Clarke rushes inside the second the door opens, before her mother gets the chance to say hello. It's very cold outside and she was already halfway when she realized she forgot her gloves and her scarf. If Lexa would know she would get one hell of a lecture.
"Clarke," Abby says, surprised as she quickly shuts the door. "You're here."
"Hey, mom," Clarke replies while hugging her briefly. "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year," she says sheepishly.
"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well, honey."
Clarke sees the warm smile on her mother's face and hears the affection in her voice, which makes her feel guilty that she didn't contact her for a few weeks. "How is everything going?" she asks casually, unsure where else to begin.
"Busy as always," Abby answers, gesturing at her couch. "I've been having more patients, mostly due to accidents on ice."
"Hmm yeah, it's slippery outside," Clarke replies, sitting down on her mother's couch.
"About earlier...," Abby says softly. "I have your best interest at heart, Clarke."
"I know you do, mom," Clarke says, sighing quietly. She's well aware that her mother's intentions are well placed. "But you have to understand that this is more than a dream I have. It's my passion. I can't picture my life without art."
"You have wanted to become an artist ever since you could speak," Abby says, chuckling. "Which is why I have been thinking about what I said to you and I realize I may have been a bit harsh when I practically demanded you to drop out. I'm sorry."
"It did come across a tad harsh," Clarke agrees. "Your support would mean so much to me."
"I never meant to upset you, honey," Abby replies, placing her hand on her daughter's knee. "If you want to pursue art so badly, I will support you. However, I do have one condition."
Clarke has a hopeful smile upon hearing that her mother will support her. "What's the condition?" she asks cautiously.
"I don't want you to drop any of your other classes," Abby answers, squeezing her daughter's knee. "Even while you pursue art, I want you to have a backup plan, as a safety net."
"Okay," Clarke replies, because it's a reasonable request. If she wouldn't immediately make it as an artist it would be wise to have something else she can do until she does. "I can stay in the art program then?"
"Yes, as long as your grades don't suffer under it."
"They won't," Clarke assures, planning to make sure she studies hard. "My grades have always been good and I know I'm putting a lot on my fork right now, but I can manage it."
"I will get some milk and cookies," Abby says as she gets up from her couch. "I'll be right back."
Clarke is relieved that Lexa convinced her to come see her mother. It's nice to no longer have to argue about art. Maybe she shouldn't have been so quick to say she'd stay with her father, although she's likely going to spend a big chunk of her summer at his place anyway.
A lot has changed over the last four months and it's been intense. Four months ago she had a boyfriend who she thought was so sweet, but who turned out to be a cheater and who is currently in prison for the vending machine stunt. Back then she didn't have contact with her father and art seemed like a lost dream. Now she has an amazing girlfriend, she's seeing her father again and she's pursuing her passion to become an artist.
Even though things seem to go well with her mother, she's not going to mention Lexa yet. Her mother isn't as easy going as her father and she doesn't want to give her any fuel for an argument. She will tell her eventually when the time feels right to do so.
