Elementation: Earth and Trees (ON HIATUS)

Chapter 13: A Trip Down Memory Lane

We're both laughing and tripping down the stone steps of the first floor of the academy, I don't even remember what we are laughing about, but it feels like I could laugh forever.

He suddenly stops and stops me too,  "I have never seen you laugh like that before." He smiles.

"Ah, well that's because I only save those for when I'm really happy."

He comes closer and the distance between us nearly closes.

"Are you happy, Miss Zola Green?"

I smirk.

"I am now." I say, pulling him in for a kiss.

I'm almost melted, when the clearing of a throat breaks us apart.

"Jesus Christ, Chase! Couldn't you pop up some other time? Honestly, if Aria could-" I started to say, but stopped when I realized that they were not in fact my annoying friend, they were...

"Joe! Jake!" I yelled, running up to them.

I tackled them both into a hug and they hugged me so tight, I was beginning to have breathing problems.

I looked behind them to see another figure.

"And I see you brought dimwit."

Josh cowered into the corner, scared I might punch him, or worse.

"Aww, I'm sorry Joshie, did I scare you?"

My words are sweet, but dripping with sarcastic venom.

"Zola, don't waste your time on him." Jake called.

I could practically feel Joe eye-rolling next to his brother.

A cough from the stairs brought me back to Clarke.

Oh! I forgot he was here.

I ran back to the stairs and dragged Clarke with me towards the boys.

"Clarke meet Joe, my best friend and almost brother."

"Clarke meet Jake my other best friend and almost brother."

"And meet Joshua, the one who made my life a 'better' place." I nearly growl.

I turn away from him and proudly stand on front of them all and say,"Joe, Jake and Josh" I glare at Joshua,then look back,

"Meet Clarke: My boyfriend."

***

After I had made my declaration, they all shook hands (even snivelling Joshua) and we decided to head for lunch at one of the school's cafès.

We gave Clarke our orders and being the wonderful guy he is, he went  to order for us.

I decided to get some fresh air and stepped out onto the balcony garden.

"You didn't waste any time then did you?" Joe asks sarcastically.

I turn to him, "What do you mean by that lovely statement?"

"After everything I told you, everything we've been through?"

"Everything you told me and everything we've been through?" I shot him a confused look.

A thought suddenly popped into my head.

"When I told you back home that-"

"Why are you here anyway?"

Joe stops for a moment, swallowing.

"Uh..." He rubs the back of his neck, something he does when he's nervous.

"Oh come on..." I say when realization dawns on me. "Don't tell me you.... oh god! How could you do this, Joe?!"

"We had to see if you were okay! And-"

I cut him off, "Yeah, 'cause following me really helps! I can't believe you would do that!"

I glance back at the café and my eyes land on their surprisingly large entourage of bags on the floor.

"Don't you think that," I gesture to the café, "Is a little too much of luggage for a stalker mission?" I eye him suspiciously.

"About that..." Joe trails off, averting his gaze.

"What did you do now?!" I demanded.

"Well, a week after you left, we got a phone call saying that Mr Joseph Lukasa Antoine Roberto , Mr Jake Jameson Carlos Roberto and Mr Joshua Daniel Angus Roberto have been requested to attend the Marshalline Academy on special notice." He finger quoted as if what he was saying was verbatim.

I blew through my lips as a sign of relief,  " Thank God, I thought you and J were involved in some, clandestine operation!"

He drew back, looking impressed " I see private academies make a fancy impression on you."

"I have hidden talents even you don't know." I say with a smirk.

"Hey guys!" Clarke waved us back over from the cafè.

I find that Echo has now joined us, Starbucks cup in hand, looking like, well like you're supposed to look after a hangover.

"Zola!" She squealed when I approached.

"Echo!" I squealed, equally cheerful.

Echo winced, "Um, hello?! Hangover?"

My mouth formed an 'o' as I remembered last night. 

We'd gone to a party in the girl's common room and Echo got a little, shall we say delirious.

"Ugh remind me not to do that again." She grumbled.

I just laughed, "You said that last time."

A crumpet with pink icing was placed in front of her.

"Breakfast for milady." Blaze said with a bow.

"Why thank you kind sir." Echo thanked before,  kissing him on the cheek.

"Just what you asked for, Z." Clarke set my plate down in front of me.

I crossed my arms over my chest and pouted, "Why can't you be romantic?"

"Wasn't that romantic?" Clarke asked, jokingly.

Joe had a cocky grin on his face and that meant trouble.

"No it wasn't Clarkson. This is what real romance is like."

Joe got up and walked behind me, picked up my plate and stood beside us.

He placed the plate gracefully in front of me with perfect symmetry. He bowed and offered his hand out to me.

I took it and he raised my hand to his lips, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

"Breakfast for my queen." He announced, his eyes boring into mine hinted with unreadable emotion.

I (stupidly) blushed and tried to avert my gaze, but it was impossible with the intensity he was looking at me with.

"Shots fired." Jake announced.

I turned to see Clarke glaring at Joe.

"You know what guys?

Clarke and I actually have to be somewhere.

So, uh see you around!" I quickly got up, dragging Clarke with me.

As I pass Joe, our hands brush.

Then, as I'm walking away from the cafeteria and through the door, I feel  a crinkle in my hand.

I cautiously open it.

Z,
I will always love you and I will wait for the day when you realize that too.
                 -  J
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I hope you enjoyed this chapter and hopefully I might upload quicker.
Thanks for reading,
Dea