Misconception

1: Tingly Feeling

Clementine's POV

The day I was born some people might say was the best day of their life. I know my stepbrother Vinny would, but that's beside the point. The day I was born was my father's worst nightmare. He lost the love of his life during childbirth. My father fell into such a deep pit of depression he considered putting me up for adoption just so he could end his own life. Thankfully that never happened. At my mother's funeral my father met with my mother's best friend, Veronica and her dark blue eyed little boy, Vinny. Apparently my father completely broke down and told her everything and gratefully she decided to look after my father to make sure he stayed safe. While my father was living with Veronica and Vinny he increasingly got better, as did the feelings my father and Veronica had for one another. Then came the day my father and Veronica decided it was time to bring me home. At the hospital as my father was holding me, Vinny came running up and looked down at the little bundle in my father's hands and said,

"Can we keep her?"

With tears in my father's eyes he nodded.

"She's beautiful."

Vinny said, oblivious to the fact that he'd be saying those exact words many times to come.

When I turned 1 is when my parents finally decided to make it official and get married. Vinny was ecstatic. Not for our parents getting married, but because it was a sure thing he could keep me, and that he did. He kept me close to his side growing up. Protecting me and kissing my wounds all better.

I'm 18 now, and still as innocent as ever thanks to Vinny. Vinny on the other hand is 23 and still living at home with his parents. He's doing college online and working at our neighborhood grocery store.

When I return home from school exhausted the first thing on my mind is getting a hug from Vinny. School was not very good today considering I was the laughing stock of the classroom and I want to talk to Vinny about it so he can make me feel better like he always does. I hear noise in the kitchen and knowing our parents aren't home I hug the figure I presume to be Vinny's.

"Um..."

Says an unfamiliar voice. I immediately release them from my grip and back away in embarrassment.

"I-I'm sorry..."

I blush, examining the pale black haired man with eyes so blue they could cut glass.

"You must be Clem?"

The long black haired man says as he extends his hand for a handshake.

"I'm Ricky, I've heard lots about you."

He says as he shakes my hand. His grip is so strong it causes me to flinch.

"Ricky-"

I hear Vinny enter the kitchen.

"I see you've met Clemmie."

Vinny says as he scoops me up and spins us around, causing a giggle to elicit from my mouth.

"How was your day princess?"

Vinny asks, propping me up on the floor. I pout.

"Everyone laughed at me in science!"

I exclaim, seeing two more unfamiliar men enter the room.

"Someone had a bad day."

One of them says. The man who said that is so tall I have to crane my neck just to get a good look at his face. Vinny introduces us.

"Clem, this is Ricky, Ryan and Chris."

He says, gesturing to each of them. I wave shyly.