Chapter Text
Clarke was barely able to keep her eyes open as she climbed onto the bus and sat down. She always sat somewhere near the back so she couldn't hear the older passengers talking to the driver at the front. At 22 years old Clarke was now a medical student and she commuted to Arkadia University School of Medicine for an hour and fifteen minutes. Her parents offered her to pay for an on campus apartment but Clarke refused, preferring to stay in her hometown. The drive also gave her enough time to study, sometimes she even did homework on the bus home.
Raven graduated from Florida A&M University, studying mechanical engineering, and was now working at Army National Guard as construction equipment repairer. Raven especially loved the basic combat training. Octavia has been all the way in Connecticut on a sports scholarship, playing for the Huskies softball team and field hockey. She has been incredible and Clarke and Raven tried to fly there as often as possible to see her play for big games. But now Octavia was on her way to join USA Softball Women's National Team. After a while of tiptoeing around Bellamy's friend Lincoln she finally gathered enough courage and asked him out. He said yes and they have been together ever since – much to Bellamy's dismay, although he was glad that Lincoln was a great guy and not a jerk.
Clarke hasn't heard from Lexa since she left. Her mom called Luna a few times but suddenly her phone was disconnected. For a really long time Clarke was mad. She felt abandoned and her heart was broken. Lexa left without an apology, without a real goodbye. But eventually Clarke moved on, though she built up walls around her heart and she was never able to quite fully date. Not that she had time because medical school was hard and took up most of her time even if she was only two months in.
Clarke was half an hour away from university, her laptop opened as she just finished reading through the latest assigned chapters. Student's books were expensive and her parents might be rich but if something was available online, for free – even if it was illegal, Clarke didn't waste a moment before downloading it. The bus pulled to a stop, picking up new passengers. It was now 8:30 in the morning and her first class was at 9:35. Clarke looked up from her computer, a young boy with dirty blonde hair, oddly familiar. He grinned at the bus driver and walked towards the back of the bus where Clarke was. He sat on a seat that was in the same row as hers. Clarke frowned and then shrugged, leaning back and grabbing her phone.
Princess Griffin
[8:32 AM] I am in a need of a break.
She didn't have to wait long for a reply.
Reyes-Green
[8:33 AM] Same. I'm hella tired
Clarke laughed to herself.
Princess Griffin
[8:33 AM] I'm sure it has nothing to do with Anya keeping you up all night.
Raven and Anya's relationship ended after Anya moved away to go to college, though they refused to acknowledge they were in an actual relationship in the first place, and Raven dated other people. That was until two years after Anya's graduation when they realized through the constant texting and calling each other that they couldn't be apart. They got engaged just a month ago and Clarke teased Raven by hyphenating their last names.
Reyes-Green
[8:35 AM] U just mad cause I'm having awesome sex
Clarke couldn't deny that. It's been way too long since she went outside and found someone she was willing to sleep with. Her eyes glanced at the boy near her. He couldn't be older than 18 and he seemed so familiar. He had a bracelet around his left wrist. A rainbow one. One that seemed awfully familiar to… "Holy fuck," Clarke blurted out.
The boy raised his head, his eyes meeting Clarke's until they widened. "Clarke?"
"Aden?"
Aden grinned widely. His voice was now deeper, his face no longer childlike, his jaw sharp just like Lexa's. "That would be me, yeah," he said and laughed. "What are you doing here?" There was a slight hint of British accent that he most likely picked up by going to school in England for 6 years.
"I should be asking you that," Clarke said. "I thought you were in England."
"We moved back a week ago," Aden said, now frowning slightly.
"We?"
Aden nodded. "Lexa and I."
Clarke raised her eyebrows, surprised. "Your mom?"
Aden sighed, raising his feet to rest them against the back of the seat in front of him. "She died."
"Your mom? In England?" Clarke asked dumbly.
Aden nodded. "You haven't talked to my sister since we left, have you?" His voice wasn't laced with accusation like Clarke expected. It was a question asked with sadness.
"No. I was mad when you left and then when I finally calmed down, a few months later, your mom's phone was disconnected and that was it," Clarke admitted. "Is she okay?"
"Yeah, we're okay," Aden said, knowing he couldn't say more than that. "So where are you going?"
Clarke smiled. School was a safe topic. "I'm attending med school at Arkadia School of Medicine. It's a bit of a ride but I don't mind. And what are you doing on a bus this early?"
"Polis University," Aden said proudly. "I got a full scholarship. Marine Science. Though, I'm really just going to sign some papers first."
"You were one of those smartass kids who skip grades, huh?" Clarke teased.
Aden shrugged, bashful smile on his face.
"What does Lexa study?" Clarke asked curiously.
Aden chewed on his bottom lip. "I shouldn't really tell you this because if Lexa finds out she's going to be mad, but she quit school after she graduated high school. After mom died there wasn't enough money to keep us both in school and the system there allowed us to stay in the apartment almost for free and Lexa had the custody over me."
"I'm sorry," Clarke said. "About your dad and Luna and everything."
"It's cool," Aden said, dismissing it. "Lex promised me a belated 18th birthday party this weekend. We're going to an AirSoft arena and we're kind of lacking the entire team. You can join."
Clarke smiled at the thoughtfulness. "As much as I would love to, I think you should ask your sister first." She reached inside of her backpack, tearing off the corner of a paper in her notebook and scribbling down her number with a pen. "But here's my number if you're still in. I'm sure Raven and Anya would love to join. And maybe others as well."
Aden nodded, entering the number in his phone before he could lose the paper. He stood up, his bus station next. "It was great seeing you."
"You too, Aden," Clarke said. "You've grown into a handsome, young man."
Aden chuckled, shaking his head. "Bye."
"Bye," Clarke said, giving him a small wave as he left the bus. Clarke released a shaky breath. Ten more minutes until her station. She put her laptop in her backpack and grabbed her phone.
Princess Griffin
[8:55 AM] I just talked to Aden.
Her text was sent to both Octavia and Raven.
Best softball player in the world
[8:57 AM] Aden? Do I know an Aden?
Reyes-Green
[8:58 AM] The name sounds familiar but idk
Princess Griffin
[8:59 AM] Aden Woods. Uhm hello, that's the only Aden I know as well.
Reyes-Green
[9:00 AM] SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! ADEN??? I THOUGHT HE WAS IN ENGLAND WITH THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE?
Clarke rolled her eyes. Raven used the weirdest expressions. Shut the front door? Who even says that? And the love of Clarke's life? They were only 16. And Clarke has barely dated since then so how could she even know? The bus came to a stop and Clarke exited, taking a deep breath. She still had half an hour and going directly to class for molecular biology didn't seem as appealing as grabbing a cup of coffee first.
Princess Griffin
[9:08 AM] Raven we were 16. We never even said I love yous. She was gone by the end of the summer.
Reyes-Green
[9:11 AM] Do I have to remind you that Anya n I met when I was 16?
Princess Griffin
[9:13 AM] Yeah, yeah, you're happy and in love blah blah blah
Princess Griffin
[9:16 AM] Sorry.. I'm bitter.. I truly am happy for you Rav
Clarke bought a cup of coffee in a coffee stand near the entrance to her school and she drank it almost as if it was a tequila shot. After her thoughts cleared with the caffeine she walked inside and got ready for a tiring day of lessons. At least she didn't have to be in a lab. She had classes until 2pm and then she had Advanced Genetics until 4pm for extra credits. Her bus was at 4:30pm and sometimes Clarke went straight to bed after getting home or she stayed up till 2 in the morning.
Clarke made exactly two friends so far and even they couldn't be considered really close friends. A boy, Wells, that made awful jokes and knew answers to all of the questions. He was smart and not a bad conversationalist. Then there was a girl, Niylah. They talked once during lunch and now ate lunch together without really asking each other. Clarke considered her a friend even though their conversations were based on classes, hospitals and professors.
Reyes-Green
[9:32 AM] It's cool C. Have fun in school and don't text in class. ;)
Clarke just found her seat when she received Raven's message and laughed.
Princess Griffin
[9:33 AM] Yes, ma'am. Serve well to this country, soldier.
Although Raven wasn't quite completed with her training yet and was still in the base, Clarke knew that as a mechanic Raven would be quite safe in the war zone but she still worried. Not that she could be mad at Raven because the girl was so proud of herself for getting into the army and she practically aced the physical requirements.
Clarke saw the professor walk in and she leaned back in her chair, knowing this was going to be a long day. She pulled her laptop out of her backpack, placing it on the desk. She could see some students scrolling aimlessly through Facebook or Tumblr, a few had earphones plugged in and listened to Youtube or Spotify. A boy in the back was even watching Netflix. Clarke knew she should be paying attention but she also knew that the professor sent PowerPoint presentations for each lesson to their school e-mails. Clarke went on Facebook and typed in 'Lexa Woods'. Lexa was never a big part of Facebook, she only had friends added that she knew and Clarke hasn't been on her profile in years. There were a few new pictures, mostly tagged, her profile picture changed too. From what Clarke could tell her hair was still long, curly and dark and she has only gotten more attractive over the years. Clarke sighed, about to close the tab when a message popped up.
Bellamy Blake
Shouldn't you be in school? [THU 9:45AM]
Clarke rolled her eyes because she was most certain Bellamy had to be at work.
Clarke Griffin
Shouldn't you be at work? [THU 9:45AM]
Clarke watched the dots appear on her screen as Bellamy typed his reply. After a few years of taking night classes and working during the day Bellamy finally got his degree and was now teaching history and geography in high school. It made Clarke feel uncomfortably privileged as she watched Bellamy struggle with paying rent, supporting his sister and sick mother and also going to school.
Bellamy Blake
Touché. But it's my break hour. Before I pop an unexpected quiz. Love being a teacher. [THU 9:48AM]
Clarke Griffin
I'm most certain that your students love you. Be nice to them. We were once bombed with unexpected quizzes too =( [THU 9:50AM]
Bellamy Blake
I remember. Pay attention now future Doctor Griffin Jr. Get it? Cause your mom is the original Doctor Griffin. [THU 9:52AM]
Clarke sometimes had no idea why she was still friends with the Blake's. Bellamy was nerdy and had the most awful jokes and Octavia was way too outdoorsy and Clarke still regretted all the hiking and camping trips she made her be a part of.
Clarke Griffin
Byeee [THU 9:56AM]
Clarke opened up a new Word document and decided to at least take notes since she was already in class. She only ever used the notebook to sketch or doodle in it. Although for a few moments she wanted to study art instead, her mom didn't want her to be a starved artist and Clarke wasn't sure if she was willing to draw, create only what she was told. She was a free spirit and she couldn't draw a good 3D chair for shit, no matter how great she was at drawing everything else.
"Hi," a gentle, timid voice reached Clarke's ears.
Clarke raised her eyebrows and moved her head in the direction of the voice. "Hi."
"I'm Maya," the girl said nervously. "Do you maybe have a pen I could borrow? Mine stopped writing and I don't think he's anywhere near done," the girl explained.
Clarke noticed the laptop but she knew some students still preferred writing down the notes because it also helped mesmerizing it earlier. "Sure," she said. She reached inside her bag and took out her notebook and pencil case.
"You draw?" Maya asked, surprised.
Clarke nodded. "It's just for fun, really." Clarke frowned when she noticed her pen wasn't in the pencil case and then saw the lump in the notebook. She opened it up, revealing one of her sketches and passing the pen to Maya. "There you go."
"Thank you," Maya said, genuinely relieved. "She looks really pretty, whoever that is."
Clarke looked down at the sketch. She found an old picture of Lexa in her drawer a few months ago and decided to draw her. It was done with nothing but a black pen and while Clarke thought it still needed some extra touches it wasn't too bad looking. She managed a small smile. "Thank you."
Maya went back to taking notes and Clarke went back to typing on her computer. The guy that was watching Netflix was now asleep, slouching over the desk and Clarke wondered if he was going to pass the class. She's seen him around and he always seemed to be sleeping or watching movies. Clarke shook her head, forcing herself to focus.
At lunch time Clarke never went far from school. She wasn't familiar with the campus yet and was nervous about getting lost. Clarke usually went to the library after buying a sandwich and either talked to Raven, Octavia or her parents. She took a seat near the wall and plugged in her laptop, letting it charge.
"Mind if I join?"
It was Wells. He was holding a sandwich too.
Clarke nodded. "Go ahead. Not a big fan of Florida?"
"I'm from Seattle and the only way I know around here is from my dorm and to school," Wells said.
Clarke laughed, nodding. She looked at her backpack and grabbed her notebook, suddenly feeling like sketching. "You don't mind if I draw, do you? I get quiet and some people are bothered."
"No, no, it's fine," Wells said. "What will you draw anyway?"
Clarke wasn't sure just yet. All she knew was that her hand was itching so she grabbed a pencil. "I'll figure it out as I go," she answered honestly. The image of Aden on the bus, leaning his feet on a seat in front of him was still embedded in her brain and she drew. The sketch was done a lot quicker than she anticipated and when she glanced at the clock she realized she still had half an hour of lunch left.
"So, uh, younger boys is your type?"
And then Clarke laughed, throwing her head back. "Oh god no. This is my best friend's younger brother." Wells raised his eyebrows. "I know it, uh, seems weird but I saw him today after 6 years and I guess I just needed to draw him."
"And your best friend?" Wells asked.
"I haven't spoken to her yet," Clarke admitted. She looked at her sandwich, not feeling hungry anymore but she also knew she needed to energy. So she forced herself to eat it. "What about your friends?"
"Most of them stayed in Seattle," Wells said. "None of them were interested in med school."
Clarke nodded. "Who really wants to spend 13 extra years studying though? We, med students, are just really competitive."
Wells chuckled. "I agree. Why go to med school if you could study art?"
"I'm not good at art when I'm told what I have to do," Clarke admitted. "And my mom is a surgeon so I guess I already know what to expect and it doesn't hurt that she's already went through this."
"Understandable," Wells agreed.
They chatted for a while until Clarke unplugged her laptop and placed everything in the backpack. They parted their ways, their schedules different after lunch, and Clarke found her class. She had cancer biology before her advanced class and then she was done for the day. Which was honestly easier said than done.
When Clarke stumbled out of the bus, which arrived late, at almost 6 pm she was tired and hungry. Clarke moved out of her family home in the second year of college after she got enough money from working at the gas station. It was almost disgusting, washing other people's cars for money but older men tipped very well. Now Clarke only worked on weekends as a clinical assistant, thanks to her mom. Which mostly meant she was scheduling, registering patients, entering files into the computers and also answering phone calls. Sometimes Clarke was allowed to assist during examinations, mostly measuring, weighing and taking blood pressure. It had little to do with medicine but they paid relatively well. Clarke unlocked her apartment, hitting the lights on and sighing in relief when a smell of homemade meal invaded her senses. Her mom must have dropped by and brought dinner and Clarke was eternally grateful. She ate spaghetti and meatballs as if she was in a race, changed her clothes and then walked into her art studio. It was originally a two bedroom apartment but Clarke converted it into a one bedroom and one art studio. It kept the mess in one place. Her phone vibrated, signalizing a message.
Unknown number
[6:18PM] You and your friends are welcome to my birthday party. Battalion – AirSoft Arena at 2pm on Saturday. This is Aden btw :D
Clarke sat down in front of a canvas and knew exactly what she wanted to do. She painted Aden, exactly the way she sketched him. She knew Aden probably didn't need a painting of himself but it was the best Clarke could do. When Clarke was finished, which was much later, she was satisfied with the outcome and sighed to herself. Paint was all over her hands, smudged on her cheeks and some even got in her hair. But she grabbed her phone and decided to reply anyway.
Clarke
[9:42PM] I'll be very happy to come. Happy belated birthday Aden xoxo
And then Clarke clicked on the group chat messages.
Princess Griffin
[9:44PM] We have a situation. It's called Woods and we're meeting them this Saturday at 2pm at that airsoft arena. Anya, Lincoln, Bell and Murphy are all welcomed.
Immediately texts came flying from Raven.
Reyes-Green
[9:44PM] HOLY FUCK HOW DID THIS HAPPEN
Reyes-Green
[9:45PM] I'M HONESTLY SHOCKED CLARKEY
Reyes-Green
[9:45PM] WHAT HAPPENED TO 'FUCK WOODS I DON'T EVER WANNA SEE HER AGAIN'
Reyes-Green
[9:46PM] I STILL THINK YOU'RE SOULMATES THOUGH SO WAY TO GO GRIFFIN. I HOPE YOU GET LAID
Reyes-Green
[9:48PM] Hi, this is Anya, ignore Raven. We will be very happy to join you. Raven is in shock right now. She once told me she stopped believing in true love when you and Lexa broke up. I think some of her faith in humanity has been restored.
Clarke laughed. Of course Raven was going to freak out and Anya would go all diplomatic, apologizing for Raven and accepting the invitation.
Princess Griffin
[9:49PM] Thank you Anya. <3
Reyes-Green
[9:49PM] Don't go hearting my woman, Griffin.
Best softball player in the world
[9:52PM] Wait, what did I miss? We had a late night practice. I kicked ass.
Best softball player in the world
[9:54PM] I guess we're going to chaperone this date for you Griffs. But don't be expecting more. Bellamy is excited and Lincoln promised to take it easy.
Princess Griffin
[9:58PM] It's a birthday party for an 18 year old, guys. We're going to be shooting each other. I think that's the opposite of a date.
Reyes-Green
[10:00PM] Let's not forget about my combat skills. I'm literally trained to kill.
Princess Griffin
[10:00PM] You're a mechanic Raven
Reyes-Green
[10:02PM] Mechanic with a license to kill!
Clarke snorted, rolling her eyes. Her friends were the weirdest but a part of her was really looking forward to the weekend. It was almost the end Thursday which meant she only had a day and a half to emotionally prepare to face Lexa again. It was both terrifying and exciting.