TWDG\\II-South State

THIRTY

Clementine
I walked into the small container, the roof just hanging above my head. It sure was closed in; but Adrix had told me that the top floor was taller, and I had already come to the conclusion that AJ and I would sleep there. The bottom flooring was bare, the floor caved in by concrete. The only thing that decorated this area was the glass window that was hacked in, the glass positioned neatly; it looked out onto the neighbours that were still unknown to us. It currently showed the dark sky, very few stars making its appearance in the dark abyss. It reminded me of that romantic night she shared with Violet; the wind tousling their hair, as they sat, side by side, in the half rumbled bell tower, admiring the unknown.
I sighed, and moved on, walking up the makeshift concrete stamped stairs. She saw a higher ceiling, the two containers stacked on top of each other. A larger window casted an outlook on most of the town; they lived in the East, top left corner of the community, the wall just behind them. They had a solid position in the town.
Ever since I had explained Adrix the way of getting past the dead (the entire community had no clue to remain oblivious to the walkers after this time), Adrix expressed his thanks by providing AJ, Gabe, Louis and Violet the two story living spaces in gratitude.
I always had a dream when she was younger that she would be neighbouring with her primary school friends; like a big happy family. Any now the others neighboured her now, Violet and Louis living in the 'house' beside them.
It was only two hours ago when Clementine had allowed Adrix and Harriet to help them, even Violet agreeing to be helped in the process. Two hours since I put on the wood replacement for my wood; my new prosthetic.
"Thank you!" I exclaimed, as I tied the Velcro material around my knee, securing the object.
"You're welcome, honey." Harriet beamed, as I stood up, shaky at first, but turned around to see AJ, smiling.
I smiled at the boring room. This could be a new start for AJ and I; The school was our home for a while, now this place will be our sacred environment. Two beds were set up across from each other at the far side of the room, the duvet navy blue...and clean. A white flaky bookshelf stood closest to me, the shelves dusty and empty. I smiled.
I straight away removed my own hat from my greasy, knotted hair, and placed it on the top shelf, the signature 'D' trancing back to those times where I was in peril. Trancing back to when my Dad had given it to me...
"Clem!" I heard AJ call my name. I twisted around to see him bounding up the stairs. Seeing him so...alive again made me happy. It was contagious; a smile spread across my face.
"Goofball!" I said, and hugged him. AJ had gotten over the fact that I was never going to stop calling him by his old nickname, and stopped reminding me that he was older. Almost...almost seven years old. AJ pulled away, and examined the room, a smile also on his face.
"Is this our room?" He asked.
"It's our..it's our home." I corrected.
"We don't have much stuff to decorate..." AJ walked over to the beds, and turned around to see my hat on the shelf. "I wish I still had some of Tenn's drawings and shirts..."
The mention of Tenn made AJ have a grim tone as he walked around more.
"I spoke to Harriet; she said she could get some recycled couches for downstairs." I spoke, smiling.
"Yeah." AJ said, and he sat on the bed closest to the window. "It would make everything feel less empty. Remember that Disco Broccoli plushie? I wish I had him to put on my pillow."
"Yeah." I said. "Same."
"Do..." AJ spoke. "Do you think we will actually get to live happily?"
"Well..." I thought. "We'll see."
The question only raised more questions; what did make me happy? I pondered about it for a moment.
What made me happy was that every time I put effort into anything in this world, one way or another, it payed off. I worked so hard to find AJ, and care for him. What made me happy was the relieving feeling I got when I realised that I needed to relax; and my free will told me to. What made me happy was that there were sacred places like this in the world, and that it could restore the damage I had conflicted over the years. What made me happy was Lee...seeing his face. Even in my dreams.
What made me happy was...
"Violet.." I murmured, quietly to myself.
I had been confused, and unfair to both Gabe and Violet, not knowing what I wanted. Did I want Gabe's soft innocence, his reminder telling me that he was there when I was in harsh times...
Or did I want Violet...her tough secure embrace to me...and my problems. I believe she took something from me a long time ago...when we first met.

Thank you editsbycave by supporting me on my stories! (I haven't been inspired much lately, and now I'm determined to finish this series off! Not that this is the end of my book yet, haha 😂
(And btw, I honestly don't know whether Clementine should go with Gabe or Violet...)