Misconception

11: I'm In Love With You

Clementine's POV

The rest of the night Vinny and I just lay in his bed. When I hear him softly snoring I slip out from his arms and sneak out of his room. As I walk across the hall to my room I can't help but think about the other girls he's been with. Why would he want to spend his time on me? I'm so much younger than him and I'm his sister. Also, it's not like I know how to do any of the things he wants me to. He likes sex while I on the other hand am sexually inexperienced. I sigh as I lay back on my bed. It's times like these when I wish I had friends. It would be nice to be a normal teenager and talk with your friends about boy troubles, but yet again how would I talk to my friends about my romantic encounters with my brother? I grab my phone off my nightstand and scroll through my contacts which consist of mom, dad, Vinny and Ricky. I forgot I have Ricky's number. He gave it to me after the incident with Chris. Ricky said it's for in case of an emergency where I can't get ahold of Vinny. I press Ricky's contact and then press the message button.

Me: Hi

I hear my phone go off as I'm changing into my pajamas and brushing my teeth. I shut my lamp off as I get into bed, grabbing my phone.

Ricky: Who is this?

I remember Ricky doesn't have my number, he just gave me his.

Me: It's Clementine.
Ricky: Hey Clem. Is everything alright?

Ricky could be my friend, right?

Me: Yeah, just confused. I wish I had somebody to talk to.
Ricky: Why don't you talk to Vinny?
Me: It's not really something I can talk to Vinny about.

I have to be careful if I'm going to talk to Ricky about Vinny and I.

Ricky: What is it? You could talk to me.
Me: If a guy you like has done things with other girls and you haven't done anything with anyone is it normal to not feel good enough?
Ricky: I see why you couldn't talk to Vinny about this.
Me: What? Why?

I get paranoid, thinking Ricky has found out about Vinny and I.

Ricky: He's your brother and he's also very protective of you. Also, most guys like to dominate, so they might find it attractive if they can be the first to teach their partner and take charge, showing them what to do.
Me: Really?
Ricky: Yeah, do you have a boyfriend?
Me: Sort of, we haven't really made anything official.
Ricky: What's his name?

I think of a fake name for Vinny.

Me: Victor
Ricky: If all he wants is to have sex with you I suggest breaking up with him. Relationships are much more than just sex and frankly, I'd hate to see you get used when all you'd be left with is a broken heart.

As I read Ricky's message I let it sink in. I'm going to talk to Vinny tomorrow. I probably won't be able to in the morning since it'll be Monday and he has to work. Also, Vinny and I talked to our parents on the phone tonight about me getting homeschooled and they're all for it, so mom has actually taken the day off work tomorrow so she can help me get everything set up online for schooling.

Me: Thanks Ricky. :)
Ricky: No problem, why don't you get some sleep? Tomorrow's Monday after all.
Me: Good night Ricky.
Ricky: Good night Clementine.

With that, I shut off my phone and go to sleep.

The next morning I get a text from Vinny as I'm getting dressed.

Vinny: Why didn't you sleep in my room last night? I missed you. :(
Me: I knew mom and dad were coming back last night. I thought it might look weird to them if I was sleeping in your room. I'm sorry...
Vinny: It's okay baby girl. We could just tell them you've been having bad dreams. I hate spending time away from you.
Me: Could we talk tonight when you're done with work?
Vinny: Yeah, is everything alright?
Me: Yes

The rest of the day is spent setting up my homeschooling and waiting for Vinny to come home. Around 4PM when I'm up in my room doing schoolwork I hear someone come home. I dart up from my bed and sprint down the stairs tripping on the last two steps. Luckily I'm caught by someone. Someone I hope is Vinny.

"Easy there, Clementine."

I hear the voice of my dad. As my dad sets me down in front of him he asks,

"What's the hurry?"

I quickly think of an excuse as I say,

"I just missed you!"

My dad smiles as he pulls me into a hug, lifting me up in the process. Just as he does the front door opens and in walks Vinny. As Vinny sees my dad and I, I watch as anger or rather jealousy washes over Vinny's face.

"What are you doing dad?"

Vinny asks, clenching his jaw.

"Just hugging my daughter. Is there a problem?"

Dad says, setting me down. Vinny's face softens as he says,

"Not at all. Clem, can I get a hug?"

When I don't move to hug Vinny right away my dad nudges me to Vinny. As Vinny wraps his arms around me it's like this feeling of calmness washes over me.

"I'm going to go help your mother with supper. I'll see you two at dinner."

Dad says before walking off into the kitchen.

"What did you want to talk about?"

Vinny asks, still hugging me.

"Can we talk in my room?"

I ask, looking up into his eyes. Vinny nods as he takes my hand, guiding me to my room. As we sit on my bed Vinny asks,

"What is it Clem?"

I take a deep breath before asking,

"Are you only using me for sex?"

Vinny's face seems shocked as he takes my hands in his and says,

"I would never. You mean so much to me baby girl. When I woke up last night and you weren't with me I got up and checked on you in your room. You were asleep and you looked so peaceful. I love you Clementine. I'm in love with you."