Fallen Angel [Bellamy Blake]

Chapter 3: Welcome Home

"I'm breathing in the chemicals"
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OCTAVIA BLAKE'S outburst, everyone rushes through the open doors.

I remain still, rooted to my spot inside of the ship. Partly because I am awestruck by the lush green forest before me, but also because this was still a suicide mission. We know it's not immediate so how long would it take the radiation to kill us?

Jasper hops excitedly and gestures wildly for me to follow before sprinting off with the crowd. Monty follows close behind.

I guess this was really happening. No point in delaying it. If these are my last moments, I might as well take in the miracle of being on Earth. Slowly, I descend the ramp after them, allowing myself to absorb every detail of my surroundings.

A light breeze brushes my face, and I inhale deeply, filling my lungs with the air— fresh, possibly toxic, real Earth air. No artificial air from the Ark. Even though it might be soaked in radiation, it's the best thing that I've ever breathed. I chuckle despite myself, closing my eyes to savor the sensation. If this is how I'm going to die, it's not a bad way to go.

Sunlight warms my skin, its heat softened by the passing breeze.

The trees are nothing like I'd ever seen or could've imagined, towering above us like ancient giants. They stand in a mesmerizing pattern, a uniformity that is both awe-inspiring and calming. Surrounding them are bursts of color from flowers and plants, each more vibrant than the last.

It's breathtaking.

Jasper and Monty find me again, their faces glowing with excitement. I hadn't wandered far from the dropship, but they had gotten caught up with the crowd. They smirk at my blissful expression.

"Say one word," I warn playfully, too happy to sound threatening, "and I'll give you your first black eye on Earth."

They laugh and pull me into a hug.

Everyone is chatting excitedly, touching and exploring everything around them. I want to do the same. Monty rattles off the names of herbs he wants to find, while Jasper talks about exploring the woods for wildlife. I try to listen, but I'm too distracted.

Then I see it—a head of golden blonde hair glinting in the sunlight near the dropship entrance. My heart skips a beat.

"Clarke?!" I call, jogging toward her in so much excitement I didn't even bother explaining it to the boys. Twigs and leaves crunch beneath my feet with every step. 

Clarke looks up from the map she's studying. Her mouth falls open in surprise before spreading into a wide smile that crinkles the corners of her almond eyes.

I cross the remaining distance in seconds. It's been so long since I've seen her.

She wraps her arms around my torso, squeezing tightly as if to make sure I'm real. I close my eyes, holding her just as fiercely. I was so worried when I heard what happened with her dad. I hate that I couldn't be there for her after all she did for me. Mostly, I just missed her.