his eyebrows at the statement, she was bold to admit the truth to someone she sort of knew. "The only reason we had to was because Octavia saw you two today on her run. In full arms embrace and eyeing her as she walked away". Lincoln sat up straighter, she had his attention.
"Why didn't Octavia just approach me herself"? "Octavia would have, she's a strong personality and by no means should you take this as she's not trusting. She just really likes you and well, she thought the worst". Lincoln ran a hand over his head letting out a frustrated sigh. "I really like her too. I mean I would even go far enough to say I love her, but we aren't really using that word too much yet. So please do not go telling her I did. Especially when the first time was to her best friend". The waitress at the coffee shop poked her head around the corner she could see the two were having more of a civil conversation then when she tried to approach moments ago, hearing the blondes raised tone. "Hi um can I get you anything….". Clarke smiled up at her. "Yes please, vanilla latte with almond milk". The waitress retreated, making her way back in to get her order.
"So …." Clarke sat there embarrassed. Now she knew what it was like to have Bellamy's temper. "Anything else happen today"? Lincoln smiled as the waitress reappeared placing a cup down in front of Clarke. "Yeah well actually there is something I would like to talk to you about". Clarke looked at her ring finger as Lincoln started explaining more about his interactions with Lexa today. How their lives were changing, but not in a bad way. Just getting much, much better.
Octavia had locked herself in her room before Clarke had left. Bellamy tried to pull her out, sitting at her door and telling her to talk to him but it was no use. He felt like an idiot for getting so mad. He felt dumb for yelling at Clarke and saying what he did. But what he wanted to do most was ring Lincoln's neck. When he heard a jumble of keys at the front door he stood up on his feet. Watching as Clarke and Lincoln made their way inside. As if her did a full 360 he was back to being mad again. He was back to fuming as he watched Lincoln, the man who made his sister cry be welcomed into their home. Clarke placed the keys down on the counter looking up at him. "You stay where you are. You have no idea what is going on. So, stop". She held her hand out signaling him that he needed to take a step back and relax.
His eyes following Lincoln as he leaned against their couch and watched Clarke approach Octavia's bedroom door. She knocked lightly. "I already tried that" Bellamy spat out. Short and angry in tone. She gave him a dirty look, and Bellamy could feel himself weaken. He didn't like affecting her like that. Getting her upset. How is it he always managed to upset someone he loved when all he wanted to do was make her happy. "Octavia it's me. I think you need to come out sweetie". Clarke left her hand on the door waiting for a response. "Clarke I just want to be alone please…I know you care but". Clarke interrupted, hoping Octavia would listen. "O, there's someone here for you. Please just open the door ok". Minuets passed as the door opened and Octavia shuffled out, hands in the pocket of her hoodie and still in her running pants and sneakers. She looked at Clarke before scanning the room. Her mouth fell open when she saw Lincoln smiling at her from across the way. "You have to be kidding me you brought him here". Clarke held her hand firmly against the door as Octavia tried to close it. "Listen to what he has to say O".
Octavia huffed walking out to the kitchen and getting a bottle from the fridge. She popped open the top to her water and composed herself. "You have 5 min". Lincoln never faltered for a second. He explain to Octavia his past with Lexa and who she was as Octavia began to grow red in the face. Embarrassed that she was just as hot headed as her older brother. Bellamy even rubbed his neck a couple of times, thinking he had been there done that. They stayed in the room in case Octavia needed them, when they requested more privacy, they would give it. Finally, as Lincoln was finishing up, He moved forward to grab Octavia's hand. Looking back at Clarke before addressing her again. "You have a really great friend here. One who's willing to go to your defense no matter what. If it wasn't for her I don't think I would have the courage to tell you that I really care about you and I would never hurt, you. I love you". Octavia was shocked at the words that came out of his mouth, but she knew that she felt the same way. It didn't take long, but Lincoln didn't let her answer him back. "I was with Lexa today because she is moving again. Her space is going to free up and I really wanted to ask her about it. I was going to ask you to move in with me". Octavia couldn't help it. "Shut up. Are you joking"? Clarke couldn't help but belt out in laughter at her friend's response.
Lincoln had already explained this to her, and she didn't not see that coming. "Does that mean you will consider it"? Octavia smiled moving closer to him and wrapping her arms around his neck. "I will do better. I would love to move in together. I love you too". Lincoln smiled bringing his lips down to her and Bellamy turned as he made a grossed-out sound. "Okay I think we can give you a moment to yourselves". He motioned for Clarke and him to move outside, but she just stood there staring at him. Still mad from before. He moved closer to her reaching out and brushing her crossed arms with his fingers. "Come on Princess, you have to give me a chance to say I'm sorry too". Clarke didn't want to fight. She was acting the way she was because she had been hurt. Knocking down her anger when she was hurt was not easy for her, but with Bellamy she wanted to do better. She had to try. Stubborn or not she walked out of their apartment arms still crossed. Bellamy closed the door leaving his sister and Lincoln inside. "What happened before I didn't mean it. You have to know that". Clarke just shrugged her shoulders looking down at the porch. "Clarke you mean so much to me. I need to learn to control myself when I'm angry and not use such bad words". Clarke shook her head still staring at the porch. Try Clarke, come on you have to move a little. She felt his finger under her chin, moving her head up to meet his eyes.
"I know your sorry, I know you didn't mean it. But you guys are all the family I have. I don't appreciate you saying Octavia isn't. You guys mean too much". She could feel herself struggling as she opened herself up. Only to him. She was always open like this with him. She took a breath as Bellamy leaned down to capture her lips. Swooping his tongue along it and taking his time with their kiss. Pulling away he looked at Clarke, the beautiful, strong person she was. So honest with him. So willing to just be herself. "I know and I won't make that mistake again. We are all family. And I hope when we do tie the knot that we can make our own little one and that family can grow". Her smile grew remembering her thoughts from this morning. "There is nothing more that I want than to give you a life of love, and a family along with it".
Bellamy wrapped his arms around her waist as she raised hers around his neck. Closing the distance their bodies kept and pressing against each other. Their kisses grew and their mouths welcomed the rising feelings. Bellamy letting out a soft grown as Clarke pulled his bottom lip into her mouth. "You know what's the best way to make up after a fight". Bellamy pulled away watching as she opened the door and scurried to her room past Lincoln and Octavia. Giggling and laughing Bellamy closed the door shut. He turned around only to find Clarke already there, pressing his back against it. "Make it up to me Blake". With the challenge accepted he backed Clarke up toward the bed. "Anything to please my fiancé". Maybe a little too loud with his last comment he heard Octavia through the door. "WHAT"?
I hope you enjoyed the chapter, more to come and thank you to all who are continuing to follow, favorite, or just read. As always BE KIND
