Lost In My Thoughts | Clouis

Chapter 2: Same Old You

Art by Juleaart on Instagram/Twitter.
Enjoy~ 🌹

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Spending a Saturday Afternoon at the grocery was not Clementine's cup of tea. Carley & Lee insisted on the kids coming out with them. Suggesting they need a break from their solitude, as they put it.

"We need more than that, Lee!" Carley avouched.

"Come on, we have more than enough. If not, I'll come back & get more." While placing the groceries in their chart, Lee could feel Carley staring daggers at him.

"Why come back for more when we are already here?" She taps her foot, growing impatient, "It's a small amount."

A sly smirk appears on his face, "You're small."

"Not this again..."

Clementine could not help but grin at their banter.

'What else do we need?" Carley asked, taking a peak at their shopping list.

"Here, take a look." Lee hands the shopping list over to Carley, who eagerly takes it. Lee soon turns his attention toward Clementine & AJ, unsurprised to see the two looking bored outta their mind.

"...Why don't you two explore the town?"

"Are you sure? We can stay if you two need help." Clementine suggested, "I didn't see much of anything on the way. Besides a museum of... American Glass."

"Hence why you should go explore. You two have been standoffish since we came here."

"What gave that away?" Clementine questioned.

"Look, I understand you wanted to finish your junior year at Richmond. But, this is a great opportunity for you, Clem." He looks towards AJ, "For both of you."

Clem immediately turned her attention to her little brother, noticing he was playing on his switch. So engrossed with the game, the boy did not pay the two any mind.

"Hey, AJ."

Nothing.

"AJ, are you listening?" Lee asked.

Still Nothing.

"AJ!" Clem slightly raised her voice, tapping on his switch to get his attention.

"Hmm? Sorry! I was getting to the good part." AJ stated, placing the switch in his book bag.

"It's fine, Lee has something to say to us." AJ immediately turned his attention toward their father. "Now that you are listening. I just wanted to say that Ericson is a good opportunity for both of you. New environment, new friends...all that jazz."

"Try to make the most of it!" Carley stated, continuing to add groceries to their cart. The kids nod in agreement, putting a smile on Lee's face.

"Good. Now, go on. We got it from here." Lee assures them.

Leaving the grocery store, Clementine & AJ head towards the town center. Getting a closer look, the kids come across different places. The town library, diner & bowling alley/arcade. AJ's eyes immediately light up, seeing all the associated game posters on the windows.

"The car ride here didn't do this place justice, there's so many places to explore!"

"Couldn't agree more, kiddo. Wanna take a look inside?"

"Yeah!"

Eagerly, AJ grabs hold of her hand & pulls her towards the bowling alley. Peeking inside, the place was packed. Many were bowling, while the rest were gaming or munching on fries. Before they could explore the venue, a voice caught their attention.