The Paths That Tie (Clementine x Violet)

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Sorry if this chapter comes off as a little bland! (And a little shorter than usual)

While chapters like these are important to move the story foward, they can become kind of stale due to the lack of intensity (compared to chapters like the one last chapter).

However, I'd enjoy these slower moments while you still can! There aren't many left! So, I hope you enjoy regardless!

-Dino

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"Man. You'd think a place that specializes in breakfast foods would at least have a decent coffee." Clementine outwardly exclaimed, as she carefully set the room temperature cup of coffee aside.

"See? I told you the chocolate milk here is the way to go!" AJ remarked, as he happily continued to sip on the large glass of milk in front of him.

After driving for what seemed like an eternity, the sibling duo ended up at the nearest breakfast place they could think of: McDonald's.

While the music in the car consisted of whatever kids bop CD was left from her previous time with AJ, it was tuned out by the mental processing of the story she had just been told.

Was Clementine upset? Hell yes she was. From her perspective, she had every right to be upset.

The more she mentally shuffled through the memories she had of her parents, the more her frustration grew with her uncertainty of their validity. Was everything she remembered about her parents a lie fabricated from someone else entirely? Were there still memories left untouched?

Unfortunately for her, there wasn't much of a way to check.

"Clem? You seem pretty spaced out. Do you need another c...cof-fee?" AJ innocently asked, as he furrowed his small eyebrows from the hard to pronounce word.

Snapping out of her daze, she looked at the person in front of her, recognizing the meaning behind his words.

"Sorry, kiddo. Today might be a day full of apologies from me. I might be a bit high-strung from everything happening today."

"Well, that's okay. When you get around Violet and the other kids, your mood always seems to get better." AJ commented, as he continued to drink out of the small container of milk.

As his words processed through her mind, she could feel as her cheeks warmed up from his keen observation  skills.

Trying to shake the embarrassment out of her, Clementine picked up her hashbown and began to eat it as if nothing was said at all.

However, the silence created from eating didn't last long as AJ seemingly finished his food.

"Man, I'm stuffed! Should we get something for everyone else? Maybe we can get one of those twelve packs of cookies!" AJ suggested, as he pointed out the special on the menu.

"Uh huh...and I'm sure that has nothing to do with you wanting some cookies, does it?" Clementine responded, using her detective skills to snuff out his plan right away.

Sharing a laugh between one another, Clementine picked up the tray that was only piled with empty containers, and began to make her way to the trashcan. After dumping everything properly and setting the tray down, the two siblings walked out the door together as they headed towards Clementine's red vehicle.

Ensuring once again that AJ was in his seat properly, Clementine eventually made it to hers as she started the car up once more.

Backing out of the parking spot and going on the road, the sound of Kids Bop was once again drowned out as Clementine found herself thinking about her parents. Or at least, who she always thought her parents were.