Snapped (Gabentine Fic)

A Twig

"But, Clem you can't go by yourself! You'll get killed! Let me go with you, please."

"Gabe, I already told you that you can't come with me. I've survived this long without you and it damn sure ain't going to change now. Besides, you'll just slow me down."

Clementine's words cut me deep and I take a step away from her. Clem's eyes soften a little before she turns back to the gate and starts to leave to find AJ. My heart tells me to call out to her one last time but, I swallow my feelings and watch her go. Clementine glances back at me and offers me a wave but, I turn my back to her and walk away.

I had a crush on Clem since we met her and I always knew she was out of my league. I would leave flowers by her bed and stick notes in her backpack without her knowing. Looking back, I become sick from all the shit I would do for her and I didn't realize what a fool I was for doing it. I think about how dumb I would act in serious situations and always fuck up.

That changes today.

No more gullible Gabe. No more pushover Gabe. No more nice Gabe. I'm done being walked on and being taken advantage of. I'm done.

I walk towards my house and walk into my room. I tear all my stupid posters off the wall, throw away my toys, and throw my beanie in my closet. I feel my hair fall into my eyes and call out to Javi.

"Hey Javi! What do you say about giving me a trim?"

Several minutes later and snips later, I look into the mirror. My hair is like David Beckham's but, darker and smoother. Javi should've quit baseball and became a barber. I walk back to my room and into my closet. There are several weights and a bench press that was never used because I didn't see the need to workout in the apocalypse. But, I didn't want to be weak anymore or be fragile. I want to hold my own and then some.

As I sat down on the bench and put on two 25's, I laid there and thought about what would life mean now. Mariana was dead, Dad was dead, Clem left, and I'm left here with my stepmom and uncle. I raise my hands to the bar and start to lift up and down. I do this multiple times with one thought running through my mind.

I would no longer be a twig.