The Three Truths

Chapter 4

They pretended the panic attack outside never happened. (At least, Lexa pretended the panic attack and the subsequent embrace never happened. Clarke tried once or twice to get her to talk, but when it became clear that Lexa was resolute, she gave up.)

They pretended the panic attack outside never happened, and they were awkward around each other—even more so than normal.

"Are you two okay?" Abby asked after breakfast the next morning, helping Lexa with the dishes.

"Oh yeah, yes."

"You sure?"

"If Clarke and Lexa were a continent, they'd be the Antarctic," Carol interjected, grinning when Lexa merely scowled.

"You know you can always talk to us, right Lexa?" Abby said, shifting so that she faced Lexa, totally ignoring Carol's comment. "I know your mom must be—"

"It's okay."

"I know. I'm just saying, we're here for you. Carol and me. Even Lizzie. All of us. You're a part of this family."

"I know."

"Yes, Abby, the girl knows. Leave her be." Abby nodded, not looking like she wanted to take Carol's advice.

"I just...I just don't want you to think you can't talk to us. Even if it's about Clarke. Especially if it's about Clarke."

"Clarke and I are fine, promise."

"She's happier with you. More like she was before. It's good to see, that's all," Abby said, shrugging helplessly, ignoring the look Carol sent her. She nodded awkwardly. "I haven't seen her happy in a while."

"Right," Lexa murmured, lowering her gaze. Carol stepped up and placed a comforting hand on Lexa's shoulder.

"Come on, Abby. Don't you have better things to do?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. With a weak grin, Abby put down the dishrag in her hand and took several steps back.

"Right. I just. I just wanted to say it, make sure you knew how grateful I am for you." She smiled, and Lexa felt guilt twisting in her belly, in her chest, the searing pain of it nearly taking her breath away (was there anything anymore that she didn't feel guilty for, she wondered. She honestly didn't think so).

"Dr. Griffin—"

"It's Abby, Lexa. And I know, I know. I'll stop being sappy. I just." She grinned wider, stepping forward and enveloping Lexa in a tight hug. "You're the best thing that happened to this family in a long time." She kissed Lexa's cheek and left the kitchen, making odd sniffling noises, as if she was holding back tears. After a moment, Carol punched Lexa lightly on the shoulder.

"She'll be heartbroken if she finds out."

"I know."

"Am I a terrible person for wanting to see it?" Lexa turned to the older woman, nodding immediately. Carol sighed. "Fine. Fine. Guess the game is still on." 

//

"Where are you going?"

"I have things to do."

"It's Christmas break. What do you have to do?"

"Why are you so nosy, Clarke?"

"Why are you being so secretive?"

"If I recall, the only reason I'm here is because you want to keep your secrets."

"That's not the same. I asked for your help. I let you in."

"I don't need your help. I'll only be gone for a few hours."

"You can't leave me alone with Aunt Liz and my mom."