The first speech
Clarke was minding her own businesses at her locker when she felt someone standing next to her, she knew it wasn’t her friends because the person was too quiet. She looked up and where surprised to see Lexa leaning to the locker next to hers with a smile on her face.
”Your locker is really tidy” She said like this was normal, Clarke studied the brunette as she was exploring her locker.
”Yeah…?” Clarke grabbed her science book and closed it, it felt weird having Lexa stare into it.
”I don’t think we have any classes together” Lexa didn’t move or flinch at the loud slam and Clarke wasn’t sure what Lexa was doing here. They had never small talked before?
”No I read a lot of special classes, have to work my ass off to get a scholarship”
”Ah…” Lexa finally stood up straight. ”I couldn’t figure it out…I wouldn’t forget a face like yours”
”My face is literally everywhere in this school” Clarke pointed at a few posters close to them.
”I don’t pay a lot of attention to the walls” Lexa seemed impressed and looked at a few off them. ”Damn girl, you keep yourself busy”
”What do you want?” Clarke crossed her arms.
”I just wanted to say sorry again, I am not usually that rude. I didn’t really get a chance to talk to you at the party, you where busy with your friends”
”Okay, thank you” Clarke accepted the apology, everyone has a bad day.
”Clarke” Lexa rolled the name out. ”I like the name…any way” She shrugged. ”May the best woman win” She reached out her hand and Clarke looked at it for a few seconds before she grabbed it. ”I really want this, I just wanted to let you know I will do everything to win this - but best of luck” Again with that smirk.
”That makes two of us” Clarke raised her eyebrows as they where starring intense into each others eyes.
”Intense” Raven walked up to them and both girls snapped out of it and quickly let go of each other.
”Hmm…” Lexa starred at her. ”I remember you from the party, girl you are loud” Clarke couldn’t help but let out a small laughter because the statement was true.
”You aren’t that stiff after all” Lexa looked over at Clarke and her smile disappeared.
”Easy girls…” Raven said. ”And I can’t help it…it’s in my blood”
”I didn’t say I didn’t like it” Lexa raised an eyebrow. ”Your Raven right?”
”Yeah” Raven seemed surprised that she knew her name.
”Cool” Clarke said sarcastically, she knew everyone but her - was she really that uninteresting to her? She literally spent years in this school trying to stand out.
”Alright babe, I am starving…” Raven looked at Clarke, she knew her friend wanted to get out of there while Lexa’s smirk was gone by the nickname.
”See you at the speech later” Clarke eyed Lexa one more time before she linked her arm with Ravens and walked away, she was actually starving as well. She didn’t knew Lexa was starring at them until they where out of sight with an annoyed face.
The rest of the day went by pretty slowly, Clarke was trying her best to prepare her speech and control her nerves. She usually didn’t get nervous, she was one of the few people to enjoy speaking in front of an audience. She knew for a fact that Raven hated it, her friend was one of the smartest persons she knew but as soon as people where starring at her she froze. It was weird, usually Raven never shut up but when it came to standing in front of their class something blocked her. It was pretty common but not when it came to her friend who usually loves attention.
She was small talking with the principal when she noticed Lexa walking in, almost late - and it looked like she wasn’t bothered at all. Clarke was always early, she couldn’t bare having to stress, she needed her time to prepare herself - mentally.
”Lexa” The principal greeted her.
”Kane” She nodded.
”Are you girls ready?” He looked at them like a proud father, Clarke liked him. He was fair and even if he couldn’t control everything he always tried his best.
”Yes” Clarke was ready.
The three of them entered the stage, it was a podium placed in the middle and Kane tested the microphone by tapping on it a few times while the students where applauding their entrance.
”Can you all hear me” He raised his voice and got a loud yes in return. ”Welcome, glad to see all of you here. Hope you had a great day! Today is a special day, we have two students here who want to make sure that you have the best experience in this school, this years runner for school president…” He looked back at Clarke with a big smile. ”I think you all know Clarke Griffin” Loud noises and Clarke couldn’t help but smile. ”And I am pretty sure you haven’t missed Lexa Woods either” He looked at the brunette and the students kept on cheering and applauding. ”I will let the girls talk for themselves, Clarke please” He welcomed her and she took his place.
”Wow” She smiled and looked around in the assembly hall. ”It’s an honor to be here, I think you all know how much I care about this school - but also how much I care about all of you” People cheered her even more. ”I think you all know that my intention is simply, what matters is that you and me have a voice in this school, that what we say matter and that we respect each other. I will keep todays speech short but I just wanted to let you all know how excited I am about this, that my heart is in this and that I will do whatever it takes to be the best president” Clarke took a break letting the applauses calm down. ”In fact I have a little project that I wasn’t suppose to share today but to be honest I can’t wait…I think that like I did, some of you may struggle with finding after school activities and it’s very important this year and your next that will be your last. Don’t you stress though, I have started a counseling with some other students so if you have any doubts or questions we will be available every Tuesday after four”
”YOU’RE THE BEST” She could tell it was Raven screaming and a big smile appeared on her face.
”You’re all the best, and together we can make sure you are your best self. I am with you, I stand behind you…more to come if you vote for Clarke Griffin” She ended her speech and got an positive response from the students, she could finally relax and handed over the mice to Lexa. For the first time it seemed like she wasn’t as cocky as usual…that’s right Clarke knew these students well, sure they liked to party and have fun but at this private school people really cared about their education.
”Impressive” Lexa clapped as she got to the podium. ”Time for change and time to switch it up even if the last year is important…” She glanced at Clarke. ”So is this year and I think you all want a president that will be there for you 100%, even if the title wont be settled until next year I want you to know that I am here for you in this campaign like I was already your president” People cheered her on. ”I am committed and I know it will take a lot of hard work to please all of you, we are all individuals with different opinions…therefor I actually have a question for my opponent” Clarke was surprised and looked at her with a confused face. ”If you don’t mind” Lexa said it almost as a threat and Clarke shook her head as she joined her up at the podium once again to share the microphone.
”Okay, I am listening” Clarke said.
”Well…you did imply that you care for this school - there is no one denying that…however you are also a busy student, not only do you have tuns of projects and extra activities…you also spend a lot of your free time working and when you’re not working you have homework. How do stand with having time to fully commit to have time taking care of these students?” Lexa looked at her, she had awful smile, like she knew she was fucking her over. Did she really have to step this low just because Clarke’s speech actually was inspiring and meaningful?
”Well Lexa” Clarke smirked. ”It’s called being motivated and being able to multitask, as a president don’t you think that is something you should be able to handle?” She twisted the question and Lexa didn’t seem angry, mostly impressed.
”Of course, we all care about your health. Working days and weekend and keeping up with school, have you considered quitting your job for this?” Clarke was starting to get annoyed, Lexa didn’t have any business in her personal life…she didn’t even knew why she had to work. Well most of these kids didn’t even have any idea what it was to have a job, their parents served them everything.
”For me, it’s a great experience. If it ever troubled my education I would considered it” That was a lie, she needed that job.
”I am glad to hear that you know how much time being the president will take…thank you” Lexa gestured her to back away again and Clarke glared at her. Fucking bitch.
”Students off Arkadia, Clarke is an impressive students but please be informed that I will not let a silly job for experience stand in my way being the best leader. The future starts here with you, we don’t need to take unnecessary steps to achieve our goals. I will make sure that all of you will shine and reach your goals. If you are reaching higher, vote for LEXA WOODS!” She screamed her name and the students screamed with her while Clarke actually felt offended. Clarke needed that job, like most kids here she wasn’t that fortunate - she used to be but ever since her dad passed away her mother struggled with money. To keep her spot at the school she needed to work, it was expensive and with her mothers salary alone they wouldn’t have food on the table. Her mom offered for Clarke to finish her studies here, it was two years left and she had convinced her daughter that they could make it - but that also meant that Clarke needed to help as well. Almost all of her mothers salary went to Clarke’s education and therefore she needed a scholarship…she didn’t want to let her down. Getting the president title would help her a lot, especially with all the extra activities she was working on.
Clarke wasn’t stupid, she knew this was to much for anyone - but she was structured and had big goals. She was ready to give it all she got and she was strong, Clarke could handle a lot…she did not need some spoiled brat bringing her down.
The speeches where over and Clarke wasn’t furious, Lexa was casually just getting out of there like it was nothing and she had to rush after her.
”What the fuck Lexa?” Clarke grabbed the brunettes arm and she was forced to stop.
”Aggressive” Lexa smirked as she slowly put her hand over Clarke’s and moved it away from her arm.
”Is everything a joke to you?” Clarke questioned her.
”No but you should loosen up a bit, all that stress is not good for you” Lexa shook her head as she spoke with an ironical voice.
”Why can’t you play this fair?” Clarke stepped closer, she wasn’t scared of the Lexa or talk back to her, she didn’t look up to her like everyone else. She didn’t care for status or how much money she had, she had bigger concerns in her life.
”I was curious” Lexa lowered her voice.
”About what?” Clarke snapped back.
”Why you work in that little restaurant, I have seen you there multiple times” Lexa told her.
”I thought you had no idea who I was?” Clarke questioned her as she stared into green surprisingly beautiful eyes, had she been lying this whole time? ”And are you stalking me or something?”
”I need to know my opponent, it would be stupid not to look into you”
”Multiple times? Since Friday? It’s Monday today…”
”Relax girl, I just wondered why” Lexa seemed a little nervous even if she covered it well.
”None of your business, I don’t get everything served on a silver plate okay?!” Clarke said aggressively and Lexa swallowed. ”And next time…since you are so curious about my free time how about you ask me personally instead of the whole fucking school - or wait?” Clarke pretend to be shocked. ”Fucking stay out of it” She was not having it.
”You got some fire in you, don’t you” Lexa’s stupid smirk was back and it was like she hadn’t listen to a single word Clarke had just said.
”I don’t know why you are doing this, or why you are trying to get on my nerves but I seriously don’t have time for this. I literally need this” Clarke took a deep breath, she was not going to get emotional in front of Lexa.
”I was just asking a question girl…don’t sweat it” Lexa studied her, her eyes almost mesmerizing over the blonde girl.
”Forget it…” Clarke realized that it was pointless but she was always a bit frozen by the sudden gaze from Lexa.
”See you around” Lexa smiled.
”Unfortunately” Clarke said under her breath as they parted and went separate ways.
Clarke made her way to her locker to grab her stuff, she had to stop for a few moments to gather herself. The last thirty minutes or so had been intense, Lexa was unpredictable and careless - she was seriously getting on her nerves but on the same time she was curious about her. She hated it, she didn’t need any distractions and right now, Lexa was distracting her.