Chapter 13: The Winter Ball
Eleven: ONE HOUR GUYSSS
Wrench Monkey: YESS! Also, can somebody tell me H's name is Eleven…?
Sword Maniac: Because that's who she was for Halloween!
Wrench Monkey: That was FOREVER ago!
Monty: It was only 1 month and 1day ago, Raven…
Wrench Monkey: Shut it genius
Blonde Beauty: DON'T TELL MONTY TO SHUT UP! And you're a genius too Raven…
Fucking Werewolf: LOL and PLEASE CHANGE MY NAME BACK
Princess Warrior: NO. I still have nightmares from that!
Blonde Beauty: Yeah, and when she wakes up from fucking nightmares I get woken up too because we share the same bed so FUCK YOU MILLER
Sword Maniac: LMFAO I LOVE THIS GROUP CHAT!
Fucking Werewolf: Of course you do, O…
Ice King: Don't kill me, but what is the F in LMFAO…I think I know but not 100%
Sword Maniac: Fucking. It's Laughing My Fucking Ass Off. Which I am actually fucking doing.
Princess Warrior: O takes all that crap seriously. Normal people write LOL when something funny is said, but O won't write it unless she actually laughs out loud. The more it makes her laugh, the more she adds to it like LMAO or LMFAO and one day she even did ROTFL.
Sword Maniac: That was a great day
Blonde Beauty: Mmm. It was a scary day.
Sword Maniac: speaking of scary…how ya feeling, Lexa?
Wrench Monkey: Yeah. How ya feeling?
Blonde Beauty; Wait—why would she be feeling scared or whatever?
Princess Warrior: Fuck you guys. Clarke is checking my temperature now…
Wrench Monkey: HAHAHAHA
Sword Maniac: OMG LOL
Big Teddy Bear: What is going on that has had my fiancé laughing nonstop for the past ten minutes?
Wrench Monkey: Clarke. Then Miller. Then Lexa. And still Lexa.
Princess Warrior: Don't pin this on me!
Blonde Beauty: Sorry, guys. But Lex and I got2go. We need to get ready!
Sword Maniac: Same
Wrench Monkey: Same
Eleven: Same
Fucking Werewolf: How the fuck does it takes girls an hour to get ready?!
Monty: Forty-seven minutes
Fucking Werewolf: Really, Monty?
…..
Lexa
"I have nothing to wear."
"We went shopping yesterday, Lexa!"
I sighed loudly. "I know. But I don't like anything now."
"You loved your options yesterday."
"But not now!"
She threw her hands in the air in exasperation. I couldn't tell her why I didn't like anything. Yesterday I was looking at dresses to wear to the winter ball. Today? Today I'm looking for something to wear during the biggest moment of my life. I was looking for a dress to propose to her in. It had to be perfect. And none of the dresses screamed perfect right now.
"Lexa…" she warned. "Must I call Octavia and tell her that I can't get you into a dress?"
Eyes widening, I shook my head violently. Octavia, who five years ago wouldn't wear a dress for the life of her, was now the biggest dress-wearing supporter I know.
"Then choose a dress. You have four of them you bought yesterday."
I huffed. She was right. And I hated that. I began pawing through the four dresses. One dress was a deep crimson. It went to my knees, the top clinging to my upper body and the skirt looser which I'd be grateful for when dancing…or getting down on one knee. It was lower cut and showed of just a little with off-the-shoulder sleeves. My next dress was a deep forest green that went to the floor and was shiny as hell, low cut and long-sleeved. The next one was a cream colored which skimmed the top of my knees, no sleeves whatsoever, and it was tight as hell which may not be the best for getting down on one knee. And I looked at the final one, and suddenly I just knew. It was the one. Black dress with ruby sparkles swirled with just enough to look gorgeous without overdoing it. I changed into the dress, smiling slightly as I saw my figure in the full length mirror. "Wow," I heard Clarke murmur behind me. Wow indeed. The dress hugged my upper body and the skirt, with was lacy, flared out slightly. The lacy one inch sleeves was settled in the perfect spot on my shoulders. Although it wasn't low cut or anything, it was still a hot dress.
I turned to Clarke and it was my turn to say wow. She was in a bright red dress which hugged her body in all the right places. It showed off a small bit of cleavage and her back alike. The off-the-shoulder sleeves made it even better.
"I really want to rip that dress off of you right now," I whispered almost seductively.
She grinned at me. "Later."
Later. Tonight, if all went well…if she said yes, then there would definitely be dress ripped and kissing, and a whole night of sex.
I nodded, not taking my eyes off of that dress. Damn.
"Just a half hour…let's get our hair and make-up over with."
I stopped myself from groaning. I needed this night to be special. And if it meant wearing damn make-up and doing my hair, then so be it. Though I hated that stuff!
Clarke sat me on the chair in front of her desk, which was completely covered in makeup and I shook my head. Her collection was more impressive than Octavia's, and that's saying something! "Close your eyes." And I did, sitting uncomfortably as she worked her magic on my face. I hated the feeling of her putting on they eyeshadow and she knew that, so she was extra careful.
"Done," she announced and I opened my eyes. I had to admit—I didn't look half bad with makeup on. Doesn't mean I like it, though. She did me a favor, leaving the makeup barely noticeable. The eyeshadow was a deep brown but not standing out at all, eyelashes darkened with mascara, concealer and a slight blush. My lips stood out the most with the deep crimson lipstick that matched the deep red sparkles on my dress. I got up from the chair and Clarke began applying her own makeup. Pale pink eyeshadow, blush, mascara, red lipstick. Once she was ready she ushered me back into the chair and I complied. She began brushing through my brown curls which I had washed earlier and smelled like vanilla. She began braiding the right side in French braids which were in a more Trikru style. She let my curls on my left side hand loose over my shoulder. Once she was satisfied, she once again motioned me to get up, for good this time, so she could sit. I moved to her head, combing through her long blonde waves. I grabbed the curling iron which I knew was all heated by now. I gently curled her hair in loose curls and I smiled in satisfaction with my work. I sprayed her hair with holding spray, just in case. I nodded. Her hair was simple, but still beautiful in every way.
"All set?"
I nodded, offering a hand and helped her feet. "Just one more thing." I grabbed a pair of lacy black tights.
She sighed but still smiled. "Just another barrier in my way tonight."
I felt a lump in my throat but forced a smile. Tonight. I was really starting to have second guesses.
Hand in hand, we headed to the hall, pulling on our shoes. I went with simple flats, but Clarke went for small heels. "Perfect."
"We're going in the car," she said and I didn't even bother trying to hold in my groan. I hate cars. "You want to walk the ten blocks to the ball in this weather?"
"It's snowing?"
"Yup."
"Damn it!"
Sword Maniac: HOLY FUCKING SHIT, HARPER! LINCOLN AND I JUST GOT HERE AND IT'S FUCKING AMAZING!
Princess Warrior: Clarke and I are on our way. Be there in 5
Sword Maniac: Be prepared to be blown away!
Princess Warrior: Duly Noted
I turned to Clarke. "Octavia said that the ball is amazing and for us to be prepared to be blown away. So in other words, I'll have to pick your jaw off the floor when we get inside."
"Hey!" she smacked my arm with a chuckle.
We grabbed our coats and made it to the lobby and outside, and I whined when the cold air hit me full force. "This weather has no mercy," I growled as I was assaulted by snowflakes. Clarke grabbed my hand, pulling me with her to the parking garage. I climbed into her car without as much of a complaint, leaving Clarke looking at me in surprise.
"No way in hell am I walking through that!" was my explanation.
"Huh. You're hatred of winter overrides your fear of cars."
"I'm never going to hear the end of this, am I?"
"Never."
….
The drive to the hall was quick and the turnout was insane. There was valet, so Clarke and I stepped out of the car and a young gentleman in a suit and coat smiled at us and drove it to park. We walked up the stairs which were covered in rock salt thankfully as Clarke was in heels and entered the ballroom.
"Holy shit!" Clarke's jaw dropped. And, much to my surprise, so did mine. Wow. The room was comfortably full of people, some on the massive dance floor, some standing around the food and beverage tables that Octavia had set up earlier, and some sitting at the tables. Harper went with all of Lexa's ideas from the other day. The lighting was dimmed but not at all dark. The large, round tables had deep red and green tablecloths with decorative bowls of chocolate as the centerpieces.
"Well, damn," I murmured, finally finding my voice. "There better be some hot cocoa."
"You and your hot chocolate."
I gave her my sweetest smile. We headed to the table, Clarke already eying the pumpkin spice cookie selection, which was Clarke's forever favorite. I headed straight to hot cocoa.
And I was oh so happy to find out that Octavia didn't get her hands of the sweet liquid!
Clarke
"O, these are amazing!" I called to my friend who just beamed. "Like, seriously, O. These cookies are to die for!"
Octavia just laughed by her laughter suddenly cut off, staring over my shoulder in a look of shock. I frowned. "O?"
"Hey, kiddo."
I swung around, nearly falling over—damn it, why did I wear heels?—to face my father. My father who I haven't seen in almost four years. He had an engineering job in Alaska and although we had frequent calls and occasional skype sessions. I haven't seen him in person in so long. My eyes filled with tears and I held back a sob as I lunged forward into his arms. He held me tightly, kissing the top of my head lovingly.
"Clarke, don't ruin your makeup. You don't look good in the whole raccoon look. Leave that to Commander Heart-Eyes."
I laughed and my father did as well. "Don't let her hear you call her that, O!"
She just chuckled.
"I love you dad, so don't take this the wrong way, but what are you doing here?"
He smiled, placing his hands on my shoulders. "I was invited."
I frowned slightly, in thought. "By who?"
"Jake!" Lexa's voice call out. It wasn't a shocked or surprised call, it was a simple call. And I knew who had invited him. I stepped aside so my father could embrace Lexa. Like what he did with me, he kissed the top of her head and she clung to him tightly.
"Hey, kid." She finally pulled back from him and he put a hand on each of our shoulders. "My girls. Look at the two of you. You're both so grown up."
We both gave him watery smiles. I missed him so much. I couldn't believe he was here! "I missed you, dad." He kissed my forehead.
"I missed you too, baby girl. I missed the both of you."
Lexa took the opportunity to start drinking her hot cocoa. She shrugged when I looked at her. "I don't want it to get cold! You don't realize how important good, creamy hot cocoa is!"
"Oh my God, Lexa."
She just chuckled, continue to drink the cocoa.
My Only Wish This Year began playing and I perked up. "I love this song! Lexa, come. Dance."
She shook her head. "Hell to the no!"
"Lexa, please!"
She huffed, lifting her mug to show me that she was too busy drinking cocoa. My father—this is why I love him!—took the mug, pushing her towards me. She gave him a fake scowl and I pulled her to dance floor. "C'mon, ai hodnes."
I kept my hands enveloped in hers as I spun her around. Damn, I love this girl! We spun and swayed with the music.
I want my baby
I want someone to love me
Someone to hold
Santa can you hear me?
I have been so good this year
And all I want is one thing:
Tell me my true love is here!
All I want, just for me
Underneath my Christmas tree
Santa, that's my only wish this year!
All too song the song ended. We kept dancing but eventually we both stopped for a much-needed break.
"I'm going to go get more hot cocoa," she told me, walking away. I just rolled my eyes, unsuccessful in hiding my smirk. She loved her hot cocoa too much. Classic Lexa.
Lexa
My hand was shaking as I poured myself some hot cocoa. Like, really shaking.
"You doing okay, kid?" I jumped at Jake's voice. He took the mug from my hand. "What's wrong, honey?"
I hesitated. "I'm having second guesses…about tonight."
He sighed, rubbing my back in a calming rhythm. "Clarke loves you, Lexa. Did you not see her when you two were dancing? I almost thought she was going to pop the question herself!" I shook my head.
This was what he got time off for. He might've missed years of holidays due to his work, but he said there was no way in hell he was going to miss his daughter getting engaged. I had called him a month earlier, to ask him for permission, even though I was pretty sure what hi answer would be I wanted—no, I needed—confirmation.
One month earlier
I was pacing, the velvet box gripped tightly in my left hand. I loved the girl, I did. But I needed his consent. He wasn't around to ask in person like I wished to, but I could call him. So I bit. The phone rang, and rang, and rang and my resolve was wavering. I felt the familiar metallic taste in my mouth when I bit my lip too hard.
"Lexa," he immediately said when he answered his phone.
"Hi, Jake."
"I wasn't expecting a call from you today. Is everything okay?"
I nodded. Then I remembered he couldn't see him. "Y-yes."
"You don't sound too sure," his voice sounded concerned.
"I'm just…it's just nerves."
"Nerves about what?"
"What I'm about to ask you."
He waited patiently. Here goes nothing. Well, everything. "I want…I know this may seem cheesy, b-but I needed to, um, ask you this…" I trailed off. He stayed silent, patient. "I want your permission to ask Clarke to marry me."
Silence. And then, "I am more than happy to give you permission, Lexa. You know how much I love you and support the two of you."
I smiled, a single tear rolling down my cheek. "Thank you, Jake."
"And Lexa?"
"Yeah?"
"When are you proposing?"
"The winter ball on December first. If you want to be there…" I trailed off, remembering how his job kept him away for nearly four years.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"She loves you, Lexa." I was averting my gaze. "Lexa." He sighed when I didn't look at him. He gently cupped my chin with his hand, raising my head to look at him. "Lexa. She loves you. So much."
I hesitated, and then nodded. My stomach had butterflies and I was feeling dizzy. My palms were sweaty and I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. I could do this. I could.
….
It's the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle-belling
And everyone telling you to be of good cheer
It's the most wonderful time of the year…
It's the happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings
And gay, happy meeting when friends come to call
It's the happiest season of all!
Blue eyes met green. Clarke walked over to me, and I headed towards her after Jake nudged me. I glanced at the clock. Two minutes until midnight. I can do this. I can. We met in the middle of the dance floor.
"Dance with me," she pleaded.
I glanced at the clock. One minute until midnight. "In a minute, Klark."
Her brow furrowed but she didn't say anything.
"Clarke. The past six years with you have been…amazing. The most amazing years of my life. And…and I love you. I love you more than anything. And I never want to live a day without you."
Her blue eyes were wide and her breathing quickened when she realized what was happening. "What are you saying, Lex?" she knew. I could see it on her face—she knew.
The clock turned midnight.
I reached into the black clutch I had strapped over my shoulder and pulled out the velvet box I spent months worrying over. She gasped. Many people around us—many of who we knew—stopped and watched the exchange.
And I did the thing I never thought I'd ever do—I got down on one knee in front of the girl I loved more than anything in the entire world.
"Clarke Griffin, will you marry me?"