Ashes (Clementine X Male Reader Book 2)

Rage-Time's Run Out

Marina looks over at Diana. She's not eating her food. She hasn't been eating well since they arrived. "Diana, you have to eat," Marina tells her, taking a bite out of her sandwich. She hopes William didn't make it. Why? Because fuck him.

"I'm not hungry."

Marina watches her. Was she like that when she was three? She doesn't remember much from then. "Clementine would want you to eat. So would Dad."

Diana looks at the sandwich. "No." And then looks away.

Marina makes a note to apologize to Dad when she sees him again for all the times she did something like this. Marina doesn't like being on the receiving end of it. "You'll die if you don't eat, and then you'll never see Clementine or Dad again."

Diana doesn't move. Marina sighs and gives up, continuing with her food. A few minutes pass, and Diana starts eating her sandwich.

-

Marina thinks it's hot outside. That's because it is hot outside. She's not used to it, she won't get used to it, she doesn't want to get used to it. She won't have to either. Dad will come, or she'll break out herself.

Diana stumbles along behind Marina. Her eyes keep darting around. She's scared of this place. The only place she isn't like this is in the room. Marina knows she needs to look strong for her. She's her little sister, and she's supposed to protect her little sister and make her feel safe. So, she straightens up her posture a bit and tries to look as tough as she can.

William kneels down in front of a rock. "I wanted to show you this, Marina," he says. "I buried your mom here."

Marina looks at the ground. There is a mound there, but the grass has grown over it. Her mom isn't really down there. She knows that. It's just a body.

"I thought you might want to see this."

"I wouldn't have to if you didn't kill her."

"Not this again... This is your mom."

"My mom is dead. And you're hurting Brooklyn somewhere."

"Brooklyn isn't your mom." William looks angry.

"No. But I love her. And you're hurting her."

William bites the inside of his cheek. "Why are you so stubborn?"

"Why are you a bitch?"

William shakes his head. "Fine... Come with me."

Marina and Diana follow William back to his house in silence. Marina doesn't want to talk to him, so she's thankful. He leads them upstairs, where Marina has never had a reason to go. "Where are we going?" Marina asks.

William doesn't respond.

He stops at a door at the end of the hallway and rests his hand on the doorknob. "I keep this door locked, so don't even try to get in." He holds up a finger. "Once a week, I'll let you in here."

"Ok?"

He turns away and unlocks the door. Marina walks over and looks inside. "Brooklyn." She whispers.

"It looks like she's asleep. Do you want to come back later?"

Marina is already walking into the room. Diana is following behind because she doesn't want to be left behind. William closes the door. Marina can hear him lock it again.

Marina climbs into the bed with Brooklyn, lies down next to her, hides her face from Diana on Brooklyn's shoulder, and cries because Brooklyn looks hurt and because she's happy to see her.