In the Willows

Chapter Ten: Square Hammer

You sigh, "Evelyn."

She storms up to you and slaps you across the face, "How dare you."

"Evelyn, I- "

"You left us!"

"What did you want me to do? Stay at Mount Vernon till I die?"

"You could've waited and told everyone, instead you three up and left! Speaking of, where is Cerise?"

You look down, "She didn't make it."

Evelyn drops her gaze, "Oh shit Y/N, I'm sorry."

Kyan steps up and places a hand on Evelyn's shoulder, "I think it's time we move this conversation to the vehicles."

"I agree." you say.

You start to move through the woods when you see three vehicles parked on the road.

"Guess this is where we part ways Y/N." says Javier putting out his hand.

You adjust Clementine so you can shake Javi's hand, "When things get better, I think we'll take a trip to Richmond."

"I still have a promise to keep with Clementine. Just know you'll have a place to stay with us anytime."

"Thank you, Javi."

With that, Javier makes his way back to his group. You turn to Evelyn who is waiting by a car with the back door open. You walk over and lay Clementine in the back seat. You close the door and open the passenger seat.

"Hop in AJ." you say looking down at him.

"You aren't coming with us?" he asks.

You look at Evelyn in the distance with her arms crossed impatiently waiting for you, "I have some explaining to do with this group. I promise I'll be there when we get there."

He holds up his pinkie, "You promise?"

You kneel in front of him and intertwine pinkies, "I promise. Right now, I need you especially to watch Clem for me."

"You can count on me."

"I know I can. Kyan will be driving you guys back. Try not to give him too much trouble."

"He's kinda scary Y/N."

You chuckle, "Let me tell you a secret. Deep down, he's as soft as a teddy bear."

AJ laughs, "Him?"

"I can't make it up."

Evelyn whistles to you to hurry up.

"Ok AJ, I'm counting on you." you say rubbing his afro and leaving to Evelyn.

You pass by Violet and Louis already in another car and you hop in the backseat with Evelyn in the passenger seat. We head out shortly after.

She turns around to face you, "So, who are these people?"

"Kids I found living in a place called Ericson's Boarding School. They've been there since the start."

"Found?"

"Well, they found me. I crashed my bike and almost froze to death."

She nods, "Kyan dropped off a couple kids already. Omar, Ruby, Aasim I believe?"

"Did he now?"

"Rolled into camp in a van."

"Kyan have the bikes?"

"They're both at camp."

"Good."

"You plan on staying this time?"