Attempt at Closure

After what Clarke referred to as the ‘Incident’ happened, she hadn’t seen Tripp at all. She wasn’t sure if she wanted him in her life anymore. He was from her old life and that had negative connotations. Clarke sat across the table from him now. He had sent her an owl soon after she arrived back in Ireland for Christmas break asking her to meet him at the café. Clarke had only agreed because there were questions she knew only Tripp could answer.

They sat by the big window. Tripp was asking how her year was going and she replied, but not with interest. She felt awkward.

“You said you were going to explain something?” Clarke asked with raised eyebrows.

Tripp laughed. “Has living with the Olverins made you this serious? You used to be fun, you know.”

No, you did, thought Clarke. When you hurt me. Clarke pulled her body into herself. Tripp was being different. He had only ever been kind to her.

“Tripp, I’m tired. I came here because I don’t understand why you were so different that night. Like I never knew you.”

“Clarke, my loyalty was always to our parents.”

“Don’t call them ours, they are yours.”

“Fine, my dad told me what to do if your dad ever came. If I didn’t do it, they would never forgive me.”

“Why did your dad take me away from the Olverins in the first place?”

“Mom was heartbroken by the death of my sister. She’d just been born and had died a few days later. Dad fixed it by taking you in.”

Clarke felt sick. “He didn’t take me in,” she said “he stole me!”

“Why are you being so ungrateful? We gave you a home and everything you could ever want!” Tripp was getting irritated. His words came out sharp.

Clarke recoiled. “What do you mean? You destroyed my family. You killed my mom!”

Tripp glanced around at the people in the café with them. “Quiet down, Clarke,” he hissed. “Do you want everyone’s attention on us?”

Clarke couldn’t believe him. She thought she was going to get answers. Maybe an apology for hurting her. But Tripp showed no remorse. Maybe she hadn’t been worth choosing.

Clarke stood up. Tears were streaming down her face. “Goodbye Tripp. I don’t want to see you again.” Her voice cracked.

“Clarke,” he called to her as she was leaving for the door. “You’re being unreasonable,” he said. “I didn’t do anything. Why do you hate me?”

He got no reply.

Reducio

See previous posts for background info.