The Paths That Tie (Clementine x Violet)

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Before I start, this and the first few chapters will probably be a lot of plot setting, so bare with me! If you notice any grammer errors, please let me know! Alright, onto the story! I promise you won't be disappointed!

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Bright maroon bricks made up the exterior walls of the oh-so familiar high school located in the center of town. It was the pride and joy in the small town, as it probably had more money put into itself than any other building in the vicinity. It was formally known as Ericson's High School. Ericson was a small town located in West Virginia, with the nearest city being about an hour drive. It had a population of about six thousand people, and it seemed there were only two ways to end up there: You were crazy enough to live in the middle of nowhere, or you had no other choice.

For Clementine, it was the ladder. When she was nine, her parents had gone away for a spring trip. Promising to return, they said their final goodbyes to the girl not knowing it would be their last interaction. On the way back from their trip, the plane that they were traveling in crashed due to unpredictable engine failure. Once news got back to Clementine and her distant family, none stood up to care for the now orphaned child.

However, not all hope was lost for Clementine. Her parents were close with a man named Lee, who was recently divorced and had been in Clementine's life since she was a toddler. After hearing of the tragedy, it didn't take long for him to begin the process of adoption in order to take Clementine into his care. Which, was something that Clementine had nothing against. Lee was a trustworthy person, who would care for her as if she was his own child.

After months of paperwork and other duties, the adoption became official. Retrieving all of her belongings from her old house, the two drove ten hours from Georgia to the town of Ericson in West Virginia. Since then, the two had lived under the same roof as Clementine went through schooling and Lee taught at Ericson High School.

However, it wasn't too long before their home had given itself up to one more person. His name was AJ. He was Lee's nephew, and was only four when his parents went through a terrible divorce. After learning that the child was not his own, Lee's brother Alvin had a hard time taking care of the child on his own. Which ultimately led to years of drinking and terrible decisions. After CPS deemed the household unfit for care, Lee once again took an abandoned child underneath his wing.

For two years now, the three of them have lived under the same roof. Clementine saw AJ as her own brother, with AJ looking up to Clementine as well. While money at times became scarce due to it only being a one income family, they made do with what they had.

Clementine was seventeen now, and was a week into her senior year. She was relatively popular at school, being chained to multiple friend groups. She served as president of the Ericson student body, thanks to her strong leadership skills. Which, came from her time with Lee as he was far from being a push over. Clementine looked up to Lee a lot, which led to her never wanting to disappoint him with negative actions.

That morning, the two had exchanged words as they ate before their second week back.

"Hey, Sweet pea. Are you ready for your second week of your senior year?" Clementine rolled her eyes, as Lee spoke the last part of his question in an overly dramatic way.

"Of course I am, Lee. Classes aren't that bad, it being my senior year and all. I've gotten to catch up with my friends, and Student Council is already hard at work!" She said, speaking as she swung her fork around.

Lee chuckled, before replying. "I know you're doing just fine. You're a smart and mature young woman. You had to grow up a lot faster than what most kids did, so I just want to make sure that you get to truly enjoy your final year of being a kid as much as possible." Clementine smiled, as she understood what he meant.