Chapter 13

My day started off pretty late. I slept in a bit today. I wasn't feeling too well to go to school, and I still had to go see Blake later today. I wondered what his text message was about.

I stood from the bed and took my phone from the nightstand. There was a message notification from both Blake and Lucas.

Lucas: Good morning, Claire. Darren says hi to you too. Hope you slept well. Have a great day ahead!

I smiled a bit at his gesture.

Blake: Good morning to the lady that rules my heart. I might have come out a bit rude last night. I'm sorry, love. Tell me when you'll be free to talk.

“Aww, Blake's the sweetest,” I said to myself, my heart fluttering as I held my hand to my chest.

I felt a mix of emotions, happiness from Lucas's sweet message and warmth from Blake's words. But I couldn't ignore the underlying tension I felt about seeing Blake later. What did he want to talk about?

I decided to reply to both messages.

To Lucas: Good morning, Lucas! Thank you for the sweet message. Can I ask you something real quick?

I wasn't expecting an immediate reply so I left his chat box to Blake's.

To Blake: Good morning, Blake. Thank you for the message. I'll be free this afternoon. Let's talk then. I'll text you the address.

I put my phone down and took a deep breath. I needed to gather my thoughts. I made my way to the bathroom to freshen up and tried to push my worries aside for the moment.

As I got ready, I couldn't help but think about how different my relationships with Lucas and Blake were.

Lucas had been a constant in my life well only for a few months but still, even when things got complicated. Blake was new, exciting, and sweet, but I've known him the longest, my heart had always been with him, but there was always a part of me that wondered if I was truly over Lucas.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I had to focus on the present and take things one step at a time.

After getting dressed, I went downstairs to find Mom in the kitchen, making breakfast.

"Good morning, Mom," I greeted her.

"Good morning, Claire. How are you feeling?" she asked, concern in her eyes.

"I'm okay. Just needed a bit more rest today," I replied, giving her a reassuring smile.

"That's good. Come, have some breakfast," she said, gesturing to the table.

I sat down and started eating, my mind still racing with thoughts of Blake and partly the marks on my stomach, I still hadn't been able to figure out. I needed to figure out things on my own.

After breakfast, I decided to take a walk to clear my head before meeting Blake later in the day. The fresh air and the sound of birds chirping helped me relax a bit. I knew I had to face my feelings head-on, but I also knew I needed to be honest with myself and Blake.

As the afternoon approached, I made my way back home to get ready for my meeting with Blake. I hoped that whatever he wanted to talk about would bring some clarity to my tangled emotions.

I got dressed to go meet Blake, choosing an outfit that made me feel comfortable. I looked at myself in the mirror and made a V sign, pouting my lips.

“I'm cute and I know it." I said posing in front of the mirror.

As I stepped out of the house, I decided to send the address to Blake. He'll get there before me since I'll be walking there, I feel like I need a walk.

Me: Can’t wait to see you. Meet me at the café near the park?

I hit send and I got a reply almost immediately, it was like he had been waiting for ages!

Blake: Sure, I’ll be there in 15 minutes.

The walk to the café gave me some time to enjoy the scenery in Riverdale and to spend some self reflection time with myself.

The sky was clear, and a gentle breeze brushed against my face, calming my nerves slightly. When I reached the café, I spotted Blake sitting at a corner table, looking as handsome as ever.

"Hey, Blake," I greeted him with a smile.

"Hey, Claire," he stood up and gave me a warm hug. "Thanks for meeting me."

"Oh stop. You don't have to be so formal. I might get upset" I said teasingly, sitting down across from him. "What’s up?"

Blake looked a bit nervous, fidgeting with his fingernails. "Oh I'm sorry I made you upset" he said, laughing nervously.

"What a shy mess." I mumbled, under my breath.

He sat up comfortably, his hands on his laps. "I really like you, Claire. You know that. But I feel like something’s been off lately. Are you okay? Is there something you want to talk about?"

I took a deep breath and smiled heartily. "Blake, I like you too. Oh my gosh you're so sweet."

Blake looked at me intently, his expression calm and flushed. “Uhm, I haven't officially asked you to be my girlfriend. So I thought…uhmmm."

"Oh.." I said, feeling my face flush as goosebumps erupt everywhere.

Blake’s expression softened as he went down on one knee with a single rose in his hand. "Will you be my girlfriend, Claire RavenWood.?" The crowd around cheered and kept chanting, “Say yes! Say yes!"

"Yes Blake, I'll be your girlfriend.” I said as my voice softened.

Blake nodded slowly, taking in my words. He stood up and took me up from my chair and hugged me desperately.

We ordered some food and got chatting. My heart was filled with joy, I felt so reassured.

Instead of taking the car, we both took a walk home. He held my hand all through. I kept smiling, feeling content about the recent occurrences in my life.

When we got home, Blake went in and greeted my mom and brother before he took his leave.

“I'll text you when I get home, babe." He waved off and I nodded slowly.

As I went up the stairs, I saw a message from Lucas.

Lucas: Just checking in. How did your meeting with Blake go?

I smiled at his concern and replied.

Me: It went well. Thanks for asking.

I scrolled through our previous messages in reminiscence. Wait, how did he know I went to see Blake today.

Me: Hey! How did you know that?

Lucas: Uh.. he's your boyfriend, dummy. Of course, you went to see him today. That's how I guessed.

Me: Okay, well goodnight Lucas.

Lucas: Goodnight.

I felt a sense of peace as I put my phone down. For the first time in a while, I felt like I was on the right path and seeing the right things.

I decided to work more on my literature project. I've progressed a lot due to my consistency and now I'm almost done with my first book!

I sat on my reading chair in front of my reading table and turned on my laptop.

I kept the book in both hard and soft copies. I didn't want any mess ups.

I eventually packed up at 12:33am. I had school the next morning,I can't afford to miss another day. I thought, sighing.

I turned off my reading lights and laptop and went to bed. I was stressed out from all the walking anyway, it was a long day.