All I Need
Lexa was freaking out. Her knees feel weak as she approaches the soccer field. Most of the parents already have set up their lawn chairs while the kids warm up for the game on the field. Lexa stands on the sideline awkwardly for a moment searching the crowd for a certain blonde. She spots Clarke talking to Lincoln on the coach’s bench, laughing while they both stare at one of the little girls on the field. Number 19. Lexa can only see her back but she already knows this number 19 is her Alex, her daughter.
The girl has her hair done up in a intricate braid just like Lexa used to wear in high school. Nostalgia hits the older brunette. Did Clarke braid their daughter’s hair like that for her? The thought warms her heart just a bit before her anxiety of the impending meet up with Alex consumes her yet again.
Lexa cautiously makes her way over to Lincoln and Clarke, her eyes never leaving Alex. Her daughter has yet to turn around and face her so she hasn’t gotten a good look at the girl’s face. Alex is wearing the cutest pink soccer socks with bright purple shin guards peeking out at the top. Her cleats are classic black and white and coated with strands of grass sticking to the shoes with dry mud serving as a sort of pasty glue. Judging by the girl’s stance, she’s the one who’s in charge. Just like Lexa once was, Alex is the kid on the soccer field that her teammates refer to. And for a six year old, Alex has a hell of a lot of skill and natural talent.
Lexa is so caught up in watching Alex that she walks straight into Lincoln.
“Oh! Ow I’m sorry Linc.”
Lincoln looks over his shoulder to follow Lexa’s awe stricken gaze directed at Alex and then looks back to his old best friend and just chuckles.
“It’s quite alright Lex. The game is going to start soon. Clarke usually stays over here on the coach’s bench with me. You can join us if you’d like.”
Lexa looks over to Clarke to make sure it’s alright with the blonde. Clarke softly smiles and nods.
“Okay yeah sure. That sounds good. Thanks.”
“No problem. I’ll be right back.”
Lexa hesitantly walks over to Clarke and sits rather close to her. In times of great stress or nervousness, Lexa always sought comfort in Clarke’s embrace. Years may have passed and situations may have changed, but just feeling the heat off of Clarke’s body instantly puts Lexa a little more at ease. Instinctively, Clarke reassuringly places her hand on Lexa’s knee which is nervously bouncing up and down. Blue meets green.
“Lexa. Try and relax. Alex is very excited to meet you. You have nothing to worry about.”
“I know. I’m just so worried she’ll hate me.”
“She won’t. Now let's watch our girl practice a bit, okay?”
Did Clarke just call her our girl? Lexa’s head is spinning with emotions.
“Okay. Yeah you're right.”
Alex turns around and pumps her fist in the air after successfully shooting in a practice goal. She finally turns around and Lexa’s breath catches in her throat. Her heart beat is going so damn fast. Lexa sees her little girl’s face for the first time and everything in the world makes sense. Every strife, every struggle she’s been through was worth it just to see her daughter’s toothy smile. Just to see her evergreen eyes sparkle with excitement from scoring a goal.
Soon enough the game starts and all the girls get in their positions. Alex was all laughing and giggles during practice but at the first blow of the referee's whistle her face turns stoic as she sprints down the field with the ball. Alex weaves in and out of the opposing team's midfielders and defenders. This girl meant business and Lexa was entranced. The game wasn’t too long because the boys and girls on the team were 4 - 6 years old and lost interest fast, but not Alex. Lexa could really tell that Alex enjoyed the sport and that excited the older brunette. At least now she knew she had something in common with the girl. Clarke said Alex was like her mini me but it’s one thing from hearing it second hand and an entirely different thing seeing it with her own eyes.
The game ended about a half hour later with Alex shooting the last goal. It was a pretty sweet goal too considering how far away she was from the goal post. Alex squealed and jumped around as all her teammates ran to hug her and squeal right along with her. Lexa couldn’t help but feel pride bubbling in her chest for their baby girl. Speaking of their girl, she is now running towards them. This beautiful creature that her and the love of her life created is barreling towards them at full speed. This was the moment she’s been waiting for. The moment she’s been mentally preparing for. All the things she planned to say escape the depths of her mind but somehow Lexa knows it’ll be okay because she’s already given all of her heart to number 19 of the Floukru girls soccer team.
"MAMA DID YOU SEE MY GOAL?!"
Clarke got on her knees preparing for her daughter's hug as Alex excitedly ran off the field and into her mother's arms.
"I did baby! You did so well. I'm so proud of you."
After a few seconds. Alex looked up with her big green eyes and locked gazes with Lexa. Lexa's heart felt like it was bursting out of her chest. She felt dizzy. Alex looked exactly like her. From the big expressive green eyes to the brown frizzy braided hair. Alex had Clarke's infectious smile though and her signature beauty mark above her upper lip. Alex was gorgeous and athletic and kind and all Lexa and Clarke.
Alex looked back and forth between her mommy and this mysterious brunette woman. Is this her other mommy?! She looks exactly like her just like her mama said! The six year old lowered her voice and whispered loud enough that both Clarke and Lexa could hear.
“Mama, is that my other mommy?”
Lexa had to fight every bone in her body not to wrap the little girl up in her arms. Alex was so precious. Lexa struggled to keep back the tears and let out a choked sob before clasping her hand over her mouth to silence herself.
Clarke looked over her shoulder at Lexa. The poor woman was struggling to keep it together, that much was obvious.
“Yes Alex it is. We talked about this remember?”
Alex nodded her head furiously and moved out of her mother’s embrace to approach Lexa. It was like looking in a mirror at a childlike version of herself. Alex had a wide grin on as she held out her small soft little hands for a hug. A hug. Her daughter actually wanted to hug her. She was gone for the girl’s whole life and yet she still wants to hug Lexa. She’s smiling and clearly excited to meet her ‘other mommy.’ The affectionate nature of the girl warmed Lexa’s heart and dissipated her nerves.
Lexa leaned down to return the hug. It was quick but perfect. Alex fit in her arms like a glove. Lexa felt a tinge of regret that she didn’t have the chance to cradle a baby Alex in her arms, but that’s gone as soon as her daughter says her first words to her.
“I’m Alex. My mommy says yous is my other mommy. Is that true?”
“Yes I am. Is that okay with you?”
“Mhm! Mommy said I looked like you!! Do you think so too?”
“I think you look exactly like me. You’re perfect Alex.”
“Mommy says perfect doesn’t exist.”
“That’s very true. You’re the closest thing to perfect then. How does that sound?”
Alex giggles and nods. Green eyes meet green for the second time ever. Alex whispers as if her words are selected carefully only for Lexa to hear.
“I always wanted to meet my other mommy. I’m glad it’s you.”
“I uh - me too. I’m really happy to meet you Alex. I’m sorry it took me so long.”
Lexa can’t hold back the tears this time as they fall freely from her eyes. Alex frowns for a moment. Why is her other mommy crying? Did she say something wrong? Alex turns to her blonde mommy for an explanation. Clarke always answers her questions.
“Mama why is she crying?”
“Sweetie she’s just really happy. How about we go out for ice cream after the game? Lexa loves ice cream.”
“You do?! Me too! My favorite flavor is the green one. Mama what’s it called again?”
Clarke has a glint of amusement in her eyes as she looks over to Lexa and answers their daughter’s question.
“Pistachio baby.”
“Yeah my faworites is pistachio baby.”
Both the adults heartily laugh as their daughter’s brow furrows and jaw clenches just as Lexa’s does when she’s pouting.
“Why are you laughing at me mommies?”
Lexa’s laughter soon turns to a gasp. Alex is really referring to her as her mom. She knows she doesn’t deserve this type of affection from her daughter so quickly but she can’t help but relish in the title.
“I’m sorry honey. Your favorite flavor is pistachio not pistachio baby.”
“Oh.”
Alex’s cheeks turn red as she burrows her head into Clarke’s stomach in an effort to hid away from her embarrassment. Clarke soothes her by gently playing with her hair and surprisingly on instinct Lexa crouches down to be eye level with their daughter.
“Hey hey it’s okay. You know that’s my favorite flavor too? It seems we have a lot in common.”
Alex turns to her and the little pout displayed on the six year old’s trembling lips turns into a bright smile. Lexa did that. Lexa was able to get her little girl to smile. The look on her daughter’s face meant everything in that moment.
“Really?!?”
“Always has been. Looks like you got your taste in ice cream from me. Your mama likes frozen yogurt.”
Lexa playfully makes a disgusted face at the prospect of frozen yogurt. Clarke mocks offense bringing her hand to her chest but in those blue eyes there was adoration and more importantly respect for the brunette for comforting her daughter. Their daughter. Clarke felt like she wasn’t in control of her own body in the moment. She felt warm and cozy and at home. Her life with Alex was always amazing. Her daughter was her world and she never thought she could feel more happy, but this oh so simple moment with Alex and Lexa made her heart race and put her at ease at the same time. This was her home and she never wanted to leave again.
Clarke smiled at the two and softly spoke, afraid to shatter this picture perfect moment.
"C'mon let's go get some ice cream."
Alex grabbed Clarke's hand in hers and looked up at Lexa expectantly. Alex raised up her soft cute little hand and wiggled her fingers at Lexa, gesturing for her other mommy to take her hand. So the three of them walked to the ice cream shop around the corner all connected to each other, hand in hand. And that was all they need.