Thanks for all of the reviews guys! As promised, here's chapter 7! Enjoy :)
Chapter 7
Clarke entered Lincoln's hospital room, a bag of food in one hand and her son's orange juice in the other. The smile fell from her lips when she saw the man who stood beside the bed, his features contrite.
"Mom," Lincoln said.
"What baby," Clarke asked as she came forward and rolled the little table over to her son's bed.
"Don't be mad."
Clarke's movements stilled, her features softening, "I could never be mad at you, sweetheart, not for long anyway."
"Not me Mom, at Coach. He was only trying to help," Lincoln said quietly.
"Some help he was," Clarke muttered darkly, glaring at the very handsome man beside her.
"Miss Griffin, I just wanted to apologize again for…"
"You should apologize," Clarke said angrily as she adjusted Lincoln's coverlet, then moving to put the straw in his orange juice.
"That's what I'm trying to do if you'll let me," Bellamy said, his dark eyes pleading.
"Fine, but you only get one chance so make it good," the blonde said icily.
"I'm sorry for pushing your son so hard, it's just that I see his potential and I want to do everything in my power to help him realize his dreams. Your son is one of the most talented players I've coached, and it's been a real honor working with him. So, please, Miss Griffin, don't punish Lincoln for my mistake. Please let him come back and play for me when he's healed. I'll save his spot," Bellamy said seriously.
Clarke looked from one to the other, both wearing a hopeful expression. She sighed, throwing her hands in the air in surrender.
"Alright, Lincoln can return to the team AFTER he's healed. I don't want there to be any word of his playing until he's given the go ahead by our family physician. Is that clear?"
Both coach and athlete nodded, Lincoln smiling as his mother allowed a small smile to curve her lips.
"Thanks Mom," the teen said, grinning at his coach.
"You're welcome," Clarke said watching as Bellamy turned to go, "Oh, and Coach, don't make me regret my decision."
Bellamy nodded, thinking not for the first time that the petite blonde could scare even the toughest of men.
Clarke watched him go before sitting in his vacant chair to watch her son eat. A few hours later a nurse came in with discharge papers, which were quickly signed, and Lincoln was cleared to go home.
By the time they reached the old farmhouse it was late afternoon. AJ was home from school and waiting for them on the porch steps while Raven and Wick were sitting on the porch swing.
Clarke got Lincoln out of the truck, taking him inside and situating him on the couch. She made sure there was nothing he needed, and then she meandered out to where the rest of the family was lounging on the front porch.
"Hey little man," she said as she hugged AJ tightly.
"Hey Mom. You'll never guess what Uncle Wick and I did," the boy said excitedly.
"Well what, pray tell, did you do," Clarke asked, glancing up at Kyle with a wink.
"Uncle Wick took me to work with him today," AJ said with a huge grin.
Clarke's eyes widened, "You skipped school!"
"It was for educational reasons," the little boy pouted, "If I'm going to be an engineer then I need to start now."
The blonde fought back a giggle at her son's serious expression, his blue eyes so much like her own staring back at her intently as he explained everything they'd done.
"Well that does sound educational. Thank you, Uncle Wick for furthering the career our young aspiring engineer," Clarke said with a smile.
"You're most welcome, I'm always happy to help," Kyle replied, wrapping an arm around his wife's shoulders.
Raven smiled up at him like he'd hung the moon, and Clarke couldn't help but be jealous of her friend. She had the perfect husband. He would be a great father when they decided to have children, and he treated her with a loving respect that the blonde didn't even hope to have.
The dark haired mechanic sensed her friend's mood, squeezing her shoulder lightly. "What's got you down in the mouth?"
"Oh, I got into it with Lincoln's coach again," Clarke semi-lied.
"Did you really stick it to him," Raven asked.
"Yep, I sure did," Clarke replied with a nod.
"Good girl," Wick praised with a grin.
Just as Clarke was about to answer, a new voice sounded behind her. She turned to find Octavia standing at the bottom of the steps, toeing her sandal in the dirt with her head bowed slightly.
"Hey, O," Clarke said fondly, "What are you doing here?"
Over the past month, Clarke had gotten to know and adore the youngest Blake. The girl was carefree and her view of the world around her never ceased to bring a smile to Clarke's face.
"I came to check on Lincoln," the girl answered.
The blonde smiled knowingly. The two teens had gradually begun to grow closer, becoming the best of friends in a very short time.
"Does your brother know where you are," Clarke asked.
"Yes, he said it was alright," Octavia said coolly.
"Did you two get into it?"
"I guess you could say that," the teenager said cryptically.
"Ok then, well Lincoln's in the house. The living room is the first room on your right," Clarke answered.
"Thanks Miss Griffin," Octavia beamed before rushing into the house.
"What was that," Raven asked after the screen door closed with a clatter.
"That was a new friend from school and Bellamy Blake's little sister," Clarke answered with a smirk.
"Are she and Linc…" Raven trailed off.
"No, they're just friends," Clarke replied with a shrug.
"So, the coach's little sister? I guess he's deemed you worthy to babysit," the dark haired mechanic said with a growl.
"She's a good girl, and lacking for female influence. I don't mind another kid around the house."
"Of course you don't Mother Hen," Wick said with a chuckle.
"What? Is there something wrong with being a mom around here," Clarke asked throwing her hands in the air in exasperation.
"No, sweetie, not at all," Raven smiled, "You're just so good at it!"
Clarke watched her son as he ran around the front yard fighting an imaginary foe. Being a mother had been the one thing that'd gotten her through when she'd felt like a complete and utter failure.
"Well we really need to get going. I think I hear Daphne's calling my name," Raven said with a smile in reference to the small diner on Main Street.
"Ok, y'all have fun! Eat a piece of pie for me," Clarke called after her friends as she watched them go.
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Raven and Wick entered the small diner, moving to their usual corner booth. Just as Raven was about to begin her usual perusal of the menu, she happened to glance at the long row of old red vinyl bar stools that lined the soda fountain counter.
There, all alone, sat Bellamy Blake drowning his sorrows in a chocolate milkshake. The mechanic watched the man for a while, the defeated slump of his shoulders and the way his fingers absently traced the worn counter telling her he was a man with a lot on his mind.
"I'll be right back," Raven told her husband as she rose from the booth.
She made her way across the black and white tile, sitting down beside the forlorn looking coach.
"You really think that's going to help," Raven joked, gesturing to the half eaten milkshake.
"I don't know, but it's worth a shot," Bellamy replied with a sad little smirk.
"I'm Raven," the dark haired woman said extending her hand.
Bellamy shook the proffered appendage, "Bellamy Blake, but you already knew that."
"Yes I did," Raven replied, "It's not every day that a man incurs the wrath of my best friend."
"Oh great, you know Clarke," Bellamy said with a shake of his head, "Maybe you can tell me how I can ever get her on my good side again."
Raven chuckled, "Well, the fact that you want to be back in her good graces is a definite plus. Beyond that I would say grovel and give it time."
"I groveled," Bellamy said, running a tired hand over his face.
"Good, then you're halfway there. Just give it some time," Raven smiled.
A long pause hung between them, broken only by Bellamy's slurping sounds as he struggled to get the remaining dregs of chocolaty goodness from the bottom of the glass.
"What's her story," he asked finally, pushing the empty glass away.
Raven sighed, "That is something you need to ask her. What I will tell you is that Clarke got her heart all but crushed by one man, and that boy that you were so bent on teaching a lesson was the one thing that kept her from going over the edge. If you're going to get close to her, you'd better be here for the long haul or you'll end up in a body bag at the bottom of Mount Weather Lake. Are we understood?"
Bellamy gave a small nod, "I understand, and the last thing I want to do is cause Clarke any more problems."
"Good, then I suggest daisies. Pink ones," Raven said as she rose from the stool.
"What," Bellamy asked in confusion.
"Flowers, Blake. All women like flowers," Raven said with a roll of her dark eyes.
"Oh…Ohhh," Bellamy said when understanding dawned, "Thanks Raven."
"Just remember, you break her heart and I'll break your face," the mechanic said with a sickly sweet smile before turning away.
"Loud and clear," Bellamy muttered as he threw a five down on the counter.
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Over the next few days Clarke watched as Bellamy Blake floundered. He brought her a pink Daisy every day, and after every encounter she felt her anger slip away one tiny piece at a time.
The poor man looked like he was sleeping very little, his shoulders always slumped and his dark eyes filled with contrition. She knew for a fact that Octavia refused to speak to him, and that seemed to be really wearing on him.
So on Friday morning when Bellamy met her at the door to her classroom, Clarke knew something had to be done.
"Good morning, Coach," Clarke said with a smile.
"Good morning, Miss Griffin," Bellamy replied, handing her the bright pink Daisy.
"Is Octavia still not speaking to you," the blonde asked as she unlocked the door to her art room.
"Nope, not a word since Lincoln's accident. I'm sor…"
"Groveling doesn't become you," Clarke smirked.
She watched as his shoulders relaxed and a small smile curved his lips. Then she realized that she was about to do something crazy.
"Why don't you come over for supper tonight, you and Octavia both? I'll cook, and the kids can visit. Maybe if she sees that you're making an effort she'll be happy to forgive you," the blonde said.
Bellamy stood there in shock, his mouth agape and his eyes wide.
"I… Why," he asked in confusion.
"I hate to see a man in distress, and you, Coach, have been wallowing for days," Clarke said matter-of-factly.
Bellamy blushed slightly, his eyes dropping to his brown leather dress shoes.
"Thank you, Miss Griffin. I'd certainly appreciate a home cooked meal," Bellamy said gratefully.
"Well then you and Octavia come by the house around six, and I'll feed you," Clarke replied with a smile.
"Alright, see you at six," Bellamy grinned before turning and walking back the way he'd come.
Clarke shook her head, all the while wondering what in the word she'd gotten herself into.
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Bellamy pulled up to the Griffin residence at exactly six sharp. He knocked on the door, shifting nervously with his handful of pink Daisies in one hand and the other crammed in his pocket.
The door finally swung open to reveal a small blonde headed boy, curious deep blue eyes staring up at the stranger in quiet interest. The man smiled down at the kid, taking in the wooden shield with the Spartan symbol emblazoned on the front and the fake spear.
"AJ, who is it," Bellamy heard Clarke yell.
"It's the idiot," AJ yelled back.
Bellamy fought to suppress his chuckle as Clarke came skidding to a halt beside her youngest son, her cheeks bright red and her hands reaching for the little Spartan.
"I am so sorry," Clarke said before turning to her son," AJ how many times have I told you not to call names?"
"But Mom, that's what you…"
"Just because Mom does it doesn't make it right," Clarke said, her hands gripping the little boy's shoulders gently as she stared down into his adorable little face.
AJ sighed and turned to Bellamy, "I'm sorry."
"It's ok, AJ," Bellamy smiled, "I like your shield. Spartan, right?"
The little boy nodded enthusiastically, "My Uncle Wick made it for me."
"Well he did a great job. Have you ever heard the story of the great Spartan king, Leonidas?"
AJ's eyes grew round as he shook his head, "No sir, would you tell it to me?"
Clarke chuckled, "After supper my little history nerd. Go tell O and your brother that supper is almost ready."
Bellamy watched the little boy go before turning back to the mother, "He seems like a great kid."
Clarke grinned, "He's a handful, but we love him. You know you're not leaving until he gets that story right…"
Bellamy laughed, "I'm a bit of a history nerd myself, so a fellow enthusiast is more than welcome. O isn't a fan, so it's not often that I get to talk about it with anyone."
Clarke nodded, "I don't know where he gets it. Wick is an engineer, and that's what AJ's convinced he wants to be too. I, however, believe that history will win out."
Bellamy followed Clarke into the kitchen to find the three kids already seated and waiting patiently. Surprisingly his sister gave him a small smile as he sat down beside her.
Things were tense at first, conversation stilted and uncomfortable. Then AJ spilled his milk, and that seemed to break the ice. The rest of the meal was enjoyed with bursts of light banter and plenty of laughs.
After they'd devoured the fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and blackberry cobbler, Clarke sent the kids to the living room in search of the perfect Disney movie.
She'd turned to begin clearing the table, finding Bellamy standing there awkwardly with an armful of plates and cutlery.
"You don't have to help," Clarke said, her voice harsher than she'd intended.
"I know, but I want to," Bellamy said softly.
Clarke sighed, a small smile curving her lips, "Truce?"
"Truce," Bellamy agreed, following her to the sink.
Clarke washed, Bellamy dried, and the blonde got to know her former nemesis a little bit better. The man explained why he'd treated Lincoln the way he had, and she had to admit that after hearing his sad tale she did understand his point of view.
"My mom died when O was three. I was eighteen, so I saw no need for her to go to a relative she'd never met or into the system. It was hard, and I allowed myself to become lazy with my talent. I skipped practices, didn't work out like I should have, and I let my grades slide. I had no one who cared enough about me to jerk me up and tell me to straighten out. I needed tough love, but there was no one there to give it to me. That's why I didn't want Lincoln to get distracted. I didn't want him to make the same mistakes I did," Bellamy said, his dark eyes distant.
Clarke placed a gentle hand on his forearm, "I'm sorry that you had to go through that. It must have been hard trying to juggle school, football, and a toddler."
Bellamy laughed, "You have no idea. Thankfully I had Mrs. Wilson. She kept O while I was at school, practice, and during games. They never missed a home game."
Clarke smiled at the fond look that washed over Bellamy's features, "You're a great big brother."
"Not lately," Bellamy sighed.
"Well just because you went through a bit of a tiff doesn't mean that you won't be back on firm footing before long. O and I had a long talk, and I think she understands that you were just trying to help Lincoln- in an albeit unhelpful way," Clarke said wryly.
"How many times am I going to have to apologize for that," Bellamy asked with a huff.
"Hmmm, one more time should do it," Clarke said with a smirk.
"I really am sorry, Clarke, and I'll do everything in my power to see that Lincoln finishes out the season as safely as possible," Bellamy said with quiet conviction.
Clarke looked at the man before her, his deep voice doing funny things to her heart.
"Thank you, Bellamy," she said with a soft smile.
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Later that night, when Bellamy and Octavia were leaving, Lincoln piped up from the living room.
"Mom, can Coach and O come with us to the park tomorrow?"
Clarke looked at Bellamy, "What do you think? Are you two up for a romp in the park with my rowdy crew?"
"Can we Bell, please," Octavia begged.
"Sure, I don't see why not," Bellamy replied.
"Great," Clarke said with a smile, "We'll see you there at about lunch time then."
Bellamy and Octavia waved before getting in the truck. The coach couldn't believe he'd gone from being on Clarke Griffin's hit list to going on a family outing with her and her boys. Things had sure changed in a hurry, and if he were honest, Bellamy wouldn't mind a few more changes.
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The next day Bellamy and Octavia pulled up to Mount Weather's public park. The large five-acre commons sat near the center of town, and consisted of a sizable playground filled with brightly colored equipment, sprawling green grass, and towering oaks skittering with squirrels.
Bellamy climbed out of his pickup, and made his way to where Clarke was spreading out a multicolored quilt.
"Hey," he called as he approached.
Clarke looked up with a smile, "Hey yourself!"
"Hey Clarke," Octavia said as she came to a stop, "Where's Linc and AJ?"
"They're coming with Raven and Wick," Clarke replied, "They should be here any minute though."
Just then a dark maroon pickup pulled into the space beside Bellamy's truck. The doors swung open and the four people emerged. Bellamy watched as a Raven and Wick walked over, Lincoln and AJ rushing ahead.
"Mom," both boys said in unison as they practically tackled the petite blonde.
"I should let you boys spend the night with your Auntie Rae and Uncle Wick more often," Clarke said with a smirk.
"We really did miss you," Lincoln said seriously.
"I missed you too, sweetheart," Clarke said placing a kiss on the boys' foreheads before turning to her picnic basket.
Bellamy and Octavia took their places, Octavia in between Lincoln and AJ while Bellamy sat beside Clarke. Their mouths all watered as the blonde brought out the barbecued pulled pork, bread, pickles, coleslaw, macaroni salad, and some blackberry cobbler for dessert.
Stories and jokes flew back and forth as the group ate, each person getting seconds before taking a heaping serving of the cobbler with a little bit of cream poured on top.
"That was delicious Clarke," Bellamy said as he finished off his dessert.
"Mom's a pretty great cook," Lincoln said with a smile.
"You didn't become a giant on your own merit," Raven said dryly, dodging the piece of macaroni her nephew threw her way.
Bellamy laughed at the incredulous look on Lincoln's face, noticing the proud smile that curved Clarke's lips. She really was a wonder. Not many women would take in a child like that, especially at such a young age and with a baby to care for. He was quickly coming to see though, that Clarke Griffin was no ordinary woman.
"Who's up for a game of flag football," Wick said suddenly.
Bellamy grinned at AJ's whoop of joy, watching as the little boy quickly secured the bright orange strip to his britches before running off.
"You wanna play, Coach," Lincoln asked hopefully.
Bellamy glanced at Clarke, receiving a nod of encouragement.
"Sure, I'm game," he said as he stood to his feet.
"What about you, O," Wick asked.
Octavia seemed to consider it for a moment before finally getting to her feet with a smile, "Sure! I'll teach you boys a thing or two!"
Clarke and Raven watched as the two teams lined up. Bellamy and Lincoln were on one team, while Wick, AJ, and Octavia made up the other. The ball was snapped, and Lincoln was running to the pre-appointed end zone.
"I take it you've forgiven him," Raven said, observing her friend's interest in the handsome coach.
Clarke blushed, "I guess I have."
Raven nodded knowingly, "You know, moving on wouldn't be a bad thing."
"I can't do that and you know it," Clarke said quietly, her eyes downcast.
"Sweetie," Raven said, taking the blonde's hand in her own, "Not all men are like Finn. I want you to be happy. I want you to find your very own Kyle Wick- the man who'll love you and help you to mend your heart after what that jerk did."
Clarke sat quietly, thinking about what Raven had said.
"I'm scared, Rae," the blonde said quietly.
"I know you are Clarke, but give him a chance. He may surprise you."
Thanks for reading! Please review! They really help me keep going! :)
Melissa: Thanks for the review! I'm always happy to hear that I've tugged on my readers' heartstrings! I hope you've enjoyed chapter 7! :)
Sey77: Thanks for the review! I'm so glad you enjoyed the last chapter, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story as it unfolds! :)
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