Scars | ✔

Chapter 13

"I don't want a new family. I just want Marshall," Clem whined as Jackson showed her to her new foster family. "And for Timothy to be captured."

"I know, sweetie. I know, but aren't ya glad we helped your wounds?" Jackson asked with a smile.

"I guess.. I still have the scars."

"The scars won't go away, but they might fade sometime."

"So.. they'll always be there, but I just won't be able to see them?"

"Right." Jackson smiled at Clem, making her sigh.

"Smile. Your foster family is here." Jackson said, smiling down at Clem as the new family walked in.

"Hello! You must be Clementine?" A man asked. He was with his wife, and two sons.

"Yeah.." Clem muttered, grabbing hold Jackson's hand and watching the older son. He sorta resembled Timothy, and that scared Clem.

"Well, we're gonna be looking out for you, okay?" The man said with a warm smile. Clem looked down and nodded.

"Are you going to be nice?" Clem asked, a bit worried.

"Of course, sweetheart!" The wife said with a smile.

"Then.. Will you.." Clem stuttered as she glanced down at the smaller boy, who was smiling and waving.

"Hi!" The younger boy said with a huge smile. Clem smiled and waved.

"Hi.."

"Are you ready to go?" Jackson asked. Clem took a deep breath and nodded, trying her hardest to smile.

"Yeah.. Thanks, Jackson.." Clem said, going towards the family. The family hugged Clem, making her punch the older son in the gut involuntarily. The guy doubled over and held his gut, gasping for breath.

"Sorry! Sorry.. I thought you were.." Clem started to tear up, rubbing her wrist. She was afraid they were going to hurt her back.

"Its okay! Good punch." The guy said, taking in a big breath.

"Let's go, sweet pea." The man said, giving his hand to Clem. She hesitantly took it and followed them to the car.

The man got in the car and smiled.

"I'm Lee."

"Carley."

"Luke."

"And i'm AJ! Nice to meet you!" The small boy said, yet another huge grin on his face. He hugged Clem, making her smile.

"Nice to meet you guys." Clem said, giving a light smile.

. . .

Clem and her new family, The Everett Family, walked along the sidewalk, giving Clem a taste of West Virginia. They passed by lots of things. Supermarkets, playgrounds, houses. It all seemed amazing. The sky was bluer than Clem remembered, and the white clouds caressed the sky.

Suddenly, Clem stopped. Nobody really noticed. She saw someone opening a fresh pack of cigarettes. Clem nervously approached them.

"Can I have one of.. those?" Clem asked the man. He seemed strung out; like he was high on something.

"Got any dollar bills?" The man asked with a raspy voice.

"I.. no.." Clem stuttered, rubbing her wrist.

"Hm. Tell ya what, this first one is for free. If you like it, meet me back here tomorrow at the same time. Bring eight dollars and you can have a pack and a half." The man said, handing her a cigarette.