The Reunion
Clarke sat down, and in front of her is her dad. Jake continues to shuffle the playing cards. He knows Clarke's lingering presence means she's there to ask something
'What do you want to ask me Clarke?'
Clarke stood up and walks around.
"Dad, why is Tony here for 2 days? I know you're hiding things from me."
"Clarke... Tony's just here to help."
"Help?! Dad you've been playing cards for 2 days now, I know I can't see money but there are chips allover the table. What are those for?"
"Clarke, the ranch and the people that depend on us. We need to find ways"
"Dad," she called softly. He turned his head and glared at her. She walked towards him. "Dad, I want to know what's going on."
"Nevermind," he said gruffly. "It's not your affair." He turned back to the books.
"It is my affair, Dad," she said in a firmer tone. "I keep the books, too remember? I'm going to find out sooner or later." He looked at her again, anger written in the firm set of his jaw and hard blue eyes. He opened his mouth. Then, to her amazement, his face crumpled. "Just let it be, Clarke. It's my worry, not yours. We had this ranch pawned for years and I discontinued paying for it. We will lose it sooner or later."
"Will Tony buy it from us?" Clarke asked in a very sad tone.
"We had an agreement. And our game tomorrow will settle the whole thing." Jake sighs. "Clarke, I don't know how to tell you how sorry I am... that... I didn't manage this situation well. I was in the brink of losing myself. But I have you to hold on to, we need this for Abby, for your mother..we need this for the people who practically work in our land" Jake can't contain himself and tears fell in his eyes. Clarke embraces his father. There's no way she's going to lose both parents. "We can do this dad, just hang in there"
Early morning Clarke prepared her bag and went to her pick-up truck. She checked her paintings at the back and secured it with thick plastic covers. Before going to her mom, she will drop off her paintings to a friend who manages a large art gallery downtown. The drive takes about 20-25 minutes. She managed to get a cup of coffee while driving. Upon arriving at her destination, she asked assistance to get paintings at the back of the vehicle.
"Thanks Harper, the money you just handed ...they are large amount" Clarke smiled
"Come on, your paintings are fantastic! There's this cool guy who comes here and buys like 4 paintings every month. He said he sells them to corporate companies who want paintings in their big office hallways" Harper holds Clarke's arms.
"So promise me dear friend, paint some more! Make them larger cause those offices want grand designs!
"I will. I can do that Harper, thanks for all your help. I will be back in 3 weeks. I finished 2 paintings and if the other gallery who ordered it doesn't want it, I will give it to you." Harper nods before saying goodbye to Clarke.
Clarke drove another 45 minutes in opposite direction. She wanted to see her mom, she missed 2 weeks in visiting her. As she parks her pick up, she recognized Raven's car. What was it doing there. Why did Raven go and visits Abby ahead of her? Clarke's heart is racing, she felt different. She took out her plastic bag filled with food for her mom. She walked little faster and as she entered she saw Raven standing on the hallway and she was talking to someone but girl vanished soon as Clarke called Raven's name.
"Why are you here earlier? Who was it you're talking with?" Clarke catching air. "No one, just another visitor. And for your information, I came on time. I figured you dropped something to Harper's gallery so you thought I came here early" Raven pokes her forehead
"By the way, I already talked to your mom. I will wait for you"
Abby came out again for Clarke
"Mom, you look wonderful today. How are you?" Clarke has been doing a positive speeches for months now. She read that making her mom see her in good mood would make her hope for the best, still.
"I'm good Clarke, what were you doing yesterday? Your cousins came here together with Lincoln" Clarke was surprised but didn't show it to her mom. "I finished some paintings Mom. One of the orange picker's child is sick. I'm planning to give some money for the kid's medical needs. I had 3 of my paintings sold again. For months, it has been good to me."
"I'm proud of you looking after those people working in our land" Abby smiled at her
"Clarke, I want you to do me a favor"
Clarke nods "What is it Mom"
"I want you to trust your Dad. He may have unsound decisons before but whatever he's doing now is for our own good." Abby holding Clarke's hands
Clarke understood it. She knew about the plan on the ranch. She just isn't sure if Tony will pay for the pawned amount or buy their ranch. She was hoping Tony would just pay and they'll pay him on his terms or whichever is more doable for them. She's sure Tony doesn't need more properties or money.
She spent around 5 more minutes and she and Raven say their goodbyes to Abby. They parted ways in the freeway as Raven needs to visit her relatives.
Clarke was on her way home when her dad called her.
"Dad? Why what's wrong? I'm driving home"
"Nothing sweetheart, I would like you to buy some things for me. I will text you the items. Drive now"
"Dad am on speaker phone, what do I need to buy?"
Traffic welcomed Clarke as she headed for the grocery. She figured she'll have lunch at the salad bar store near the store.
As Clarke finished her buying her Dad asked for, she placed her key in the ignition switch and wondered what she's missing. She spent almost 2 hours going back as traffic was terrible. She thought about her mom, she remembered her talking about her cousins and Lincoln. "Who's Lincoln?" She frowned and tries to analyze how many Lincolns she knew in her life. She found only two, her Uncle Lincoln who lives in Alaska and Lincoln, Tony's stepson. Why, was Lincoln with Bellamy and Octavia. Its been almost 10-11 years since her last communication with the Woods. She severed it the day she saw Lexa with another girl. She wasn't really thinking about it. But she can't deny the fact that even though she never talked to her again, she was reading articles about her.
Lexa came to media headlines when she was voted young Executive of the Year for consecutive times. She also attends several gala events for different charity groups which can be seen in local news and the Internet. Lexa also made an appearance in a big magazine line for their executive-look fashion. Clarke is sure that whatever they have has been forgotten by Lexa.
Lexa has all, the fame, the money, the status, everything is hers. Clarke knew that there's no way she can probably compete with any of her boyfriends or girlfriends for that matter.
"Geez, why on earth would I even compete with that liar's love interests!" Clarke mad and talking to herself.
"Talk about waiting and next thing you know she's fucking another girl, such a traitor!"
Clarke left thier house in good mood and returned in foul one.
"Dad I'm home! Why are there other vehicles outside, do we have guests?" Bellamy came out nowhere.
"Yes we do!" He smiled with his apron on
"Oh you're the chef tonight I see. By the way, you and Octavia visited mom yesterday with Lincoln? Clarke removing her shoes and getting her slippers.
"Who's Lincoln are we talking about here? Clarke frowned
"Well you see...." Bellamy got interrupted by Clarke. "It's funny if it's the Woods as we haven't seen them in more than a decade. Although I saw Tony few days ago. So, is this Lincoln a new friend? Or do I kick out a Woods in this house?"
Bellamy was gesturing at Clarke to cut it off, his hand slashing his neck to tell her someone is there but Clarke was busy with her shoes and slippers.
"I hope you won't kick me out, I'm driving for my family. Dad doesn't want driver accompanying him to your place" Lincoln smiling while drinking a beer
Clarke's eyes widened and she forced a smile "Oh hi there Lincoln, wow you're such a man now! I'm sorry you heard me, you're not Woods am talking about, don't worry" Clarke laughed.
"Am I the Woods you wanted to kick out?"
Clarke closed her eyes for awhile, she knew that voice, even if it was long time ago. She placed that voice in her "Mind Palace"
She had no choice but to turn around.
"What brings you here, Lexa?" Clarke is praying her color will not turn red
"Such a nice welcome, Clarke" Lexa smiled
Clarke didn't know what hit her, surely Lexa as she recalled looks pretty way back then, but Lexa in front of her is close to perfection. Her green eyes are enigmatic, her smile is enchanting. Clarke wondered what other adjectives she can use to describe how gorgeous Lexa is.
Then she recalled the betreyal.
"Well, nice of you to accompany your Dad as you seem to be a busy lady, what do you call that on your world? Ahh, executive"
"You didn't reply to my mails. I sent you several snail mails too. You forgot about me, about us?" Lexa still smiling
"You know what Lexa, I'm glad you accompanied Tony here, but you bringing up our past, you should have a lid on it" Clarke glaring at Lexa
"Why Clarke? Why do we put a lid on something that wasn't even clear with you?"
"Why should there be a need to clear things up with me? We don't have anything. There's nothing going on about us! "
"Then why were you mad at me? Why did you stop communicating if there's nothing about us?" Lexa's tone still subtle but with anger.
"Hey hey kids..well the not so kids anymore, the food is ready! Let's keep the bickering to a minimum and let our guests enjoy the evening" Octavia waved her hands as she went between Clarke and Lexa
"I'm sorry...I'm sorry Clarke" Lexa looked at Clarke
"I'm sure you do. I'm not so hungry. You kids go and have dinner" Clarke passed by Lexa as she went up to her room.
Bellamy looked at Lincoln "That was intense"
Soon as Clarke closed the room to her door, she knew she did something wrong. The Woods have been very accommodating people. When they stayed in their mountain cabin or when they were invited to their mansion, they were treated with highest respect. They even see them as "extended family".
Clarke puts out her phone and texted Bellamy and Octavia.
"Please send my apologies to Lincoln and Lexa, I didn't mean to be rude. I was just under the weather."
She was hoping that she didn't give out Ill feelings for them.
Clarke was staring at the window, she wondered why all these years, the pain never really goes away. She might have forgotten it once in a while. But then it goes back again.
She thought maybe they should have a closure. Maybe today is that time. Time to move on.She knows that she's not yet ready to talk to Lexa, but tonight is the perfect opportunity for a good talk. The Woods maybe leaving again soon.
Clarke can't help but cry. She knows how she missed Lexa, her voice almost made her heart stop. She still has her effect on her. Why is she here now? Clarke stopped crying and washed her face. In half an hour, she went down
Clarke saw Raven was also there in the dining area. She was about to approach Lexa when Tony came out of the study room. That's the room where Jake and his friends would play poker.
"I have won!" Tony all smiles
"Wow dad!" Lexa stood up and embraced her father.
Jake invited Tony, Lexa and Clarke back to the study room. There are Two or three more men in the room but they are about to leave.
"Good game gentlemen, goodnight"
Jake accompanied those men outside and they said their farewells. In the room, Tony handed Titus papers from a brown envelope with a tag "Ranch". Clarke's heart is beating so fast. There were three other players aside from Tony, what if Tony lost awhile ago?
Jake returned in the and sat beside Clarke
"These are the stipulated papers, Jake my friend" Tony smiled handed the copy to Jake.
"You may read it Clarke, as you'll be the witness on Jake's side. I have Titus and Lexa here on my side"
Clarke grabs a a copy and reads it
The agreement gist goes:
1. Ranch will be owned by Lexa Jasmine Woods, daughter of Tony Woods.
2. Any arrears or responsibility owned/owns by the Ranch will be handled by the Woods
3. Payment of the Ranch should the Griffins would like to retake ownership will on a different terms of agreement
4. Griffin is entitled to live and handle the Ranch for the Woods.
5. As a pact for this agreement and as discussed prior, Lexa Jasmine Woods will seal marriage with Clarke Jane Griffin
Clarke's mouth opened. She started shaking her head and burst into laughter
"Oh my God, this is some kind of an agreement! Dad, tell me these are all joke, specially the last part" Clarke laughs!
Clarke's laughter started to die down as she sees Jake looking at her and feels like he does owe her thousands of explanation. Tony also becomes quiet too
"You guys, you guys must be kidding right?" Clarke still smiling
"Clarke, those men who played with your dad aren't really friends. They were bidding this ranch for years now. This ranch is a strategic place and those men would like to convert it to something else, perhaps commercial place. " Tony explained
"Reason for the stipulated agreement 1 and 5 is that, me and Jake are no longer handling or in charge of this land. You will, and Lexa will need to help you. If something happens to Lexa, you will have this land back"
"So why the marriage?" Clarke can't help but asks her main concern
"Anyone who dares to bribe or promise your father assistance regarding your mother will be twarthed. Your father already counted three of them and they would do anything to gain your land -- even if lying to get your mother out of her situation" Lexa explained
"Therefore, anyone who tries AGAIN will think twice as the land is now owned by the Woods and still being handled by the Griffins
No one dared to bribe a Woods"
"I get that! Now why the marriage?!" Clarke getting impatient
"Cause you need to have a lawful connection. By virtue of the law, Lexa's properties will be now yours as well. The bonding will fortify the ownership of the land."Titus answered Clarke
Clarke puts her hand on her forehead. Her mind can understand the law. Perhaps, what she wanted to know is how they come up with her to be with Lexa.
Tony seems to be reading Clarke's mind
"My stepson Lincoln whom I love as my own, well, he still carries his late father's last name. He can't own a land as a Woods"
Anya, has on and off girlfriends or sometimes boyfriends. You will have problems for sure. Lexa here on the other hand was a close friend of yours. I'm sure you guys can understand each other regarding your relationship better than anyone in this room."
"Oh am sure Anya and I will just fit just fine" Clarke looking at Lexa across the table.
Clarke saw Lexa bit her lower lip. First time she saw Lexa got hurt by her words. Lexa looking at the papers, trying to avoid Clarke's blue eyes. Clarke smiled.
Titus came into the picture. "Lexa has been your closest friend when you were young. She knows and cares about you the best she can. She looks at you like..."
Lexa raised her right hand "It's okay Titus.. let her be"
"You have a choice to do stipulation as sub categories for those agreements. The main agreements shall remain though. My father won the games fair and square. Would you like to contest?" Lexa's words emanate to the room. "Titus will call upon all players to go back and play the games again tomorrow if you wish. If your father wins, then we pay everything your father owes the bank. But if other players win, I've seen that you don't stand a chance owning even smallest of twig in this land." Lexa calmly placed the papers in the middle of the table.
"So why do we need number 3? Why can we take back ownership and pay if you all say the marriage will fortify the ownership?" Clarke asked
Titus quickly answered. "This is..well..if things will not work out for you..uhmmm divorce might come in and Griffin needs to buy the land back from the Woods. But of course there will be certain parameters......."
Titus got interrupted by Lexa
"There's no need for that explanation Titus, am sure we'll not go to the hassle of divorce." Lexa's tone serious.
"Wow, you sound so certain!" Clarke snorted out.
"Kids, this week and couple of days have been tiresome for me and Jake. We have been dealing with several people. Let's call it a night shall we? You two talk about your impending romance tomorrow" Tony laughs
Jake stands up and laughs with his friend, they went out of the room. Titus doesn't know if he'll go out of the room and join Jake and Tony or stay with Lexa who still checks on the papers.
"Leave us, Titus" Lexa commanded him
Titus is much happy to oblige in leaving a tension filled room.
Lexa's face soften. She looks directly at Clarke, and Clarke now is having a hard time connecting to her green eyes.
"I am sorry..... that it has come to this. We didn't want you or your family to be uncomfortable with the terms and agreement. Please let us..let me know if you don't want to go to #5. I am sure I can convince my father for other agreement. We just don't want those guys to still go after your Dad. He's aready stressed with your mom. Dad wants your family protected from bribing by those people."
There is silence in the room. Clarke doesn't know what to say. The sudden apologetic Lexa caught her off guard. She can't throw sarcasm as Lexa has been very tolerant of her foul mood.
"Our dads sure are tired. We shall go back in two days. Please let me know your decision in #5. Goodnight Clarke." Lexa's voice a bit fading as she stands up to leave the room.
"Lexa..."
Lexa turned around as she's heading towards the door
"Yes, Clarke?"
"Thank you..."
Lexa nods and left the room