Chapter 13
6 Months Later:
Clarke:
Plans on papers, scattered across the table. We were trying to keep everything in order but with the wedding so close, things were getting a bit hectic.
Lexa and I had decided pretty quickly that we didn't want to wait to long to get married. We set the date that was now only a week out. I had managed to do some sweet talking into getting Lexa to wear a beautiful wedding dress, one similar to the one I'd be wearing. The bridesmaids dresses were also picked out and bought, which is where Lexa and Lincoln were now, to pick them up. We had chosen Octavia, Raven, Indra and Anya as bridesmaids, and Lincoln, Gustus and Titus as the 'groomsmen'. We rented the banquet hall on the opposite side of town that overlooked the beach, weather permitting, the ceremony would take place on the waters edge. All the decorations, the DJ, and the invites had all long been taken care of. There was only one thing left to do...and Octavia and I were set on making the final decision today!
It was down to two cakes. They typical 3 tier cake, but with an excessive amount of candles (Lexa's idea), or a 3 tier red velvet cake dressed in its classic frosting and a picture of Lexa and I on one of our first dates, which is the cake that Octavia and I were leaning towards. Finally I made the decision to go for the red velvet and I'd have to make it up to Lexa later.
"You know she's going to be upset you didn't go with the fire hazard cake." Octavia said helping me gather all the papers and plans together and back into the folder.
"Don't worry, I'll make it up to her." I responded taking a sip out of my glass of wine. It had been a rough couple weeks lately. Between planning my dream wedding, my patients and meetings, I was drained so I was taking full advantage of my first full day off in a while. "You want another?"
"Umm," she started considering it, "Fuck it, why not? Hit me. So it's getting pretty close to the big day, what do you want to do for your bachelorette party?"
"Oh jesus O, I don't need a bachelorette party." I said honestly as I poured more of the crisp white wine into her glass, "I mean, just a night in with a couple bottles of this and a few friends is all I really need."
"You can't honestly be serious right now. You know Lincoln is taking Lexa out next Friday right? He won't tell me what the plan is, but they are going out."
"Fine, but only because it's basically tradition and it can't be to crazy O, I'm serious. Just promise me you'll keep it on the lower end of your party scale." I giggled She shot me a dirty look before laughing herself
"Fine, fine, fine. I promise. Raven will be upset though, she was really looking forward to getting some male strippers."
"Oh god no!" I yelled without realizing it. "Absolutely not."
"I told her you'd say no but she insisted I at least try. Well Lexa, Lincoln and the rest of them are leaving around 7 to go out, so be ready for that time too. We are going to have some fun"
Lexa:
By the time I got home with two arms full of dresses, it was well past 10 pm. After picking up everything, Lincoln decided to kidnap me and take me to this party with him, which normally I'd be fine with but over the course of time that I've known Clarke I've changed. Big blow out parties weren't my thing anymore. I had become 'domesticated' as Lincoln called it. I just preferred to stay in with a small group of close friends and have nice relaxing nights now. I didn't mind it, I just liked spending time with my girl now.
Anyway, when I finally got home, Octavia had left and Clarke was asleep peacefully on the couch. Her empty wine glass was on the edge of the coffee table and the blanket was barely covering her bare legs. I quickly hung all the dresses in the hall closet before returning to her side. I quietly knelt beside her and pushed her disheveled hair out of her face.
"Babe," I whispered quietly then slightly louder when she didn't react, "Babe, lets get you to bed. You'll be more comfortable there."
She moaned loudly before slowly pushing to her feet. She leaned on me for support all the way down the hall before reaching her side of the bed. She fell down on her butt, just barely making the bed. Luckily she was already in her shorts and a tee so I just guided her to a lying down position before covering her with the blanket and kissing her goodnight on her forehead. I then spent the next half hour looking over the progress she and Octavia had made earlier in the day. I saw she decided on the red velvet cake which she was definitely going to have to make up to me later. I cleaned up a bit before joining Clarke in bed. I laid awake for a few moments looking over at my beautiful bride to be. I don't think I could ever understand just how lucky I've been. To meet such a wonderful, smart, beautiful woman that wanted anything to do with me after she found out exactly who I was.
I mean obviously with the fall of the Azgeda's, we had no more 'enemies, so my gang went from 'street rats' to your average group of friends. Not only was this better for everyone but it was the best life changing thing to happen for me. It was safer for me and Clarke and I didn't have to worry about having her taken from me like Costia, that's why I felt so comfortable proposing to Clarke, I felt her safety was ensured now. I'm not exactly sure what time it was but it didn't take long before I drifted off to sleep.
The last week of our 'single' lives together was nothing but a headache. Between her busy schedule at work with patients and meetings, and setting up the final arrangements for our wedding, we were completely exhausted. By the time Friday afternoon rolled around we were extremely grateful. When Clarke finally arrived home it was just before 5 and she collapsed on the couch with a heavy sigh. I came out of the bedroom from getting ready to see her sprawled out across the piece of furniture.
"Rough day love?" I asked fastening the last buckle on my boot.
"The worst" she responded never making eye contact. "I want to do absolutely nothing but sit here with you and watch crappy TV all night with you"
I lifted her legs just enough that I could slide in underneath them. This felt right, this felt perfect, and I couldn't wait to spend the rest of our days like this.
"I know babe, but we have the rest of our lives to sit like this. Tonight we are both going out, have some fun, and then tomorrow we officially start our lives together. There will be plenty of nights like this to come, I promise."
"You're right, you're right," She sighed shifting her legs off of me to sit up right. I was a;ready missing the warmth and the pressure of her atop of me, "I guess I'll go get ready then too."
While she dressed and got ready for her night I finished up myself. Just as I was helping Clarke fasten her necklace, we heard Lincoln and Octavia pull up. We locked up and headed outside. I walked Clarke over to Octavia's car and kissed her goodbye before going and getting into Lincolns. We pulled out of the parking lot going in opposite directions.
Clarke:
We pulled into the parking lot of one of the most popular spas in the state. It was always really hard to get into so I had never been and I had no clue how Octavia managed to get us in on such short notice.
"O, how did you get us into this place? It's always booked solid."
"I have my resources Clarke." She giggled pulling into the space next to where Raven and Anya stood waiting for us.
We all walked inside together and all did the same thing at once. All of our heads tilted backwards to admire the gorgeous mural that was painted over the entire ceiling of the building. It was beautiful and breathtaking and made me wish I had more time for my favorite past time, my art. I hadn't touched my easel since I opened the Clinic years ago after I got my license to practice medicine. I missed it dearly but between work, meetings and my personal life, there just wasn't enough time in the day.
"Hello, you must be the Bachelorette party for Dr. Griffin?" the lady behind the desk asked jolting our attention from the artwork.
"Yes, I'm Octavia Blake, the one who called to make the reservation, and this here is Dr. Clarke Griffin, the bride to be." she said motioning to me.
"Perfect, okay Dr. Griffin, come on back with your friends and lets get you nice and relaxed for your big day." she said leading us down the hall behind the desk.
We walked into a large room where there was four massage tables. The room was dimly lit with an abundance of candles lit, very Lexa like, and the relaxing running sounds from the fountain in the corner made it instantly calming. We were each directed to individual changing rooms where were were asked to remove all of our cloths and return in only the towel provided. After that task was completed we re-entered the room and waited. Just moments later the door opened and four people walked in, I was assuming they were here to give us the massages. We laid on our stomachs as instructed, Octavia on the table to my right.
"O?!" I whispered just loud enough so she could hear me. She turned her head to face me and the red marks on her face already made it very hard for me to keep it together. "O, this is amazing, thank you so much."
"It's not over princess. This is only the beginning."
"O?!! What is your plan after this??" I asked anxiously
"Shhh, don't worry about it Clarke, enjoy this." She said before turning her head away again signaling she was done talking
The rest of the massage was quiet. When it ended and we were all relaxed and re dressed, Anya and I headed out into the parking lot while Octavia and Raven 'settled the tab'. Now while Anya was closer to Lexa for obvious reasons, over the course of the past few months since Lexa moved in, we had become friendly enough to hold a decent conversation.
"Hey would you happen to know what Octavia's plan is after this?" I asked
"No, but Clarke, you really do need to relax. No matter what it is, I know Octavia will take care of you." She responded looking me square in the eye. There was a short pause before she continued, "and neither will I. I refuse to let Lexa get hurt again."
Just then Octavia and Raven rejoined us and we loaded up and headed towards our next destination. Soon we were pulling into a parking lot I knew very well. The Skybox. The only bar in the area for our age group, you know, one without the rowdy rambunctious collage kids. We all walked in together and Octavia ordered the first round.
Lexa:
We left the house the same time Clarke and Octavia did headed in the opposite direction. I still had no idea what Lincoln's plan was and honestly with him it could be just about anything. We pulled into the lot of 'Extra Practice' a batting cage/bar joint. When we walked inside Gustus was already in a cage hitting a few balls. For the next hour or so we hit some balls and knocked back a few drinks. I do admit it was already a pretty amazing night but as we were wrapping up though Lincoln made it pretty obvious there was something else up his sleeve. As we walked back to Lincolns car I could tell there was something heavy on his mind.
"Penny for your thoughts Lincoln?" I asked as we got into the 'stang.
"What? Oh, ummmm. I've been thinking about doing something. I just don't know when." He said never looking at me. I could tell this was really bugging him so I knew it had nothing to do about tonight.
"Lincoln, are are practically family," I said giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder, "Talk to me."
"I've been thinking about proposing to Octavia." was all he said at first before the car fell silent for a moment. "I've fallen so madly in love with her and don't want to even think about spending another day of my life without her.
"Awwwww." I cooed mostly out of genuine emotion and partially to annoy him.
"Bite me commander. Remember who proposed first!" he said finally glaring at me.
"Touche...touche. Do it then. I think if you feel that strongly about her, about this, then it can't be that wrong."
"But how, and when?"
"Do you have the ring?" I asked having an idea
"Yes?"
"Do it tomorrow. At the reception. It will be perfect. Everyone will be there and the mood will already be set. You're golden."
"No, I can't take away from your day Lexa." he said shaking his head.
"Yes you can okay? You have my permission and I'm sure Clarke won't mind either. I'll talk to her tonight, you got this bro, okay?"
"Okay, okay." he said sounding a bit more relaxed, "By the way this next stop was NOT my idea."
Just then we pulled into a parking lot that I hadn't been into in years, and honestly I didn't know if I wanted to be right now. Not really.
"Lincoln, I don't know about this." I said
"It was Gustus's idea, I know, rather cliche if you ask me but do you think you can humor him for half an hour?"
I looked at the building again and the neon 'GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS' sign and 'Polis' logo sign flashed bright in the night air. I agreed that for a short time I'd participate. I exited the car with a low groan and we made our way inside.
Inside was the same as it has ever been. Disgusting men, woman 'working' just trying to survive, and the cigarette smoke was thick enough that I could've cut through it with a knife. It took everything in me to not turn around and walk out. This was the main reason I stopped coming here years ago. It was sleazy and I always felt like shit after I left. Lincoln and I took seats in the darkest corner while 'happy as hell' Gustus went to get us all beers. When he finally returned it was only for a moment to drop our drinks off before disappearing into the crowd at center stage. Lincoln and I did pretty well not causing any unwanted attention to ourselves and managed to not have any woman come over to us until Gustus returned with another round and two girls in tow. One girl hung onto Gustus's arm while the other slipped into the booth beside me immediately putting her hand dangerously high on my thigh. My body tightened at the contact.
"That there is Lexa, the bride to be" Gustus said.
"Hmm," the blonde next to my hummed as she ran her index finger along my jawline. "Such a gorgeous girl, such a shame you're getting married tomorrow."
"EXCUSE ME?!?" I yelled pushing her away, "You don't know me, my life, or my fiancee."
"Whoa whoa. Relax everyone." Gustus said sounding shocked about the sudden turn of events.
"No, I need to get out of here, this was a mistake." I said moving my way out of the booth. "Lincoln?!"
He tossed me his keys quickly as he could probably see the rage written on my face. I stormed out quickly and sped off towards home. As I turned down our street I saw Octavia pulling away, meaning Clarke was home. I parked quickly and ran inside to find her.
"Clarke!" I called for her, "Clarke?!"
"Lexa! Baby, you're home already? Did you have fu.." She paused after coming down the hall and seeing my face. "What's wrong?"
"I love you Clarke." I said running up to her, my hands holding her face and our foreheads touching.
"I love you too Lex, but you're really scaring me right now."
"Gustus dragged Lincoln and I to a strip club, and then this girl started hitting on me and then said that it was a shame that I was getting married tomorrow. It pissed me off and the only thing I wanted, the only thing I needed was to see you." I rambled on without taking a breath
"Shh." She whispered pulling me into a hug, "I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere."
We spent the next hour or so unwinding and talking about our nights. We were in bed cuddled up with other talking the night away.
"Clarke, you have become the most important person in my life, and I can't wait to become your wife tomorrow so we can spend the rest of my days treating you like a queen."
"Tomorrow can not come soon enough babe, I can't wait either."
"Oh by the way, Lincoln wants to propose to Octavia. I told him it would probably be okay to do it tomorrow at the reception, are you okay with that?" I asked running my fingers through her golden locks.
"Yea, I'm fine with that. Sounds like it's going to be really romantic. I can't wait to see her face." she said leaning in just close enough to kiss my forehead.
Soon after that we were fast asleep, and morning came just as quick. Almost immediately after rolling out of bed did the chaos start. Getting everything together to make sure we didn't forget anything, getting the dresses in order, makeup and bags ready to go. Shortly afterward Octavia showed up to pick up Clarke and I was leaving to go pick Lincoln up in his own car. The whole time I was getting ready I could feel my nerves slowly start to kick in. This was it, this was our big day, the beginning of the rest of our lives together. I dressed and got ready as quickly as possible, spending far to much time on my makeup making sure it was perfect. The ride to the beach is when my nerves really started to kick in. I tried my best to keep my cool, but all of my thoughts and memories from my 'former' life flashed before my eyes. The wars, the fights, the gunshots and bloodshed. My brain then immediately went to Clarke. She was such an amazing person, what did she want with an ex gang leader like me. Someone with such a horrible and violent past. Someone who has done things so bad that I struggle with nightmares regularly The panic must have hit a high because Lincoln looked over at me before nudging me.
"Lexa? Lexa, hey, are you okay?"
"Lincoln, I'm scared." was all I said looking at him struggling to keep tears at bay.
"Listen to me okay? I know how much you love Clarke, and I can tell she loves you just as much. Everything is going to go perfect, I promise, okay?" he said trying his best to reassure me pulling into the lot and parking before reaching for his door handle, "You ready? I gotta get to my spot."
All I said was 'yea' before he exited the car and took off in a slow sprint towards the beach. I stood up out of the car and took a moment looking off in the direction of where family and friends sat waiting for me to make my entrance. My heart was racing and I could feel it in my throat. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself a bit before walking towards the shore line. It didn't take long before I heard I saw and heard the crowd and the flower archway over the beginning of the 'sand aisle'. I stood under the arch holding my bouquet of flowers with a death grip. I looked down the way and laid my eyes on Clarke. She was beautiful. Her golden hair shined in the bright sun and it looked amazing the way she had it hanging lightly over her right shoulder. Suddenly, scaring me half to death, the 'wedding march' started and the crowd rose to their feet, excited to watch me make my way down to the bride to be. I stood there completely paralyzed, unable to move my feet at all. The only thing I could think about in this moment was how I felt after I found out the only person I had ever loved was killed. The feeling of anxiety became so strong it drove my feet in the opposite direction towards the parking lot again. The sounds of the crowd gasping only made my feet move more quickly away from the scene. I needed to get away from it all as soon as possible.