The Paths That Tie (Clementine x Violet)

(8)

(Since I'm feeling good because Spring Break officially started for me today, here's a chapter two days early! Another longer chapter, I know. I hope I'm not setting expectation for the future with these long updates lol. Hope you enjoy chapter eight!)

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"STRIKE!" Gabe yelled, as he got into a victory pose of sorts. The other clapped, which only seemed to fuel his egotistical soul.

The bowling alley was filled to the brim that evening, with the only saving grace of them even getting a lane being that Sarah had thought to call ahead. A slight waft of beer floated across the building, as not only were the lanes half off, but all alchoholic beverages were discounted as well. The smell only triggered the scene from a few nights ago increasingly, as Clementine desperately attempted to not think about it. However, the freshness of the situation still lingered in her mind.

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(A few nights prior)

"I'll introduce myself formally. I'm Rebecca, AJ's mother."

The words clung onto Clementine's mind. Swirling around repeatedly, as if they couldn't be fully processed. The woman who had the audacity to abandon the sweet and innocent AJ was standing before her.

She wore what looked to be work clothes, as if she had just gotten off a bit ago. She wore a name tag, and a cross-body purse sat on her side. A bottle of beer sat on the small table next to the couch, as well as a bejeweled phone. Instantly, a deep feeling inside Clementine's gut warned her to stay weary of the woman before her.

"I...I understand if you are cautious. From what I have heard from Lee, you have helped a great deal in raising Alvin Junior-"

"He prefers to be called AJ." Clementine interupted, as she sent a deathly gaze towards Rebecca. To which, she lowered her head slightly.

"I'm sorry, my mistake. You have to understand, the last time I saw AJ, he wasn't even able to form full sentences. He's grown up to be such a fine young boy though, and-"

"No thanks to you, huh?" Clementine once again retorted, before Lee cleared his throat.

"Please, Sweetpea. At least give her the chance to speak." Lee said, in his usual calm demeanor. Obediently, Clememtine bit her tongue.

"Here, how about I just make it quick? I can tell when I'm not wanted, so I'll say what I need to and leave. Is that alright?" She said, in a rather nice manner. Clementine simply nodded her head in response.

"I know that my presence in AJ's life is lacking. When he first came around, I was a scared young woman. For multiple reasons, I just wasn't in the right place to be a responsible mother. However, I've taken some time to improve myself for the better. I've been going to therapy, I was able to get a job at a well managed company, I have my own apartment, and...I'm ready to be involved in my son's life again." Rebecca said, with the last part being spoken with a sudden confidence.

"I'm not expecting him, or any of you to be willing to work with me right away. After all, there's a good chance I've already screwed up any kind of healthy relationship with him with the damage that's been done. I just hope that you'll at least give me the chance to prove myself. I don't ever expect to take him under my care again. However, if I could even establish a semi-normal parental relationship with him? I would be the happiest woman on the face of this Earth." She finished, with a genuinely elated smile plastered on her face.

Clementine didn't know how to take what she was told. On one hand, Rebecca hadn't done anything yet to raise any flags. She seemed like a well put together woman, and didn't seem to have any disingenuous motives. However, she had once abandoned not only her husband, but AJ as well. If anything like that were to happen again? Who knows what kind of affect it would have on AJ...