Young Love (Gabentine Fics)

Aftermath

"AJ and I made it to Washington within three weeks, there were military stations all over and willing to help us. That's where we stayed until the last of the walkers were killed and when they released the antidote in the air."

As Clementine finished speaking and closed the book, there was an uproar from the crowd as they began clapping and giving her a standing ovation. The sound bounced off the covered walls of the newly built gymnasium in Atlanta, Georgia. Clementine Everett, the author of the famous book "For You", waved at the crowd with a small smile as she let Molly take the stand.

"Alright, now we will be doing a short Q and A so please be patient and wait for Miss Everett to call on you. Thank you."

Clementine made her way back to the podium and the crowd sat back down in their seats and raised their hands. The first to be called on was a fairly young women with dirty blonde hair. She stood and looked nervous at Clementine, but loosened up as the author gave her a reassuring small smile.

"What did you feel when you first met AJ?"

There were murmurs of agreement in the gym and Clementine smiled a little wider at the mention of her now adopted son.

"It was a day that I will never forget. I lost a lot of good friends that day, they were family even. You know, it's been nearly 20 years ago and I still have dreams about it. The first time I seen AJ, I knew I would do anything for him and give my life to keep him safe."

Warm smiles grew on every person in the crowd from hearing the sincerity in the 30 year olds voice. Hands shot up when the moment passed and Clementine chose an older looking gentleman in the back with dark brown hair.

"How did you keep moving around all the time? I mean, didn't you say you left friends behind whenever you left Richmond?"

A somber look fell upon Clementine's face as she began to recall the day she left Richmond in search of AJ. She remembered the look on Gabe's and Javi's face as she walked through the gates 17 years ago and never looked back.

"I had to for AJ. He was out there waiting on me to save him and I couldn't waste anytime. I do regret leaving my friends, but it was a sacrifice I had to make for AJ. Next question, please."

Clementine left no more room for talk about that day and the crowd didn't seem to mind as hands shot up once more to be called on. This time it was a brunette young lady that seemed to be dying to be called on by the badass mother/author/survivor.

"Yes?"

The brown headed lady stood up and gave Clementine a kind look.

"Girl, don't mind my language but holy shit! Do you need a hug?!"

Chuckles filled the gymnasium at the girl's question and even Clementine laughed outright from it.

"I'm not really one for physical contact, but thank you though. Yes, my life wasn't the easiest but it has made me into a stronger person I am today."

Molly made her back to the podium and told the crowd that there was time for one last question before they had to go. Eager hands waved frantically to get the woman's attention, but her eyes fell upon a gentleman with a short beard waiting patiently to be called on. The man stood when Clementine pointed at him and he gave her a smile that sent a feeling of nostalgia through her.

"Do you have any love interests at the moment?"

Clementine felt her cheeks grow warm at the question and the man's cheeky smile did nothing to help her. Some laughed, but the crowd stayed relatively quiet to hear the woman's answer.

"Um, no. I haven't really thought of anyone like that since Richmond and that was 17 years ago."

The man seemed utterly satisfied with her answer and he gave her another smile before Molly told everyone that the Q and A session was over. Some of the people stayed to get their copy of the book autographed by Clementine, but most left the gym. Clementine signed each book with a thank you and goodbye before finally signing the last one and turning to Molly.

"Alright, that's the last one. Can I go now?"

The older lady laughed at Clementine's exasperated voice and nodded her head, making Clementine bolt for the door and to her car. However, on her way over to her car, Clementine stopped short when she spotted the gentleman from the Q and A leaning against her BMW.

"Can I help you?"

The man's head snapped upwards at the sound of her voice and he fumbled with the book in his hands.

"Er, sorry I just wanted an autograph and I don't have the best patience with people."

Clementine nodded her head before laying her purse and jacket on the hood of her car before pulling out a pen.

"And who am I making this out to?"

"Your dork."

The pen Clementine was holding dropped to the pavement as her head looked up at the man who stepped closer to her. He smiled largely at her and waited for her to make the connection.

"Oh my god. Gabe?!"

"Hey, Clem. Nice to see you again."

Clementine threw the book down and nearly jumped on Gabe to give him a hug, not caring about the physical contact for once. Gabe laughed and hugged her tightly back, swinging her around once before setting her back down.

"You grew a beard? You look so much like Javi? Wait! Where's Javi?!"

Gabe laughed again and held up a hand for Clementine to slow down on the questions.

"He's back at the house, waiting for me to bring back a signed copy of your book. And I don't know if looking like Javi is a compliment or not."

Clementine laughed with Gabe and she could feel her face starting to hurt from how much she was smiling.

"I'll do him one better. How about you come with me to get AJ and we'll all have dinner together? I'd like to catch up with you guys and for you guys to finally meet AJ."

Gabe nodded his head and bent down to pick up the book before turning around and walking away to the parking lot on the other side of the gym. Clementine yelled out for Gabe to stop and where he was going.

"To get my car?"

Clementine jogged up to him and interlocked their hands.

"I made the mistake of walking away from you 17 years ago and I'm not letting that happen again."

Gabe smiled with a faint blush on his cheeks before nodding his head and walking with Clementine to her car. Neither could wipe the stupid grins off their face as they drove down the road to get AJ and nothing was going to separate them again.