The Sub-Parameters
Clarke is wearing yellow sundress and Lexa in blue. The fields are dancing with green grass swaying from side to side.
"You came.... I don't want you to go, Lexa"
Lexa just smiled. As Clarke reaches out her hand to Lexa, a strong wind came and it blew Lexa away from the field. Clarke came running for Lexa but the ground changes as she continues to run, her feet hurting as thorns grew in an instant in her pathway. She tried to change direction but she's seeing Lexa slowly disappears together with the wind.
"Lexa! Lexa!! she frantically shouts at her name
Clarke woke up. She felt her heart is in her throat, and her mouth searching for water. She was a bit shaken but she got her robe and directly went down to the kitchen. She grabbed bottle of milk and drank half of its content. She took a glass and drank water. She had dreams of Lexa before but not as vivid and scary as this one. She wanted to get up early as she plans to visit her mom and tell her about the unbelievable deal her dad made with the Woods.
She saw that the coffee machine has been set and wondered who in the household is already up.
Octavia came down from the stairs. "Morning Clarke" Octavia yawns and pulls out a cup and pours coffee. "You're up early?" Clarke also grabbed a mug and pours herself coffee.
"Yeah, heard you shout out Lexa's name, and heard you scooting down. What was that all about?" Octavia smiling. "I was having a nightmare, don't go smiling at me like that"
"Okay, if you say so Clarkey" Octavia laughed
Clarke went to prepare to her visit her mom. She took toast and a little bit more coffee. When she arrived, she saw her dad coming out of the detention center.
"Hi dad, so you already told mom?"
"You usually visit on a Tuesday, you seem excited telling her yourself" Jake hugs her daughter
"Don't you worry sweetheart, Lexa told me you have until tomorrow to accept or not #5 in the agreement. But..please, do carefully evaluate what it would do overall. You have two options" Jake looks at Clarke
"You marry her, and settle things and if you feel ..and both of you feel that..you know..am sure separation can..." Jake trying to reinvent in explaining to Clarke
"I got the picture Dad, don't worry about me. Tony made it sound convincing that it's best for our families. They also made the sacrifice Dad.. they had Lexa..."
"I'm glad you've thought about things. Yes, sure it's also not easy for Lexa. I heard from Tony she had gf so I'm not sure on her end why she accepted this.." Jake pulls out his car keys. "So I see yah sweetheart, I might go to the other side of town later. Go home safely."
Clarke nods. It took her more than an hour to debate with Raven over the phone last night what course of action to take that will not hurt the agreement or her parents. She knows she can handle the marriage with Lexa. She remembered that Lexa said they can add stipulation on the agreement. She came up with several last night.
Clarke spent 10 minutes talking to Abby over the phone. She wasn't allowed to go out today as the detention is under quarantine. Certain sections has been closed for monitoring.
Clarke returned home and asked her dad for Titus' phone number. She doesn't want to talk to Lexa directly yet.
"Good morning Titus" Clarke here
"Is it possible to tell Lexa to come over today... oh, okay. So she's busy the whole day? I'm sorry, okay then I'll just wait tomorrow. Thank you Titus." Clarke puts down the phone.
Clarke decided she will visit one of the orange pickers of their farm, who has a son needing medical assistance. She drove around 15 minutes to reach the Sanchez. She was met by the family and was so thankful for the money they received from her.
"Ma'm, we heard that the ranch and farm will be sold out to businessman from the east" Juancho asked.
"That will not happen Juancho, dad and I are doing the best we can to not let it happen" Clarke assured him.
Clarke returned back to the land and decided she will do rounds on the ranch, the riverbanks and farm. On a slow drive, it usually take around 30 to 45 minutes to circumnavigate it.
Clarke knew she started the day early and it's already 2pm and hasn't taken any food. She declined the offer of the Sanchez as she wanted to return back home to finish some paintings. As Clarke was about to reach her parking, a posh car beats her into it
"What the heck!" Clarke stopped and furiously stepped out of her pick up
She approached the car and was about to give piece of her mind at the driver, when Lexa came out of the driver's side.
"Clarke! God, you gave me a fright!"
"Gave you a fright? You cut me to get into my parking"
Lexa smiled "I'll be glad to move my car"
Lexa turned around to go back to her vehicle when Clarke grabbed her wrist
"What are you doing here?"
Clarke came into her sense, she lets go off Lexa's wrist. There was a tinge of electricity that ran when she touched her.
"You look pale, Clarke. Are you okay? Lexa searching Clarke's face
"Remember you called Titus to talk to me. So here I am"
"Oh yes, sorry, Titus told me you be busy all day..so I didn't expect you coming here today. "
"Have you eaten anything?" Lexa looked worried
"No, not really, can we get inside? I'm sure they left me something in the oven" Clarke searches for her keys and leads Lexa inside the house.
In some twisted faith, there was a note on the fridge. Written by Bellamy it says:
"Octavia and Clarke -- I had to drive Uncle Jake over to the eastern bank. I have a steak ready in the fridge. Kindly cook it yourself."
"Oh crap! Just my day!" Clarke can hear her stomach growling already
"Stay here.. I need to get something from the car" Lexa left her in the kitchen
Clarke opens the cabinets to check for chips or cereals, she feels stupid for neglecting herself not to eat.
"Here we go.." Lexa holding 2 brown paper bags and she placed it above the nook counter
"Oh my God! That's Berlin's Roast!" Clarke ecstatic of what Lexa had on the bag
"Yes Clarke, I remembered we talked about great restaurants in your state and I know you love Berlin. As soon I passed by the freeway going here, I did a drive thru" Lexa seem pleased with her decision of getting the snack
Lexa removed her coat which from Clarke's estimate is a very expensive suit. Lexa carefully placed it at the back of the seat. Clarke offered she will hang it on the rack near the door but Lexa asked her not to.
"Sit down Clarke, let me just get this food out of the bag so YOU can eat"
Lexa gets 2 plates and serves the mouthwatering roast beef sandwich in front of Clarke. Clarke noticed that Lexa served her the larger part. She was about to say something but she kept her mouth shut. She knew when they were younger how Lexa would always give her the bigger, softer, crunchier piece, whatever is best for her.
They remained quiet as Clarke gobbled the food, the combination of her being so hungry and eating one of her favorite foods is satisfying.
"God, that was good! Thanks for bringing it here with me." Clarke smiling. "So, I thought Titus told me you gonna be all busy today, I guess he got your schedules all mixed up" Clarke wiping her mouth with serviette.
"I was actually in the middle of a board meeting. I attend this meeting once every quarter. The office downtown is one of our divisions, so since we are in town I had it set earlier." Lexa finishing her food
"Oh,...... I'm sorry, I told Titus I can wait tomorrow." Clarke surprised that Lexa prioritized her over her busy work.
"The restaurant, ....you still remembered about it?' Clarke realized that it has been more 10 years since she must have mentioned that to Lexa.
Lexa just looked at Clarke as she drank her soda and puts the serviette down the table.
"I don't forget about you Clarke." Lexa uttered the words with painful hint.
Clarke knew that Lexa might bring up the past and so she must say something about her intention for having Lexa here today in their house.
"I made some stipulation, I'm gonna get it upstairs. Wait for me please"
"Go on, I'm going nowhere Clarke"
Clarke returned with around 3 to 5 pages of written sub categories.
"Wow, you must have really thought about the agreements" Lexa prepared to read it but Clarke isn't letting go of the papers.
"I'll be the one to read it" Clarke stated
"Very well then.. but 5 major agreements and it'll take us all day here. Must be boring."
"I ..... well.....I only made stipulations on #5" Clarke avoding Lexa's eyes.
Lexa straighten up her on her seat and holds her hands together, intently listening to what Clarke has to say
The following stipulations under # 5
1. We shall have separate rooms and bath
2. I'm allowed to visit my parents or friends whenever I want to.
3. I'm allowed to sleep over to another house..
Lexa opened her mouth to say something ..but she closed it as soon as Clarke looks at her.
4. I'm allowed to bring my friends and family at our house or which house we plan to stay in
5. I can stay in my parent's house during Christmas, New Year or any other Holidays that's important to my family.
6. I can buy whatever food I want or drinks I want
Lexa bursts into laughter which made Clarke discontinue with her reading.
"What's funny Lexa?"
"First of all, you're not a prisoner. Second, yes having separate rooms is acceptable and can be arranged. Third, when did we ever ..or I control you with your food or drinks?" Lexa still smiling
"Can I just get on with this? It's going to take us all day if you keep interrupting." Clarke waves her left hand as she's starting to get red.
"Go on, I'm listening" Lexa made a short giggle
Clarke continues
7. I can bring my pick up truck with me.
8. I can buy my own clothes and stuff
9. I don't want to be forced to attend any of your social gatherings
10. Attend or accompany you during Gala events
11. Attending family affairs can be arranged.
12. I'm allowed to paint whenever I want to.
13. I can bring my dogs in our house.
14. We are not ALLOWED TO TOUCH IF IT'S NOT NECESSARY.
15. We only embrace, hold hands or kiss if needed; like if we have friends, family that doesn't know this deal.
16. I don't report to you and vice versa
"Okay, hold on. Are you saying that we are proceeding with the marriage?" Lexa clarifies
"Yes, so can I just finish?" Clarke shaking her head
17. If we're ready to marry another person, we will make an agreement for me to pay on terms; the costs of my parent's arrears.
"If we plan to marry another person?" Lexa looks serious.
"Yah, dad said you have a girlfriend. Me and my boyfriend, well he's trying to get back to me.." Clarke knows she can't accept Finn but has to go to mentioning it.
"I don't have a girlfriend.. anyhow, okay you and your boyfriend... just don't bring him to OUR HOUSE, please.." Lexa's pursed lip indicating frustration
"Okay I won't. Just don't bring your girlfriends or boyfriend over to our place. I don't want unwanted noise in the middle of the night." Clarke retaliated.
"You won't hear anything, my room will be different from yours remember?" Lexa answered.
"Even so! And let me be clear, we have to talk first whoever our partners will be and they have to be in the loop. I don't want our families stressed over us being with another."
" How about if for a year we don't have anyone but US?" Lexa staring at Clarke
"Agree on me with this Clarke" Lexa thinking..
"Okay, agreed. One year." Clarke answered her.