Love Hate Relationship

Chapter 88

Almost three weeks had passed since the miscarriage. Clarke had started back at the hospital this past week, happy to get back into a routine. Friday night she had worked the overnight shift, came home, slept for a few hours, and was now relaxing in the sun room Saturday afternoon. Jinx was in her lap and Clarke was reading a book on the iPad. Well, trying to read a book. She kept having to re-read the same page over and over because her mind couldn't focus. Finn was home today. She knew he was just trying to be there for her, but it was suffocating. Every half hour he poked his head into the room asking if she was okay. When Clarke would nod, he would smile and go back to whatever house project he was working on.

The doorbell rang, and Oliver started barking. Then there were voices, and soon Finn was calling out to her. Clarke got up to see who it could be. Upon entering the living room, she was pleasantly surprised to see the Jordan's. Maya, Jasper and Aden were standing in the foyer.

"Oh my god. Hi guys," Clarke said. They had sent a sympathy card a couple of weeks ago and asked if they could visit soon, but Clarke hadn't gotten back to them. So here they were. Another card came in the mail that day, too.

Maya rushed over to give Clarke a hug and a kiss. "We've been wanting to stop over and see you. I hope it's okay."

"I know. I did get your card. I just haven't felt very good. But I'm doing a little better and I'm really happy to see you guys."

Jasper hugged her, too and produced a huge bouquet of daisies that he had behind his back. "These are for you."

"My goodness, daisies! My favorite, thank you so much."

Aden wrapped an arm around her waist and smiled up at her. "Hi Clarke!" He handed her a covered dish. "I made you brownies."

Brownies. The last time Clarke had brownies was at the Jordan's. Lexa's brownies. Hold it together she told herself. You can't lose your shit every time you hear the word brownie. "Hey buddy! My goodness, that is the sweetest thing ever, thank you so much."

Everyone went into the living room and sat down.

"What can I get you to drink?" Finn asked.

"Water is fine," Maya said.

Jasper and Aden nodded in agreement.

Finn took the brownies and headed to the kitchen to get everyone some water.

Maya sat next to Clarke on the couch and reached out to take her hand. "We're so sorry Clarke. How are you?"

Clarke's lips pressed together. "I'm hanging in there. And thank you so much for the card."

"You're welcome."

Jasper's eyes were full of sympathy. "I think you need to come to dinner. I'm going to make you my special burgers."

Finn returned from the kitchen and handed out the water bottles. "Did I hear someone say special burgers?"

Jasper smiled. "Yep. I make a mean burger. You both should come over next week."

Finn glanced at Clarke. "Sounds good to me. I don't have any late nights next week."

Clarke nodded. "That sounds great. Maybe Tuesday?"

Jasper and Maya agreed, and they made a date for Tuesday dinner. Then they spent the next half hour making small talk as the Jordan's tried to make Clarke laugh with all sorts of funny, family mishaps.

When the conversation slowed, Clarke jumped to her feet. "Hey, you know what? I think I want a brownie. Who wants one of Aden's brownies?"

"Sounds great," Jasper said.