Thanks to that guest user for the idea of Clementine telling Sarah about what happened.

Thanks to gaara king of the sand for the grammar check.

"Excuse me?" Rebecca asked, eyes wide.

It was as if no one had expected that question.

"Who's Carver?" Ray repeated.

Everyone was quiet for a moment before Luke let out a sigh, "I guess there's no point in hiding it..."

"Wait, what?" Rebecca quickly said.

"If he's staying with us, he should know." Luke said.

"If he touches on little children, there's no fucking way he's staying with us." Rebecca replied.

Ray sent her a look. "I told you that wasn't me. She was touched, but I didn't touch her. I wouldn't do that."

"Yeah, Bec. If he did I doubt the girl would be so willing to cuddle up to him like that." Alvin said motioning to the child who was fast asleep, leaning against Ray.

Rebecca just crossed her arms, saying nothing.

"Carver… He's a leader of a community not far from here…" Carlos spoke up. "He's a very dangerous man."

"Dangerous how?" Ray asked.

"He has a pretty volatile temper." Luke said. "We're lucky we got away when we did… Things were getting really bad."

"He sounds like a fun guy to be around." Ray said sarcastically.

"If you enjoy bat shit crazy, then definitely." Nick said.

"Look, I can assure you, I have never touched her in that manner." Ray said.

"I don't buy it. You're saying your entire group was fine with raping a child and you were the exception?" Rebecca asked.

"There's a reason it's just the two of us. I'm not gonna let her get hurt again." Ray responded.

"I admire what you're doing. I'm sure Clem is grateful as well." Pete said.

"I'm just doing what's right. No one deserves to go through that shit..." Ray replied.

Rebecca rolled her eyes.

"I know you don't want me here. I can't exactly blame you for being cautious. And I promise, as soon as Clem is healed up we'll be on our way." Ray said.

"Hey, no rush. You're not in great shape either." Luke said.

"Right. Both of you should take the time to heal up." Pete said. "Maybe think of staying with the group."

"That's not happening." Rebecca said.

Ray let out a sigh, "I appreciate the offer...but I'll have to decline."

"So... Where do you plan to go?" Nick asked.

"Not sure yet... Clementine mentioned this place called Wellington, her and her old guardian were heading there... Now I'm not sure how credible an eleven-year-old is, but I'm willing to take a chance if it means getting her somewhere safe." Ray said.

"I'd advise against it..." Carlos said. "It's a bad idea to take a child in her condition out to search for a place that likely doesn't exist."

"Yeah... Well, our options are limited." Ray said.

"Maybe yours are, but that child isn't leaving." Rebecca said.

Ray sent her a look, "She's not staying anywhere without me."

"Why not? You barely even know each other." Rebecca grumbled.

"I know her more than you people. You guys just met the kid." Ray pointed out.

"A few weeks isn't enough to know her. We can't trust you. Knowing the type of people, you were grouped with..." Rebecca said.

Ray narrowed his eyes. "I'm not them."

"Maybe you didn't get the chance to become them. Who's to say you weren't grooming her?" Rebecca replied.

"No way I'd do that. Clem reminds me of my sister. I'd never touch her that way." Ray said. "Besides, she doesn't want to leave me. You can't force her to."

"Ray's right. Clem says he didn't touch her, so we can't just throw him out." Alvin said.

Nick raised a brow, looking Ray over. His gaze slowly fell to Clementine and he gave the child a sympathetic look. "I believe you…"

"What?" Ray asked.

"I don't think you hurt her." Nick said. "Seeing how much she trust you."

"Yeah…" Pete agreed. "The child said herself that it wasn't him."

"That's proof enough for me." Alvin said.

Rebecca only sighed.

"Well, we should probably all settle down for now. No point in chatting the night away. We can talk in the morning." Pete said.

"Yeah. It's probably a smart idea to turn in." Luke agreed.

"I'm gonna take first watch." Pete said.

"I'll switch off with you in a couple hours." Alvin said.

"Alright." Pete said.

With that, the group headed off to bed. Ray tried make himself as comfortable as possible on the space of the couch. It was with difficult with Clementine clinging to him, but he wasn't going to make her uncomfortable. Eventually he managed to fall asleep.

Morning came and Clementine tried to get Ray to wake up. Except every time she nudged him he just moaned and rolled over.

"Ray..." Clementine called.

"Clem, stop..." Ray batted the child's hand away.

Clementine frowned, "But I-"

Ray cut her off. "Let me sleep, kid."

"But..." Clementine stopped herself. Ray must have been up late.

"Hey there, Clem."

Clementine couldn't help but jump at Luke's sudden voice.

"Hey..." She said. She was watching him warily; she didn't know if she could trust these people yet.

"You're up pretty early." Luke said.

"So are you." Clementine replied.

"Yeah. I was on watch. I tagged in for Pete a little while ago." Luke explained.

"Watching for walkers, or people?" Clementine asked.

"Umm... Both I guess." Luke replied, scratching his head.

"Bad people?" Clementine asked.

Luke sighed, but nodded. "Yeah, kiddo. But you don't have to worry. No bad people are gonna come here."

Clementine raised a brow, "Is Carver bad?"

"What?" Luke was a bit surprised to hear that question.

"You guys thought Ray and I were working for him. You all seemed... nervous..." Clementine said.

"Well... Carver... He is a bad guy... But he won't be coming here either." Luke said.

"You don't know that..." Clementine said.

Luke didn't know how to respond.

"We have bad people chasing us too." Clementine told him. "They did bad things to me."

"I know..." Luke said.

"How?" Clementine asked.

"Ray told us." Luke said.

"Oh... If they find us... They're gonna hurt me again." Clementine said.

Luke shook his head. "They won't get the chance. I promise."

"Promise what?" Came Rebecca's voice as she came downstairs and into the living room.

"He says no bad people can come here." Clementine said.

"That's right, sweetie." Rebecca said.

"That's not true." Clementine said. "I don't believe you."

Rebecca frowned. "Honey..."

"I don't want to talk about it anymore." Clementine said.

"Alright, Clem... You hungry?" Rebecca asked.

"Yeah... Kind of." Clementine said.

"How about we get you some oatmeal." Rebecca offered the child her hand.

"Okay." Clementine said, accepting the woman's hand.

Rebecca led the child to the kitchen.

Rebecca helped the girl to the table and the girl sat down.

Clementine was quiet as Rebecca started to make the food.

After a while the woman came over with two bowls, she placed one down for Clementine and took the other for herself.

Rebecca took a seat next to the quiet child and decided to spark up some conversation. "So, did you have fun with Sarah yesterday?"

"Yeah… We didn't really do much. But I did enjoy drawing again. I haven't been able to do that in so long." Clementine said.

Rebecca offered the child a smile. "Well that's good. You'll be able to draw a lot more now that you're here."

Clementine shook her head. "No… We can't stay here. I need to find my friend…"

"You need to take some time to heal up." Rebecca said. "I'm sure your friend will be fine."

"If she's alive she's going to look for me. I have to do the same." Clementine said.

"That's not a good idea, sweetie." Rebecca told her.

"Why not?" Clementine inquired. "You didn't want us here in the first place."

"Things changed…" Rebecca said.

"What changed? You found out what happened to me and now you pity me?" Clementine asked. "I'm not some weak little girl who needs protection. I can handle myself."

"Clearly." Rebecca said sarcastically.

"Ray and I will be just fine. Christa and I were okay, until those bad people attacked us." Clementine stated.

"Exactly. So, unless you want to get raped again, you'll stay here, where it's safe." Rebecca said. She knew it was harsh, but she really didn't want Clementine going back out there.

"How do I know it's safe?" Clementine asked.

"It's safer here than it is out there." Rebecca said.

"I'd take my chances. I need to find my friend." Clementine simply said.

"For all we know she didn't make it." Rebecca said.

Clementine frowned at that. "I still have to know..."

"Going out there is suicide." Rebecca said. "You have to know that too."

"So is staying anywhere for too long. Maybe it's safe here now, but for how long?" Clementine said.

Rebecca sighed. "Seeing how hurt you were... I don't want that to happen again."

"Ray won't let that happen." Clementine said.

"What makes you so sure about that?" Rebecca asked the girl.

Clementine thought for a moment. "He… He's been looking after me… He's my friend."

"Has he really brainwashed you?" The woman scoffed.

"Who?" Came Sarah's voice.

"No one…." Rebecca said.

Sarah shrugged. "Oh… Okay…"

"You hungry, sweetie? I made some oatmeal." Rebecca said.

"I'm starving." Sarah said.

Clementine nearly rolled her eyes. She doubted these people knew what it felt like to truly be hungry.

Sarah went to get a bowl, scooping oatmeal into it. The teen then made her way to the table and sat down beside Clementine.

"How'd you sleep?" Sarah asked.

Okay…" Clementine said.

"That's good. Do you want to play after breakfast?" Sarah asked.

"Umm… Sure…" Clementine said.

"Great." Sarah smiled. "It's good to have a friend. It gets so lonely being the only kid."

"Yeah…" Clementine said. She knew how Sarah felt. Sometimes she missed having a friend around.

"I can't believe this shit..." Lance grumbled.

"You said they couldn't have gotten far, right?" Ralph said.

"I don't fucking know anymore." Lance said.

"They must have taken shelter somewhere." Winston said. "I swear when we find them, I'm shooting them both."

"Now, settle down." Lance said. "I'll handle Ray..."

"I guess that's only right. He's your son afterall."

That boy is not my blood." Lance said. "He's my daughter's brother. My daughter is dead..."

"So if we find the girl, do we keep her around?" Winston asked.

"Of course. She's making us go through all this trouble to look for her..." Victor said.

They walked around when Lance suddenly stopped.

"You find something?" Ralph asked.

"Yeah. Take a look." Lance said.

"It's just a dead dog..." Winston scoffed.

"It's not just a dead dog. Someone killed this dog." Lance said.

"...You think Ray's been in this area?" Victor asked.

"Could be..." Lance said. "Meaning we might be hot on their trail..."

After breakfast Clementine and Sarah had gone upstairs. The two girls spent the morning drawing. By mid-afternoon the other group members were all awake.

The day was relaxing. Clementine felt less on guard when she was playing with Sarah, like she could be a kid again for the first time in a long time.

"I'm kind of hungry again…" Sarah said. "Are you?"

Clementine shrugged.

"I'm going to ask my dad for a snack." Sarah said.

"Okay…" Clementine said.

As Sarah left the room, Clementine continued drawing until she felt the urge to go to the bathroom.

She scooted to the edge of the bed, and slid down until her feet hit the floor.

The girl exited the bedroom and made her way across the hall to the bathroom. She closed the door, making sure to try the knob just in case. She didn't want to be trapped in the bathroom. Luckily the lock was on the inside so she didn't have anything to worry about.

She sat on the toilet and relieved her bladder, feeling a slight sting. She was no longer bleeding, which was good, but she was still really sore.

Once she finished she wiped herself clean and stood up.

Curiosity went through her mind, as she flushed the toilet. She couldn't help but wonder how those men managed to get their private parts inside her. She hesitantly brought her hand to her vagina, guiding it to the little hole. She pressed a finger into it and immediately felt a sharp jolt of pain. Wincing, the girl immediately pulled her hand away.

It hurt just to put her finger in there. How those men managed to get their thingies inside was beyond her. No wonder she was in so much pain.

Curiosity was eating her, and Clementine's eyes darted to her private area. She slowly brought her trembling hand back between her legs and brushed a spot that made her gasp. She felt a bit of fear go through her. She could feel her body tingling a bit, she didn't understand what that sudden feeling of pleasure was.

Clementine quickly pulled the t-shirt back down to cover herself, and went over to the sink to wash her hands. She then made her way out of the bathroom.

When she opened the door, she was surprised to see Nick standing there. Clementine watched the man, looking like a deer in the headlight.

"Sorry… I didn't know you were in there." Nick said.

The child didn't respond. She just continued to watch him with wide eyes.

Nick frowned as he looked the child over, he couldn't help but feel bad for the child. "Umm…Excuse me."

The girl stayed still, watching him cautiously.

Nick sighed and slowly reached out. Placing his hand on the child's shoulder he maneuvered the girl out of the way.

"NO!" The child panicked as he touched her.

Nick quickly let her go, surprised by her shout. He went into the bathroom, shutting the door and leaving the little girl in the hallway.

"No… No, no, no!" Clementine whimpered.

"Clem?" Sarah's voice was heard. "Are you okay?"

Clementine was snapped out of her trance and looked to the teen, who was coming up the stairs. "…I'm fine…"

Sarah furrowed her brows. "You sure?"

Clementine quickly nodded.

"Alright…" Sarah said. "Dad's going to make us some food. Let's go downstairs."

"Okay…" Clementine said.

Sarah didn't miss how her friend was stumbling. She worried for the younger girl. She must've been hurt somehow…

As the two got downstairs, Clementine made her way over to Ray and quickly hugged the young man.

"Hey Clem." Ray greeted the little girl.

"Hey." Clementine smiled.

"How have you been?" Ray asked.

"Good…" Clementine said. "I made a lot of pictures."

"That's good, sweetie. I'm glad you're having fun." Ray said.

"…You really didn't touch her…" Rebecca mumbled.

"I told you I didn't…" Ray said.

"Touch?" Sarah repeated, looking confused.

"It's nothing, Sarah…" Rebecca said. "I think your dad is almost done cooking. Why don't you go check?"

"Okay." Sarah said. "Come on, Clem."

Clementine released her grip from Ray and stood. She followed Sarah as the teen made her way to the kitchen.

Rebecca sighed. "I'm sorry for giving you such a hard time."

Ray was taken aback, hearing the woman suddenly apologize. "What?"

"She's clearly attached to you. I mean… If she's clingy to you like that… You couldn't have hurt her." Rebecca said. "It's just… When I saw how badly she was injured… I couldn't help but feel upset."

"I get it… I felt the same. That's why I have to make sure nothing bad can happen to her… Not again…" Ray said.

The next day Ray had decided to help out with chores around the place, he didn't want to be a freeloader.

Clementine once again spent the day playing with Sarah. There wasn't much else to do in the cabin. The last few days were pretty uneventful, something Clementine wasn't used to. However, she enjoyed having time to finally relaxed.

By the time the night had come Ray had volunteered to take watch for the night. Clementine protested, but Ray assured her everything would be alright.

The children were upstairs in the room. Sarah was painting the younger girl's nails.

"What do you think?" Sarah asked, as she finished.

Clementine examined her nails. "They look good."

"You really think so?" Sarah asked.

"Yeah. You did a good job." Clementine said.

The teen smiled. "Thanks…"

"You're welcome." Clementine said.

The girls sat in silence, waiting for their nails to dry.

"So… Do you want to sleep in here tonight?" Sarah asked. "Since Ray's on watch."

Clementine seemed to ponder of that offer. "I want to be with Ray…"

"But he might not come in until late." Sarah said.

"I'll wait for him." Clementine said.

"Oh…" Sarah frowned, sounding a bit disappointed. "I was hoping we could have a sleepover…"

Clementine was quiet for a moment. "On second thought… That might be fun."

Sarah beamed. "Really?"

"Yeah." Clementine said.

After that the two girls chatted about random things until Carlos came and told them it was time for bed.

"Aren't you going to lay down?" Sarah asked her friend as the child propped herself up in the bed.

Clementine shook her head.

"Why not?" Sarah asked.

"I can't." Clementine said.

"But… Why?" Sarah asked, looking confused.

"I just can't, okay!" Clementine snapped.

"O-Okay…" Sarah stammered with a frowned.

The two fell silent until Clementine let out a sigh.

"I'm sorry…" The eleven-year-old said. "I didn't mean to snap…"

"It's okay…" Sarah said.

"Umm…. Can I ask you something?" Clementine mumbled.

"Sure…" Sarah said.

Clementine seemed a bit hesitant to ask her question.

"What is it?" Sarah urged her to continued.

Clementine spoke again, after a brief silence. "Have you ever... Have you ever wanted to touch yourself?"

"W-What?" Sarah stuttered.

"I... Nevermind..." Clementine quickly regretted asking that.

Silence fell over the girls again.

Sarah spoke, "What do you mean by touch?"

"...I mean... down there..." Clementine said.

Sarah's eyes widened. "N-No... Why did you ask me that?" Sarah sounded confused and nervous.

"Because... I tried it earlier... And it felt nice..." Clementine said honestly.

"Nice?"

"Yeah... It hurt at first, but then it felt good." Clementine said.

"I don't think you're supposed to do that..." Sarah said.

"Why not?" Clementine asked.

"It's... not good." Sarah said. She didn't know, but she assumed it wasn't good.

Clementine furrowed her brows. "It's not?"

"No... You're not supposed to do that Clementine..." Sarah said.

Now it was Clementine's turn to be confused. "But those people did worse things to me..."

"What people?" Sarah asked.

"The bad people..." Clementine replied.

"Bad people?"

"They attacked me and my friend, Christa." Clementine said. "Then they did things to me..."

"What kind of things?" Sarah questioned.

"...Weird things...Bad things..." Clementine said.

Sarah looked even more confused. "What bad things?"

"They...They put their thingies in my mouth and in my private part." Clementine said.

"W-Why would they d-do that?" Sarah asked, looking horrified at what she had just heard.

Clementine shrugged. "They liked it or something..."

"Did you?" Sarah asked.

Clementine shook her head. "It hurt..."

"R-Ray didn't do that stuff, did he?"

"Of course not!" Clementine exclaimed. "Ray's a good guy."

"That's good." Sarah said.

Clementine paused for a moment. "They might be looking for us…"

"W-What?" Sarah asked.

"For Ray and I…" Clementine said.

"Do you think they'll come here?" Sarah asked.

"I don't know… Maybe…." Clementine said. "I hope not…"

Sarah looked frightened. "...W-Why are you telling me this?"

"I... I don't know... No reason I guess." Clementine let out a sigh, rubbing her forehead.

"Okay." Sarah sounded confused again.

"We should get some sleep." Clementine said.

"Alright..." Sarah mumbled, laying down. "Goodnight, Clem."

"Goodnight." Clementine said back.

The next morning Sarah woke up first. She didn't wake her sleeping friend. Clementine could probably use the rest.

The teen downstairs with her a confused look on her face. The words from before were still in her mind.

The rest of the group was awake and greeted her, Sarah only half-mindedly greeted back. She took a seat beside her father. "Dad… Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, sweetie…" Carlos said.

"Did… Something bad happen to Clem?" Sarah asked.

"Why?" Carlos asked back.

"Because she told me it did…" Sarah said.

Carlos frowned. "Something bad did happen… But what did she tell you."

"That people did stuff to her… Down there…" Sarah told him.

"She shouldn't have told you that…" Carlos sighed.

"Are the bad people going to come here."

"Of course not. Don't listen to her." Carlos said.

"O-Okay…" Sarah said.

"Why don't you go get some breakfast?" Carlos suggested.

Sarah nodded.

Carlos stood to lead his daughter to the kitchen. He felt a bit annoyed. He was going to have to talk to Ray, and maybe have a word with Clementine about staying away from his daughter.