~Please, Say You Won't Let Go~ Clouis

Chapter Four: I'm Still Here (Aj's Journal POV)

Willy and I've been getting closer. He wasn't as weird as I thought he was. He sorta made everything up to me too. We played with Tenn's toys most of the time, and we played tag outside when it wasn't cold or rainy or dark. He would swing on the tire swing too with me.

Willy was a pretty cool guy and a good friend to me since the delta.

I'm still sorry for Tenn but he had it coming to him. He had his trauma mixed up and that can get you killed; it got him killed.

I'm sad about Louis, too. He always seems so sad now. I understand why, he doesn't have his tounge. He can't talk anymore, and we have to use this weird not-English-hand-motion-talking to understand him. Clem said it's called sign language or something. Well- technically it is English, but it's not words.

I try to make him laugh but it's just not enough. I don't even know if Clem can make him laugh or even happy anymore. I haven't heard pr seen him laugh since before that night when he got taken.

I know how he feels though. Sometimes I feel like I'm only dragging Clem down with me. I understand that he's sad because I get sad too sometimes. But he needs to realize too that we're his friends. And you shouldn't leave friends behind unless they're about to literally get you killed but by that point, they shouldn't be your friend in the first place- I got off topic, sorry.

I don't understand Aasim either. He makes fun of Clem and Louis like, all the time. Clem and Vi try not to let me hear the fighting because Aasim likes to talk about "mature stuff" and I "shouldn't know that stuff yet" according to like all the girls. Which I don't understand either but, whatever.

I heard everything last night though, there really was nothing they could've done to stop it. Aasim made Louis really sad and that made Clem really, really, mad. He started talking about bad stuff about Louis when Louis left which Clem always told me is one of the worst things you could do to a friend. I don't think Aasim and Louis should be friends. I'm glad that Clementine defended Louis. It was cool to see her mess someone up who deserved it.

I wish Aasim was just nice to Louis. I don't understand why he's always laughing at Clem and Louis and then trying to get everyone else to too, they do nothing wrong.

Willy and I went out to the yard and found Vi. I asked her what happened last night with Clem and Louis because even though I heard it all, I didn't understand some of it and maybe Violet would help me- Clementine didn't want to tell me.

"Aasim was being mean so Clementine showed him right. I agree with Clem, little bud and I know you do too. Aasim went too far and he deserved what he got. Maybe even more." She said.

"Do you know what happened with Clem and Louis last night though? Like... after the fight." I asked.

"Louis went to the piano room and Clem followed him... I think. I really shouldn't get in between this, and neither should you OR Willy but, you should ask her NICELEY what happened." She explained, exaggerating certain words. "Because you deserve to know. Since she's like... your mom...? Anyways, I don't want to get between your relationship with her, she should be the one to tell you what she thinks you should know, not me, little guy."

I'm happy for Clem. She has someone to hold onto. But I'm also sad for myself because we used to be like that. When we had the car, I would always be there for her. She would tell me everything. Now, Louis kind of took my place, and that made me a little sad.

I went to see if she was up.

She was, I pulled her aside and asked her what happened.

"Aasim and I got into a little fight. Don't worry, we will be okay. Remember when you were scared at night and would have nightmares about the ranch or about monsters? I would always let you lay with me and I wouldn't sleep until you were okay. Louis is like that for me. And Like I was for you, I'm the same with Louis." She explained.

"He's nice. I wish everyone was like him." I replied, being a little sad.

Clem looked at Louis who had a thankful and adored look on his face. He was the best guy ever. I meant it.

I just wish he was able to talk.

"Look," she said, placing a hand on my shoulder, "Aj, I haven't been there for you. I am so, so sorry. You are my whole life, and I mean that. Since you were born, you have been my number one person to protect. I want you to know that you're still my number one but if I don't talk to you as much as I used to, just know that Louis needs help, a lot of help. Louis is a good guy, and he won't hog me, but I may not have enough time to give you attention every single day for hours on end. I'll still always be here and give you advice whenever you need it, and my love will never change. Because of this, I'm going to give you a lot more freedom and independence but it's being treated as a privilege, you remember what that means?" I nodded, "You need to be safe so that means no going outside alone either. Bring Willy or us with you. You understand right?"

"Yes of course I do! Louis needs help and I understand. Sometimes I need help, and you help me, so it would be wrong if you don't help Louis when he needs help. I'll stay out of the way whenever you need me to, and I can help you guys too. Plus, Willy doesn't have a friend, and I think he can be my secon-... well, third real best friend. I have to pay attention to him too." I said, secretly getting excited about getting more in-de-pen- independence?  Whatever Clem said.

"Thanks for understanding bud. How about we sit together at the kids table at dinner, and I can help you draw." She promised.

"Pinkie swear?" I asked with a huuuuugeeee grin.

"Pinkie swear." She swore hooking my pinkie and we locked it in.

I was very excited and wasn't able to hide my excitement. I'm growing up!

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Hey Guys! Hope you liked this chapter! It's a little shorter but you get to hear from more point of views now. I'll keep Aj's short and dispersed but I think it'll give little breaks in between hearing about Clementine and Louis for long periods of time. 

I hope you enjoyed! Please consider voting and commenting!!