Grounded

Chapter 2-bye bye bitches

It's been almost 2 weeks but finally, everything is ready. Raven has added the two extra seats and made the shuttle safe for re-entry. We decided that it would be best if my dad was the one to film the video, as he is a well known and respected engineer, and they will take him more seriously than the rest of us. All that is left is for Raven to hack into the system like the genius she is, and prepare for the flight of our lives.

So now, I am laid in my warm bed staring at the metal ceiling, I have always hated living on the ark, always longing for freedom and the chance to experience all the beauty the ground has to offer, but now that it is my last night in this prison I am terrified to leave it. 

It is true that it feels cold and I know that I have never truly felt like I belonged here but it is still all that our people have known for the last 100 years, and it has kept the last of humanity alive. It is terrifying that we are entering a completely new world with no solid knowledge of what is waiting for us on the ground, we could die the moment we step out or be met by some mutant beast ready to rip the head from our bodies and just the thought of that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Clarke, are you okay, you're shaking?"

I had forgotten that Raven stayed with me tonight, she somehow always seems to understand me better than I understand myself and I instantly feel guilty for waking her. "Sorry Raven, go back to sleep, you need it for tomorrow", I answer but I know that it's not going to shut her up, she's way too stubborn for that.

"Clarke come on I think we both know neither of us will be getting much sleep, and you didn't answer my question", she casually says while turning in bed to face me, "come on Griff, talk to me".

I know that I can talk to her, I trust her with my life, I just struggle talking about my emotions, I never saw the point. "It's nothing Raven, I'm fine" but the only response I get is being prodded in the stomach, "ugh Reyes what was that for?"

"Lying to me, we both know you're not fine, you only shake when you're scared and it takes a lot to scare you", she says sighing, "I'm scared too Griff". 

She must have noticed my eyes widen because I get another prod to the stomach.

"It's understandable Griff, neither of us know what we're gonna see down there but we need to do this, and even if we die trying we get to see a beautiful world together, I'm going to be right beside you the entire time, okay?"

I hadn't even realised I was crying until I felt her cup my cheek and gently wipe away a tear. "I love you Reyes, thank you" and my shaking instantly stops.

"I love you too Griffin, now get some sleep or you'll be more cranky than usual in the morning".

This time it is my turn to prod her stomach.

"Rude" she mutters, but she still has a smile on her face which I return.

I wrap my arms around her waist and she cuddles into my shoulder and we both close our eyes, content with eachother for the moment. I don't know what it is about her, usually I hate any kind of affection or even human contact, but I was never afraid with Raven, she always just made me feel accepted. Many, including my parents, had thought we were dating for a long time because we are together constantly, I don't know what either of us would have done if we had not met eachother, even in her crazy moments I wouldn't change her for the world.

We eventually fall asleep like that, in eachother's arms, both feeling completely safe and we know that nothing in the world could ever separate or break us.

Eventually I am forced to blink open my eyes when morning arrives, but I had not moved since last night and Raven is still buried into my side, clinging to me like her life depends on it. I decide not to wake her, she deserves a few extra minutes after her hard work, so instead I lay as still as possible and stare into the ceiling, preparing myself for the stressful day ahead. However, I know the stress will be worth it, I've always dreamed of seeing the trees and fields and just the thought of being able to experience it causes a wide smile to spread across my face.