The Self-Preservation Excuse

 

Lexa pushed all thoughts of superhuman Clarke to the back of her brain, choosing to concentrate on her studies instead. The days passed quickly, and while Clarke remained a constant part of her life, she witnessed no other odd, inexplicable coincidences.

 

It was a Friday night, and Clarke’s team had just won an important game. Her coach had given the ladies a much deserved weekend off, and the training room was buzzing with plans for an epic party. Lexa did her duty, icing and providing after game care, nodding politely as the athletes spoke eagerly about their night of freedom and debauchery.

 

She had just finished wiping down the last table when a voice called out to her.

 

“Hey, Clarke,” Lexa answered without looking up. She’d recognize that voice anywhere.

 

“Are you almost done?”

 

Lexa tossed the used cloth into the hamper and turned to face the most beautiful woman in the world. “Just finished.”

 

“Great!” Clarke answered a little too enthusiastically. She quickly cleared her throat. “So I was wondering if you’d like to come with me to a party…”

 

“Oh,” Lexa murmured. “It’s not really my scene.”

 

It was a pitiful excuse, and she knew Clarke would be able to see right through it. But she really wasn’t prepared for the invitation.

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“Yeah,” Lexa squared her shoulders and mustered up a genuine smile. “Thanks for inviting me, but I think I’m just going to wrap up here and head home.”

 

“Okay,” Clarke’s eyes dropped to the floor as she kicked at an invisible ball with her toe. “Well, I guess I’ll see you around, tiger.”

 

Lexa sighed as Clarke walked out of the room. She turned out the lights, flicking each switch with far more force than necessary. The walk to her apartment was rife with regret. She wanted to spend every waking moment with Clarke. Lexa was just terrified that Clarke would realize that she was a giant dork who liked to study far too much, which was why she turned her down. Self-preservation at its finest.