A Twist In Our Fate

Chapter Three

Clarke

It had been two months since John put me to sleep on the couch. He even stayed in his room all morning the next day and let me sleep. He didn't know that it was the most sleep I had had in weeks.

I used to toss and turn every night, never falling asleep. Just eventually passing out, but only for a couple of hours. Ever since then, our dynamic had changed.

We were inseparable when he wasn't at work. When he was at work I had been painting again, selling them online. We went out with the group together, we had all of our meals together when he was home. And he stayed in the living room with me every night until I fell asleep, watching movies with me. Granted, with him there, it didn't take me nearly as long now. And sometimes he even carried me to my bed, saying he wanted me to be comfortable.

"So, I have an idea," I said to John, over our dinner.

"And what might that be?"

"Well, I have my laptop in my room, which is capable of streaming movies online, and you carry me to bed, a lot, and so I was thinking we could try and watch movies in my room, that was you wouldn't have to kill yourself carrying me to bed."

"I mean you did make me dinner, so I guess I do owe you some time between the sheets," he winked at me, causing me to laugh out loud. "That sounds like a good plan to me, really though."

"Great," I smiled. "While you shower I'll do the dishes and get everything set up."

I slid on my shorts and a big shirt before fixing my sheets. I unplugged my laptop and logged in to my Netflix account.

"Okay, what should we watch tonight?" I asked John as he walked into my room.

"We haven't done a good comedy in awhile."

"Good choice. Let's browse really quick." We scrolled down and debated a few titles before picking White Chicks. Classic.

"Did you buy new soap?" I asked John as he fixed his pillows.

"Yes, I did." He laughed.

"Well it smells awesome," I laughed.

We settled in next to each other as the movie started. I was so grateful for John. He had so much for me. He gave a place to live. He gave me my space and let me be myself. And he worked every weekday, yet he always stayed up with until I fell asleep and never once complained. He was exactly what I needed in my life.

I was woken up by a knock on the door. I slid John's arm off of me and snuck out to answer the door.

"Hey, it's me!" Raven called. I opened the door and let her in.

"John's still asleep," I said. "Start me some coffee while I shut the door for him."

"Clarke?" Raven asked.

I reached for a mug, yawning. "Yeah, Raven?"

"Sweetie, you just closed YOUR door, after saying Murphy was asleep. Is there something I should know about?"

Oh shit. He had fallen asleep with me. I sighed, pouring my coffee. "For the last few weeks, since that first party here, John has been staying up all night with me in the living room because he knew I wasn't sleeping. He had even carried me to bed a million times so that I would be comfortable. Finally last night I offered to watch TV in my room so he wouldn't carry me. He must have passed out, too."

"Okay," Raven said. She was the only one who would've believed me. "Well, at least you're getting sleep. And John isn't the asshole I had taken him for the past year. He's actually hilarious, and obviously sweet. I'm glad he was there with us at the bar that day."

"Honestly Raven, I don't know if I would've made it by myself this quickly. John let me have my space. He hasn't brought up Bellamy. We do everything together and he's the most caring guy. Who else would carry me to bed? He was exactly what I needed and he's the best. I can't believe we didn't stay close when I was with Bellamy." I sighed. "Oh well. I'm thinking of going back to school. My paintings have been making a few hundred dollars every week or so, but maybe I should get a real job."

"I think you should do what makes you happy," she smiled. "Oh yeah, I forgot why I came. Octavia is back in town, Lincoln is on a break or whatever in the army so they want to visit. They want everyone there. She doesn't know the details, but she knows you two are broken up. But, she still wants everyone there. I don't know how you feel about that."

"He's done a good job of avoiding us, so maybe he would just stay silent and to himself, right? It's been three months. If John wants to go, then maybe."

"If John wants to go where?" I jumped, not hearing him come out of my room.

"Octavia and Lincoln are coming back to town for a visit. And they want everyone there. Everyone."

"Are you comfortable with being there? He may have a uh, guest." John raised an eyebrow.

"If you and Raven go, I'll be okay. If you want to."

"I'm in. When is it, Raven?" He asked as he made himself coffee.

"Friday night. That gives you five days of prep time. And, I need a new outfit, because I said so. So you guys want to go shopping with me? Wick said he doesn't feel good, so that means he doesn't want to go shopping," Raven laughed.

"I need a haircut," John said. "So if you guys want to fit haircuts in, I'm down."

I smiled. "Awesome. We can definitely fit in a haircut! Raven help me get ready."