I'm sorry for the long wait, new job has been kicking my ass.
Thank you so much for your reviews and for your patience.
Hope you enjoy the chapter- To the Hamptons we go!
Clarke watched with distant eyes at the party that was starting to get underway. Some of the gang arrived at the Hamptons about two hours ago, and it was only about thirty minutes ago friends of Costia's poured in. The blonde played with the plastic cup in her hands, she didn't hear her friend approach.
"A penny for your thoughts." Octavia said; grabbing hold of her best friend's arm, and rested her head on Clarke's shoulder.
Clarke was about to answer, when her eyes met soft green from across the room. Lexa looked just as out of place, as Clarke felt, with Costia's rich friends making up the numbers at the moment. The intern was praying Lincoln and the other models would get here soon; she kind of wished she didn't agree to come early to get the house ready. A voice broke her out of her thoughts.
"Clarke?"
"Sorry, what?" She looked into concern blue eyes.
"Are you sure it was good idea to come here? You've been off since the moment we arrived." Octavia questioned; concern evident in voice.
"I know, it's just I feel like I should be somewhere else." Clarke looked down at the empty cup in her hands, she doesn't even remember drinking all of its contents.
"What do you mean?" The brunette furrowed in confusion.
"The moment I stepped out of the car, I felt his presence." A smile grew on Clarke's face as she remembered the feeling; it wasn't hard for Octavia to figure out Clarke was talking about her dad. "I might go for a walk along the beach; I think that's where I need to be. I'm just-, I miss him so much O."
Octavia engulfed Clarke in a tight embrace. "Tell him I said hello, okay." Both girls tried to fight off the tears that were threatening to spill down their face.
"I will." The intern pulled out the hug. "Are you going to be okay?"
"Yes, stop worrying about me. Lincoln should be here soon."
"Have you spoken to him? I just hope the girls aren't coming on to him too strong." Clarke laughed.
"Oh please, I bet it's his dream, driving in a car full of models." Octavia shook her head at the image, fighting back her laughter. "Speaking of models, have you heard whether Niylah is coming?"
Clarke's laughter died down rapidly, her face slightly saddened. "No, she hasn't answered my texts."
Octavia gave her a sympathetic look, one Clarke hated to see.
"Are you sure you're going to be okay, I can wait till L—"
"Don't you dare, just go will you." Octavia ushered her out.
"Okay." Clarke said; before glancing back over to where Lexa was, the brunette was no longer. Clarke ignored the disappointed feeling that recited inside of her, as she walked out the door.
xx
"Have you guys seen Clarke? I can't find her anywhere." Costia spoke; going on her tiptoes to see above the crowd in the living room.
"I saw her walk out towards to the beach about ten minutes ago" Raven reported
"Is she okay? Why did she leave?" Costia questioned
"I don't know Cos that exceeds my power of sight." Raven replied bluntly.
"It's going to get dark soon, she shouldn't be out there alone." Costia said; ignoring the Latinas sarcasm.
"I know you're worried but Clarke is a big girl, she can look after herself." Octavia tried to reason, knowing why Clarke left without saying a word.
Lexa overheard the conversation, so she stopped what she was doing and leaned against doorframe where she wasn't noticed by anymore.
"Okay, but if she's not back when it gets dark; then I think we should go look for her. We might be in the Hamptons but you don't know what drunken idiots you can run into here." Costia suggested.
"They seem to be all your friends, so you would know." Raven spoke up, with sickening sweet smile as she looked around the room.
"Look, as soon as it gets dark, I'll be the first one at the door, okay." Octavia nodded; fighting the urge to roll her eyes.
Lexa pushed herself off the wood, and made her way out of the house.
Xx
Clarke was standing with her sandals in her hand, allowing the subtle waves wash over her feet. The water was cold, but she embraced the chilling impact. She had missed this feeling. Her eyes were glued on the beautiful sunset in the horizon, as her childhood thoughts flooded her mind.
Lexa made her way along the beach, when she finally saw a figure in the distance. The blonde hair blowing freely in the gentle breeze, it was easy to know it was Clarke. She watched from a far for a little while, allowing the intern to find what she was looking for, before making her presence known. Since they arrived at the Hamptons Lexa knew something was wrong with Clarke, she couldn't help but make sure she was alright we subtle glances, she knew the blonde was dealing with a lot of emotions regarding her dad.
"Everyone was wondering where you went?" She spoke softly, not wanting to scare the girl who was deep in thought.
"I'm sorry i should have said something, I just felt like this place was calling me." Clarke replied in a monotone; still clearly deep in her thoughts, as she continued to stare out to the sea.
"Are you okay?" Lexa asked; her eyes trying to search blue for the answer, but found a mixture of emotions she couldn't quite decipher.
"Do you remember when I told you about my yearly trips to the Hamptons with my dad?"
"Of course I do." Lexa nodded
"That's my grandfather's summer house, that's where we stayed." Clarke turned and pointed at a house in the distance. "I walked across this sandy beach so many times, holding my dad's hand. Being here, it just feels-" Clarke paused; trying to find the right words to describe the warmth that was spreading in her chest. "I feel closer to him here."
Lexa smiled at the brightness that had appeared in Clarke's blue eyes.
"I've been so busy with my internship; I started to feel guilty that I haven't been thinking of him lately. I think the stupid runway accident has been the best thing to happen to me, it's brought me closer to my dad."
Clarke turned to face Lexa.
"Costia is one of the good ones. I can't thank her enough, for suggesting this break. I was hesitant at first but I realize now that i really needed it." The blonde smiled at Lexa, before turning around, breathing in her surroundings. It was like a drug, making her feel at peace within herself.
The mention of Costia, makes Lexa feel guilty. She couldn't pinpoint why.
"Yeah. Yeah she is. Well I'll leave you alone. I'll let the others know you're okay."
Lexa turned to leave.
Clarke looked like she was battling a thought. She stepped forwards, towards the path Lexa had set on her way back, she quickly second guest her movement, opting to look back out to the sea. Clarke caved, finally opening her mouth, releasing the words she kept trapped.
"Lexa wait."
The brunette turned around all too eagerly.
"I never thanked you for what you did the night of the accident. Octavia told me you were in my room when she arrived." Clarke voice wasn't as confident as usual, she felt exposed somehow.
"Costia had just fallen asleep, I just wanted to make sure you were okay, you gave us quite the scare. I didn't mean to overstep, I know you want nothing to do with me." Lexa nodded sadly, but with an understanding look in her eye at her own statement.
"Lexa." Clarke exasperated.
"Its fine, I brought this on myself. I don't blame you Clarke for being mad at me, because what I did-" Lexa cut herself off, shaking her head at the memories, before a bitter laugh erupted from her mouth. "There are so many things I want to say to you. I've had a whole speech prepared for four years and I still haven't forgiven myself for what I did. So I know words will never fix what I did to you, but just know that I have spent every second regretting that moment. You were my friend Clarke; you trusted me and I hurt you. I broke a promise that I should have kept, if I could go back-"
"But you can't." Clarke interrupted; silence hung between them uncomfortable, while the blonde processed a thought. "I think you were right before, we can at least be civil towards each other, and then maybe one day we can move passed this. I'm too tired to be mad at you Lexa, it will only cause suspicion and I really don't want Costia finding out that I used to h—have-"Clarke stuttered at mentioning the feelings she once had for the brunette in front of her.
"I would take whatever you're willing to give Clarke." Lexa concluded; stopping Clarke from having to speak about the past. A confirmed nod from the blonde ignited an understanding between the two girls, and a comfortable silence pursued between them until Lexa broke it "I can see why you like it here." The brunette inhaled deeply before continuing. "It's beautiful."
"I always thought i was staring at the gateway to heaven, there's a peaceful essence a sunset gives you." Clarke spoke deep in thought
"My dad once told me that he believes the sunset takes the bad things away at the end of the day and when the sun rises, it's a new day to start over again; to learn from previous mistakes, to be a better person than you where yesterday."
Clarke looks at Lexa knowingly, after all this time the blonde could still read the older girl like a book.
"He even has a similar saying on his restaurant wall." She laughs, but something was off about it. "He really believes it."
"And you don't?" the blonde questioned
"it's not that I don't, just there are some things that even the sunset can't take away; like the pain you feel when you've lost someone close to you. You wake up and they're still gone, but for a split second when you open your eyes you get a taste of that brand new day my dad speaks about, but then it's ripped away from you in an instant when you remember they're gone. Life is beautiful Clarke, but it can just be as cruel." Lexa spoke, her voice slightly wavered; Clarke felt her pain, but she couldn't have Lexa thinking like that.
"I guess you're right, but I think your overthinking your dad's words. You must admit staring out to that sunset, does take your problems away, even if it is just for a moment. You can just relax without having the weight of your thoughts on your mind, and just enjoy the beauty of life instead of the cruelty."
"Touché" There is a small tug at the corner of Lexa's lip causing one side to rise in amusement.
Clarke's mouth wanted to speak, but her brain was short circuiting. Why was she so conflicted by the words that she wanted say. She wanted the brunette to stay; it has been awhile since she saw the Lexa she once knew. The fourteen year old inside of her was yearning for Lexa's presence. Clarke hesitancy made it clear she still had her walls built high when it came to the brunette, she didn't want to get hurt again but small steps had to be taken if she was ever going to let go of the sadness and anger that resided within her. So she made a bold move.
"Do you mind if we stay here for a bit longer and then we can head back? I just don't want to be alone; it's going to get dark soon."
Lexa knew this could potential be a bad idea, but the reasons to stay outweighed the reasons to leave by a landslide. Clarke was being civil; she wasn't going to ruin the progress they have made.
No words were exchanged. Lexa gave a firm nod with a gentle smile: making her way to the blonde's side.
Xx
"Has anyone seen Lexa?" Costia prompted in a frustrated tone, as she pushed a drunken guy out the way to reach the girls.
"No." Raven and Octavia replied in unison, not really registering Costia's presence.
"First Clarke, now Lexa. This is supposed to be a party; the others haven't even arrived yet and everyone is disappearing." The brunette groaned in irritation.
"Calm down Costia, she might have just gone for a walk or to the shops." Octavia tried to reassure.
"Without saying anything?" Costia snapped
Octavia slightly frowned, at the reaction. This girl was starting to get on her nerves. "When it gets dark we will go looking for both of them."
"Open your eyes, it's already getting dark, I think we should go now." Costia walked away, not saying anything else
"Is she always like this?" Octavia whispered to Raven
"Bossy? Yep the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." The Latina girl laughed under her breath. "Come on, before she comes back here, barking at us again."
"I get the feeling, you don't like her." Octavia smirked.
"We just never clicked the way me and Lexa did at University. I don't hate her or dislike her, she just an acquaintance, it would be an awkward moment if we were left in a room alone. If you know what I mean." Raven raised her eyebrows in question.
"I think i do, she's been over at mine and Clarke's flat a few times and I always feel like my presence is unwanted."
"That's how she made me feel years ago, I just ignore it now. I don't know if she's aware that she does it, but I think she likes having someone's full attention because her mom always gave her very little." Raven shrugged
"Are you guys ready?" Costia appeared at the door, before making her way out not waiting for them.
Octavia pulled a mocking expression at Raven, who reciprocated with a salute, before both girls started laughing; following shortly behind their general.
xx
Lexa's laugh erupted from her chest, as she sat next to Clarke on the sandy beach.
"I was only eight years old, okay! It was very traumatic at the time." Clarke pouted: telling the brunette one her dad's favourite stories of the many times they visited the Hamptons.
"I feel sorry for your dad. You scared the hell out of him, screaming thinking you were drowning, when all you needed to do was to stand up in the water." Lexa shook her head at the blonde's ridiculousness.
"He loved telling everyone about that story. He could tell it much better than i ever could, he was quite the charmer." Clarke's lips tugged into a smile.
"I wish i could have met him. He sounded amazing Clarke."
"He was. I know he would have liked you." Clarke smiled, to show she meant it.
Lexa shrugged, not knowing what to say; she grabbed a handful of sand and watched it leave her hand, blowing easily in the breeze, trying to mask her smile.
Lexa cleared her throat "It's getting late now; we should head back before the others send a search party."
Clarke tried to hide her disappoint, she missed spending time we Lexa, missed the way her smile was so contagious, Clarke couldn't help but smile in her presence. She forgot how easy it is to just be, when she was with her.
"You're right." Clarke stood up, brushing the sand of her clothes before lending a hand to help Lexa up.
The brunette smiled goofily at the gesture before grabbing just below the blonde's wrist about to hoist herself, when Clarke used her weight to help Lexa up at the same time, causing more momentum to be generated that anticipated.
Lexa's body went crashing into Clarke's, her free hand grabbed hold of the blonde's waist to steady them.
"I'm sorry." Clarke laughed in unison with Lexa. "I didn't know you were going to pull yourself up"
"Are you okay?" Lexa questioned; sincere green eyes met blue, and Clarke sucked in the cool air unexpectedly, only now realising now how close they were. She gave a quick nod, before swallowing thickly when she looked down too see Lexa's hand still resting on her hip.
Lexa followed her line of sight, soon catching onto the awkwardness that was steadily growing between them.
Lexa clears her throat, removing her hand from Clarke's waist, and took a step back.
Clarke was about to say something, when a familiar voice called out.
"Lexa, Clarke. There you guys are! Do you know how worried we were?" Costia said: making her way over to the girls.
"By we, she means her." Raven deadpanned. "It's the Hamptons, for Christ sakes."
Costia sent a death glare towards the Latina girl, who seemed to ignore the look.
"I don't care, anything can happen." Costia voiced before turning her attention on Lexa; hooking her arms around her neck. "Besides you were supposed to save me from my insufferable friends."
The movement stunned the brunette, placing her hands on her waist.
"Does she know she's insufferable?" Raven whispered to Octavia.
"I know, I'm sorry. It was a long journey, and it was getting a bit crapped in there, just wanted fresh air and to stretch my legs. Then I found Clarke watching the sunset." Lexa spoke, it wasn't a complete lie.
"You should have told me, I would have come with you." Costia responded with a pout.
"You hate walking."
"True." Costia laughed, leaning in to kiss her girlfriend.
Clarke felt awkward witnessing the PDA session.
Lexa pulled out of the kiss, giving her girlfriend a small smile, before subtly watching Clarke walk over to Octavia, before returning her attention back to Costia.
"I know that look Clarke, you're playing with fire." Octavia nodded towards Lexa, who was talking with Costia.
"it's not like that O, those feelings are gone. What you're seeing is a young girl reacquainted with memories of her father." Clarke smiled brightly.
"I want to believe you. I really do, but I just have this feeling." Octavia wasn't convinced, she knows Clarke better than anyone. She loves to live in denial before admitting her feelings.
"Did I have a crush on Lexa when I was younger, yes I did. I'll admit that, but those feelings are gone."
Something in Octavia facial expressions told Clarke she still didn't believe her. So she continued.
"I haven't forgiven her, but I'm tired of being so angry at her. I'm trying to be civil. One of these days, I might want to know what she has to say, but now it's not the time. The dust needs to settle first, before I can relive that moment again."
Okay." The brunette smiles, whilst nodding her head in understanding.
"Besides, I have this thing with Niylah now. I still haven't figured out what's going on with us, but I like her O. She's—" Clarke never finished that sentence out loud, she just smiled at the thoughts of the model.
"I thought you didn't want anything serious." Octavia felt like she was getting whiplash from Clarke's change of emotions tonight.
"I don't, and neither does she. So I think we should just let things happen as they happen."
"Because that' going to end well!" Octavia mumbled
Clarke furrowed gently at the comment, she wasn't willing to admit it got under of her skin. She wanted to defend herself against the comment, but a Latina with too much energy interrupted.
"Not that this little reunion isn't touching and all, but can we go back now and show those rich idiots how to drink." Raven cheered, not knowing what the weekend had in store for this group of clueless girls.
Xxx
When the girls got back, they had more guests waiting outside. Octavia charged at Lincoln, who picked her up swinging her around before placing a needy kiss to her lips.
Clarke smiled brightly when she saw a certain blonde in the crowd. She casually made her way over to her, not letting her excitement get the better of her. Not realising that there were a few more eyes on her than Niylah's. Both Lexa and Costia tried to casually watch the exchange between the two blondes
"I'm glad you decided to come." Clarke spoke, walking right up to the model
"I'll never miss an opportunity to- party." Niylah creased her brow, cringing at her own words.
Clarke laughed knowing the blonde was struggling to keep her composure. She decided to be bold.
"Uh, so you only came for the party, and there was me thinking I was the deal breaker." Clarke smirked; wrapping her arms around Niylah's waist.
"Well a pretty blonde inviting me here, was definitely a bonus." The models smiled.
"I wonder what other bonuses you can get, once this party ends." Clarke said before planting a kiss on Niylah's cheek, leaving a stunned model in her wake, as she walked inside the house.
Raven overhead the last part and looked at Niylah's face and laughed. "You've got your hands full with that one."
"You have no idea." The blonde chuckled under her breath, when she spotted Costia staring at her. She decided to bite the bullet and walk over to her.
"Niylah." Costia tightly smiled, to mask her surprise in seeing the blonde here.
"Hello Costia." The fake greeting was evident in her voice, she could see right through Costia's façade. "Can we talk in private?"
"Of course. I'll be right in babe." Costia kissed Lexa's cheek; who looked between the two models sensing a tensed atmosphere.
"Okay, I'll go get us some drinks." Lexa excused herself and made her way in.
"I'm just going to cut straight to the point here. Do you have a problem with me?" Niylah stated
"No, why would i?" the brunette defended.
"I don't know, you invited all the other girls, but conveniently managed to forget to ask me." Niylah spoke bluntly.
"I just thought it would spread like wildfire, all the girls were invited." Costia replied nonchalantly
"Huh, that's interesting, because whenever there is a mention of a party, it's all anyone talks about. However this time, it's like they were told not to. I don't know if I'm being paranoid, but I think you didn't want me to come, and I want to know why?" Niylah remained calm, it wasn't in her to get mad over something like this, she just wanted to find out why Costia is acting like this.
"Niylah you are being paranoid, why would I have a problem with you?" she protested innocently.
"Okay" Niylah reluctantly accepted the answer; she went to turn away but there was just something telling her that Costia was lying. "Even though I work in the model industry, I don't like bitchiness, so if you do have problem. I hope I can rely on you to tell me." She added before walking away
Costia watched Niylah enter the house, she swallowed thickly; removing the furrow stare that was on her face before going inside with a fake enthusiastic smile on her face.
Xxx
Whilst at college Lexa knew she was a bit uptight and didn't join the social aspect of what college offered. Nevertheless she had good reason, she had a lot personal baggage to deal with, plus she needed to get good grades, to prove something to herself, she couldn't deal with distractions. It was hard for her to let Costia in again, once they moved into the dorm. They were completely different people, Costia loved to party and skip class. Whereas Lexa couldn't afford that luxury, she just couldn't risk it; she stayed in revising and doing assignments.
It didn't mean she didn't know how to let loose once in a while, but Lexa felt uncomfortable at this party. She barely knows anyone, and the people she does know are dancing, or more like grinding on each other in the middle of the room. Raven soon drew her attention over to where they're playing beer pong.
"Boom! Come on suckers, drink up!" Raven demanded; loving every minute of it.
"You totally played us, you're way to good at this." Clarke laughed; taking the ball out of the last cup on the table and downing it in one. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
"Don't hate the player, hate the game." Raven chimed.
Lexa was goofily smiling at the scene that was unfolding before her eyes, she didn't hear her girlfriend walking up behind her.
"Have I done something?" Costia asked bluntly with a drunken slur.
"What you mean?" Lexa turned, looking confused by the random outburst. Then she could smell the alcohol on her breath
"I feel like you're here, but not really here." The brunette seemed lost in concentration; wondering in that made sense.
"Costia, you're not making any sense. Where is this coming from?" Lexa questioned quietly.
The brunette looked over her Lexa's shoulder seeing Niylah whispering something into Clarke's ear causing her to laugh.
"I feel so lonely sometimes, why you can never just let loose and have fun." Costia slurred, before moving past her, nudging her slightly.
Lexa felt each word hit her with a force, she sucked on her bottom lip trying to get over the harshness of the spoken words. She walked numbly into the kitchen, needing to get away from the loud music and people.
She placed her hands over the sink, sighing heavily. The brunette didn't hear anyone come in
"Lexa, are you okay?" Clarke spoke, as she made some drinks.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Lexa assured, but didn't turn to face her
"Are you sure?" Clarke questioned
"I'm fine Clarke, go enjoy the party." Lexa said with force in her words, now turning to face Clarke.
"You know I don't find it coincidence that you went on a walk and found me on the beach. I think you were there to make sure I was okay. You've been giving me this comforting look since we arrived here. You knew I was struggling, didn't you?" Clarke smiled; which caused Lexa to look away. "So why won't you let me, make sure you're okay. I know you're lying Lexa, you're not really good at it."
Lexa laughed with an offended scoff.
"Costia and I" Lexa sighed. "God I don't even know, we just don't seem to fit together anymore. We just keep getting into petty fights." Green eyes widened, not really knowing why she just spilled that to Clarke of all people.
"I'm sorry. Costia is going through a lot right now, maybe she just acting out. It will blow over soon."
Lexa smiled at Clarke's attempt to make her feel better, but deep down she knows it's only a matter of time before it comes to an end, and she knows it's her fault for never truly opening herself up to Costia.
"Maybe you're right." Lexa glanced down at nothing in particular; she just couldn't lie directly into those blue eyes.
It was futile; Clarke picked up on the uncertainty of the brunette's words, she really wasn't a good liar.
Lexa read Clarke's expression; the brunette knew the intern would stay to try and make her feel better; to help fix her relationship, but it's a party she should be enjoying herself. Besides there was someone waiting for Clarke.
"Clarke, go enjoy the party. I think your friend is waiting for her drink." Lexa nodded in the direction behind Clarke.
The blonde turned to see Niylah leaning against the wall, looking at her phone. It that moment she looked up to see Clarke and Lexa looking at her, she smiled and waved awkwardly.
Clarke laughed. "You want to join us, we're coming up with a plan, on how to beat Raven! She needs to be taken down."
"I'm going to call it an early night, but thank you Clarke." Lexa went to leave, when she turned to face Clarke again. "This might seem inappropriate, but Raven's weakness is boobs."
Clarke furrowed in confusion, by this information. Lexa continued; laughing at the blonde's expression
"She won't be able to concentrate when enough cleavage is on show, she'll miss every shot; guaranteed." Lexa smirked.
"Boobs." Clarke shook her head, laughing at the awkward conversation with Lexa. "Thank you."
"Goodnight Clarke." Lexa left the kitchen, not hearing the blonde's reply.
"Goodnight Lexa."
Xxx
Lexa's advice helped them win the beer-pong game in less than 10 minutes. Raven's face was all the victory Clarke and Niylah needed, they laughed at the awe-struck look. The two blonde girl's pulled their tops up, in an obvious manner they saw the recognition in Raven's eyes.
"Lexa, you're so dead. I trusted you with that secret!" Raven roared; she stormed off searching for the brunette.
Niylah turned to face Clarke, grabbing hold of her face and planting a soft kiss on her lips.
"That was amazing; she really is a sucker for a pair of boobs. Did you see her face? God I'm so glad I came, I've had a great night."
Clarke smiled brightly at the model "Me too." The blonde continued to search hazel eyes.
"What is it?" Niylah questioned.
"I want to show you something." Clarke grabbed hold of her hand, and led the way out of the house.
xx
"Clarke, where are we going?" Niylah asked again; after being dragged by the blonde across the beach for the last fifteen minutes.
"You'll see." Clarke answered, when she stopped outside a house, and walked up the stairs.
"Umm, what are you doing?" Niylah whispered; standing awkwardly on the beach still.
"I'm looking for the spare key. I know it's around here somewhere." the intern said; picking up small plant pots.
"We're breaking into a house?" The model ran up the stairs, to see if Clarke has lost her mind.
"Will you relax, it belongs to my grandfather." Clarke laughs. "ah-ha, I found it." The blonde opened the door entering the premises, with a hesitant model behind her.
"Are you sure this is okay. He doesn't rent it out or anything does he?" Niylah said looking around; everything was in neat condition.
"I don't know, maybe in the summer sometimes." Clarke shrugged.
"Clarke it is the summer!" Niylah squealed
"Well I guess we will find out then." Clarke darted upstairs without a care in the world.
"Clarke!" Niylah called out in a hush tone, just in case there was someone living here. She groaned audible following quickly behind the blonde's steps.
The model rushed upstairs, she didn't realised Clarke had come to a stop, nearly crashing into her when she reached the landing. Before she can question her, Clarke spoke.
"It's exactly how I left it." the intern walked into the room, taking in the memories that were flooding her mind.
"Is this your room?" Niylah questioned, looking at the photos on display. The model picked up the one of Clarke and a guy who she assumed was her father. Clarke was on his back, as they stood next to a sophisticated sand castle, pulling a face at the camera "God you look so cute, is that your dad?" She smiled handing the picture over to Clarke.
"Yeah, he was a total goof ball." The intern laughed
"Can definitely see where you get it from." Niylah smirked
"I don't even recognise that girl in this photo anymore." Clarke spoke sadly, as the realisation of her words sunk in.
"I don't believe that." Niylah smiled; taking the photo out of the blonde's hands to take a look.
"You don't understand, Niylah." Clarke spoke; taking a seat on her bed. "I had to grow up fast, that girl disappeared during the transition."
The model placed the picture back in its rightful place, before walking over to and bending down in front of her; grabbing hold of her wrists.
"I remember when you told me about the importance of this watch. That it belonged to your dad. I'm not saying I know the pain you went through when you lost him, but I can see the impact it had in your eyes." Hazel searched into blue.
"I shut down" Clarke's voice wavered, as her emotions poured out of her. "I shut everyone out of my life. I could see my mom was worried about me, but I didn't have the strength to care. Then she—"
"What did she do?" Niylah prompted.
Clarke stared into piercing hazel eyes, as they waited an answer. She didn't want to dive into that right now; it was a conversation for another day.
"She tried to help me, but it didn't go according to plan. Somewhere along the line I stopped being that fourteen year old girl, she just evaporated away." The sadness that seethed through her words, touched Niylah's heart.
"Clarke, you just need to look deeper. People are like trees, you only—"
"Okay you lost me." Clarke laughed, not meaning to interrupt but she didn't expect that.
Niylah laughed before continuing. "You only see what the tree has grown to be, you don't see the roots that are buried deep beneath it. So what I'm trying to say is that you might feel like you don't recognise that girl in the photo, but she will always remain inside of you, she helped build the person you are today. And I think I've told this to you before, but I find you pretty amazing Clarke Griffin. "
"You compare me to a tree, and yet somehow you make it work." The intern looked adoringly into hazel eyes.
Niylah laughed, just as she was about to speak, Clarke grabbed the back of her neck and surged forward; placing a needy kiss on her lips. "No more talking."
xx