Chapter 3

Well, it's Monday, Memorial Day to be exact. Being that it is a holiday almost everything in town is closed for the Parade. People are lining both sides of the street in anticipation. Clarke had decided to keep the diner open until after the parade.

On schedule, Bellamy walked in at 7:30 as usual, but this time was different. He had his arm around a woman. If she had to guess she would say that she had to be in her mid-20's. She had long straight dark brown hair, blue eyes, thin build, and a smile that could launch a thousand ships. She was beautiful. A pang of jealousy hit Clarke. Who was she and why did his chocolate brown eyes sparkle when he looked at her?

Clarke was struggling but tried to act as she did every morning when he looked up at her.

Good morning Clarke, he said as his smile widened.

Morning Bellamy, will you be having the usual this morning? She smiled back, but he noticed it was a bit off today.

Yes please.

And for the lady?

The bubbly young woman bounced from her seat giving Clarke a tight squeeze. Clarke was a little taken back looking at Bellamy with confusion in her eyes.

Hi Clarke! I am Octavia, Bell's sister. I have heard soooo much about you.

Bellamy's face turned a shade of pink that she had never seen before. Clark's head dipped trying to unsuccessfully hide that she was blushing as well.

Well it's nice to finally meet you Octavia. Her smile returning maybe even a little brighter than usual.

So, I hear you and big brother here have a date tonight. Bellamy nudged his sister with his elbow.

I wouldn't consider it a date per say, it's just the movies. I know how he likes history and well I guess I have a little interest in it as well and have never seen Spartagus before sooo, I thought he wouldn't mind joining me. Clarke starts to fidget.

Um, so Octavia, what would you like?

Make it 2 of whatever he's having. Clarke scribbles on her guest check, nods and rushes off.

She's seems nice Bell. You better not mess it up.

He snickers. Thanks for the vote of confidence sister dear.

Clarke returns to their table with 2 stacks of pancakes, bacon, a pitcher of warmed maple syrup, and 2 small bowls of fresh fruit.

There you go, I hope you enjoy it. Let me know if you need anything else. She turns to walk away.

Octavia stops her, I know you're busy, but do you have a few minutes to join us?

I would like that, but until the parade starts, I am afraid it is going to continue to be a mad house in here.

Well how about dinner later? You guys can come over and you can meet my other half Jasper before you go to the theater.

Clarke looks over at Bellamy who gives her a hopeful nod.

Sure, that would be nice.

Ok, Bell you guys will be there by 6?

Bellamy looks up to Clarke, pick you up at 5:30 then?

That will be good. She scribbles on her guest check again and tearing it out.

Here's my address. I'll see you at 5:30. She smiles and starts tending to the other customers.

Bellamy looked at the address, he hasn't gone down that street in years, he shook his head in disbelief. He knew the place. Of course he was sure it wouldn't look the same as it once had, it had been his childhood home. It was a small 2 level 2 bedroom house, with white paint and blue shutters. It also had a swing on the porch that in the summertime he and Octavia would sit on to catch the last breeze of the evening while his mother read them books about ancient Greece and Rome before sending them off to bed. It was one of his fondest memories. Despite the fact that his father took off on them just after O was born, that place held a lot of happy memories. It wasn't until his mother was diagnosed with cancer that she had to sell the house to try and cover some of her hospital bills and put food on the table, she ended up renting an apartment above a garage, the same one Bellamy still lives in now.

When they had finished their breakfast, the diner was so crowded they couldn't even catch her eyes to say goodbye so Bellamy left the money and the bill next to the register with a note: See you tonight x.

After everyone had filed out into the streets, Clarke began to tally up her receipts when a piece of paper fell to the floor. It was Bellamy's note. Reading it made her feel warm inside. She was not only excited but a bit nervous. Clarke cannot remember feeling this way in a long time. Not since before the death of her parents.

Clarke had not had a day off since she opened the she only had to walk a few blocks she usually just left her pick up in the driveway. Locking up the diner at noon she began to walk home she tilted her head back feeling the warm sun on her face. It was a beautiful day.

Being home in the afternoon felt different but it would give her time to get ready with her evening with Bellamy.