Living The Moments

Chapter 13: You Look At Me, I Look Away

A/N:

Damn. I'm sorry guys. Don't hate me for this chapter. Lol. I'm no pro at writing.

I'll be back with the next chapter probably later on the following week. Trying to catch up on some drawings.

Take care and have a lovely week.

Enjoy.

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"Any plans for the summer, Goofball?" Clem asked AJ across the table. Peeling oranges and mangos for themselves. AJ picked a piece of mango, plopping it in his mouth, chewing the tasty fruit.

"I'm trying out this wood shop. Tennessee and I-"

Clem choked on an orange slice. Swallowing the slice down as she coughed, gradually turning into laughs.

AJ narrowed his eyes with pursing lips. Irritated when her head threw back, cackling like a hyena mix with a donkey.

"What?"

The laughing died down. Muffling behind her forearm a few bursts here and there.

"...Nothing..." She coughed out.

"What's so funny?" Amused by his cousin. Clenching her stomach when another wave of laughter hit her. For two weeks, AJ stayed beside her side whenever he could.

She shut everyone in the family out when they heard about the news. Her grandparents tried talking to her to cheer her up but she would just listen and not say anything to end the call quicker.

Carley and Lee were a mess. Clem never gave them a chance to talk. Them pitying her is the last thing she wanted from them.

Rebecca came by to see how a mess Clem turned out to be. Lee begged for help from his sister. Rebecca forced the girl off her parent's hands and had her stay with her. Figuring that she needed space and time to adjust what's going to happen during the summer.

Rebecca paid Clem no mind but examined her health and leg regularly every night. Clem appreciated her company until she start nagging about nonsense and yelling at her and AJ for the simplest stuff like washing dishes and cleaning the room.

For the most part, the only person she tolerates to be around her is AJ. He lifted her spirits for the past two week. AJ made sure to keep an eye on her for Rebecca. He encouraged her to finish her homework and study. Cook dinner with her, if Rebecca runs late. When she breaks down in her moods, they play video games till it's time for bed or just talk about random things that isn't about her future.

Able to see her crack a smile and laugh like a fucking animal formed a spark of hope in side him. As long as his cousin can smile still, he have no worries that she won't after break. He promised himself, he will be there for her for anything.

"You!" She pointed at him. AJ threw a mango skin at Clem face.

"Hey!" She yelled, throwing an orange peel at his fro.

"Ya better not be messing up my kitchen! I'll whoop both ya asses!!" And she meant it.

Not caring that they're getting old. Not caring if Clem has a brace on or not. Rebecca would get this special thick belt in her closet. From what AJ told her, it is satin's whips.

"No!" They yelled in unison. Giggling afterwards.

"So... You and Tenn?" Clem asked innocently. Eating a mango with an orange slice.