Childhood
"You okay Clarke?" Raven popped out some soda
"Yeah am fine Raven" Clarke turned around to face her best friend
"You look worried..again."
" Was that Finn on the phone? Heard you yelling on my way here " as Raven gulps soda
"I'm not worried about Finn, I'm worried that we'll be losing mom and almost everything. Dad's gambling again, and this time with Tony" Clarke looking out the window
"Tony? Anya and Lexa's dad? Are they in town?
For whatever reason, the name "Lexa" made a sharp thug in Clarke's inside, she wondered why hearing that name after years made her infuriated.
"I don't know about his daughters, I just saw Tony" Clarke tried to answer as simple as possible as not to have Raven suspects what she felt.
"I missed having vacation with them when we were younger, I really liked their cabins, posh and comfy" Raven smiled
"Yeah, it was" Clarke remembered
Two year ago before Clarke stopped communicating with Lexa, their families would always go the same mountain cabin for vacation. Clarke's family would be flown in by Tony's charter plane and Tony would personally pick them up at the tarmac for another 2 hours ride to the mountains. Clarke, Octavia, Bellamy and her best friend Raven were always excited being in that cabin together with Jake and Abby.
When they arrive they were usually greeted by Tony's wife Alexandra and daughters Lexa and Anya. Tony also brought in Alexandra's son Lincoln. He loved his wife so much that he doesn't treat her son differently.
That year, they celebrated Lincoln's birthday in the cabin.
"I love the cake! It's so moist and delicious, where did you guys buy it?" younger Clarke asked Lexa
"We didn't actually buy it, me, my mom and Anya baked it" Lexa smiling all over Clarke's enthusiasm
"You should bake me some of these for my birthday, would you?" Clarke keeps gobbling the cake
"Be careful eating, we have some more on the fridge, don't overstuff yourself" Lexa picked up a clean serviette and wiped Clarke's cheeks
Clarke blushed, she has no clue why she felt warm in Lexa's touch. She continued eating while Lexa got her a drink and returned giving it to her. Lexa puts Clarke's fork down with her right hand.
"Drink, you have no saliva left on that mouth of yours" Lexa looked serious
"Okay" Clarke continues to get red while drinking
"Move around to your side, let me wipe your cheeks, the buttercream reached your hair and ears" Lexa didn't wait and moved Clarke's head slightly to the left.
As Lexa wipes the icing on Clarke's hair, Clarke feels her tender hands brushing her shoulder and face. Clarke never obeys in an instance, she would always argue or say something before actually obeying. Words left her when Lexa commanded.
"And yes, I would be glad to bake you this cake for your birthday, Clarke" Lexa smiled
"Thank you" Clarke retuns the smile and was amazed on how Lexa didn't forget her question after minutes have gone by
"How old are you Clarke? Lexa gazing with her green eyes
"I will be turning 16 this year, and you?"
"I will be turning 18 this year...kiddo"
"I'm not a kiddo, I'm a lady you know" Clarke demanded
"You look like a kiddo to me Clarke" Lexa teasing
Clarke with kid's temper, was about to hit Lexa with her gloves. Lexa anticipating it, moved on her side and catched Clarke with her arm. Lexa embraced Clarke to prevent her from hitting the chair beside them.
Their eyes locked together, blue eyes meeting green. Clarke can't understand what she feels. Is this what her mother was telling her about "crush"? Lexa didn't move, her face softened as she continued to stare at Clarke's eyes. They didn't move for almost 2 minutes. Lexa then moved her left hand to Clarke's cheek, caressing her skin. Clarke closed her eyes and felt that warm touch again. They were only interrupted when Abby and Alexandra shouted and calling their names.
"Our mom's calling us" Lexa lifted Clarke from her side
Clarke looked at Lexa and moved towards her and kissed her cheeks, almost the side of Lexa's lips. They smiled and went to meet their mothers.
*********
In that same year, Lexa and Clarke exchanged e-mails. And would even find a chat room so they can talk. Clarke would be excited coming back from school to find her mailbox full of Lexa's emails. She told Raven about Lexa and how she was fond of her.
"Well, I'm your bestfriend. But it's really okay if you have other close friends like Lexa. She's cool and...very pretty." Raven laughed
"Yeah she is. Did you know that she tops her class? She sent a picture with her medals and all." Clarke beaming
"That's great! Does Lexa have a boyfriend? Is he cute? Or are you guys don't talk about that?"
"We talk about everything. There's this guy courting her. But she said she didn't like him anyhow. She also told me not to entertain other boys too as I need to concentrate with my school. I promised her that I won't"
"Wow Clarke! You sounded like you and Lexa are girlfriends!" Raven snickered
Clarke blushed and returned back to her computer without answering Raven. Raven moved out of her room to meet Octavia downstairs to grab some snack. Clarke wondered about what Raven said. She never felt this excitement about Raven before. But she simply justifies that it's cause Lexa was in another State that's why the excitement. Raven has been with her all her life. Yes, maybe that's just it.
That October, she got a surprise from Lexa. She received a cake and all sort of stuff. -- Ranging from teddy bears, cards, and small magnets of the countries which Lexa visited. She enjoyed her day and even got a phone call from her.
"Happy 16th Birthday Clarke!" Lexa seems smiling on the other line
"Thank you Lexa! Wow, you remembered the cake. I'm so touched " Clarke can't hide her emotions
"I can't forget you Clarke, ALWAYS remember that."
Clarke was about to say something when Lexa interrupted her
"Hey, I'm sorry but I need to go. Family needs to go somewhere. I will email you soon. I'm excited to see you next January in the cabin." Lexa ended the call
Clarke felt she missed Lexa's voice in an instant. She felt like crying but she doesn't know why. But she found courage when she remembered they'll be seeing each other next year in the cabin.
Before that year ended, Griffin household were busy with the Ranch that they purchased three years ago. Jake was building house there and enforcing the fences. They also bought different animals as requested by the locals tending the ranch. It was winter and everyone was exhausted after Christmas. But Clarke was looking forward their vacation in the cabin.
"I don't think me and your mom can come. I have told Tony about it." Jake informed them
"But dad, we love going to that cabin." Clarke looked frustrated
"Yes I know sweetheart, but we can't come. I will let you guys go if you promise to behave."
Everyone in the sofa raised their hands and shouted they will behave.
Jake looked at Abby, a bit concern.
"Honey, they are no longer kids. plus Tony's daughters, Anya and Lexa are already young adults. They always take care of them" Abby assured Jake.
"I guess you're right Honey. These kids have been enjoying that mansion like cabin of Tony for years now. And we can enjoy this ranch all by ourselves when they left" Jake smiled at Abby
"Ewww parents, get a room!" Clarke walked pass Jake and waved her hands
The household bursts into laughter and they enjoyed the evening with great food. They also allowed Clarke, Bellamy and invited Raven to drink champagne.
********~~~~********
That Vacation, it was not Tony who met them at the Tarmac, but it was Tony's assistant Titus and son Lincoln who will bring them up the mountains. Clarke was smiling as she knew Octavia had a crush on Lincoln.
The travel was longer as some roads were full of snow from last night. Clarke double checked on the gift she prepared for Lexa. She didn't send any gifts for her during her birthday and now is the time to give both her birthday and Christmas gifts. She felt nervous that Lexa would not like it. She realized how well to do their family are after counting the magnets Lexa sent out to her. Those magnets were souvenir Lexa likes to collect when visiting other countries. As she counted them, it was 7. Lexa has been to Canada, Austria, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Paris and Britain. And of course, different states in the US.
After almost an hout they finally arrived at the cabin
"Oh my God, these are beautiful Clarke!" Lexa's green eyes widened
"I never knew you can draw so well, you haven't told me this."
"I'm sorry,... I never knew it was really a talent."Clarke hoped that her scarf can hide the redness in her face.
"I love them Clarke, you took the effort in making all these. Come here please." Lexa extended her arms towards Clarke
Without hesitation, Clarke again obeyed. Lexa embraced Clarke so tight, amidst their thick jackets, Clarke can feel Lexa's body. Clarke felt Lexa kissed her right ear and whispered "Thank you sweet Clarke"
Clarke tried to fight her emotions, she never felt this before. She knew she missed Lexa, but now she's embracing her, what else is she feeling? But she can't move, she's enjoying every bit of that embrace. She doesn't want to let go. She can smell Lexa's hair, her clothes, she can feel her heartbeat quickens. She was about to cry when Lexa lets go of the embrace. Clarke saw what seemed a teary eyed Lexa.
"Oh crap, your hair went to my eyes, Clarke" Lexa wiped some tears off her eyes.
"Let me check it " Clarke moved closer to inspect Lexa's eyes.
"I'm fine Clarke, thanks. Let's move your bags over to your room"