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Modern Period of The Walking Dead Game

High School AU


Chapter Twenty Nine: Who Are You?


As Clem let him inside her house, she guided him to the kitchen. The teen the beanie waved at the family.

"Who is this Clementine?" Florence asked with doe like eyes. Harold stood up to shake the boy's hand.

"This is my boyfriend."

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Everett. I'm Gabriel Garcia." He responded as he gave Clem's grandfather a firm handshake.

Clem sat down, continuing eating. AJ finished his vegetables. Decided to be the first one to leave. He couldn't breathe the same air with Gabe.

Clementine sulked as she watched her cousin storming off to the sink to wash his plate and silently went to the living room to watch TV.

"Nice to finally meeting you Gabriel! I'm so excited that my grand baby has a boo thing!" Florence giggled. Clem lost her appetite. She pushed her plate away from her.

Rebecca rolled her eyes. Thinking back to the time she was dating; her mother rejected every loser that steps in the house to 'meet the parents'.

"Same. I didn't know about this family dinner." Gabriel settled down on AJ's abandoned chair.

"Its fine! Let me make you a plate." Florence jumped out her chair to grab some food for Gabe.

"Uhh... Its fine. I'm not hungry-"

"No way! Just try some honey." She yelled from the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Gabe eyed Clem with a bleak expression. Clem caught him staring and gave him a blank face.

When her grandmother came back with his plate, the adults started talking and asking them about their relationship. Clem and Gabe kept it brief and honest. Of course, cut out the parts of them cuddling at the movies, making out and the recent fight that caused her nose to have its period.

Speaking about periods.

"Can we be excuse?" Clem broke their conversation. The adults waved them off. After washing hers and Gabe plate, she took him upstairs to her room.

Carefully shutting the door so Lee won't scream for it to be wide open. She just needed a few minutes of privacy.

She turned around to face Gabe. He sat on her desk wheel chair as she sat on the edge of the bed.

"So how long are we going to be stuck in this rut?" Gabriel asked. He wheeled closer to her.

"We're not in a rut." She forced out. She was not going to set herself in the same position as Ava. She knew that sounded harsh in her mind, but her situation is different. Right? But she can't deny the fact that they are in a rut.

"I feel like we are. We created a gap for a week and some days Clem. All I can think about is how we can go back to normal... I'm sorry for everything. I... I can't control myself." He dropped his head. Sulking in pain. All the boy wanted was forgiveness and his girl back. He already got his sister's forgiveness.

Mariana always understanding. As much as he knows of now.

Clementine is the same way. She doesn't hold onto grudges. However, if it affected her deeply, the girl can't imagine herself repeating the past. Like the time they broke up in middle school because of his temper and distance.

Seeing him so desperate and in pain caused the girl to have mixed emotions. How can she feel comfortable around him when he's going off on people on the spot?

She sighed. But then again, Gabriel was protecting his little sister.

Clementine scrunched her curls in frustration. She likes Gabriel. He has been great friend to her over the years. And she comforted him through his worst.

The situation frustrated her. She sighed. Squeezed her eyes shut. Almost regretting for what's coming out of her mouth.

"This was a bad idea."

"What you mean?" He lifted his head to look at her crazy. Clem got up, backing away from him.

"This wasn't supposed to happen. Look at us, Gabe. I'm ... I don't think this will make us happy." Gabe followed her at the corner of her room. He held her shoulders, looking into her worry amber eyes.

"Clem, look pass all that. We have a great time together. We enjoy each other company, joke around like corny losers, and I... I love being beside you. Every moment with you makes me happy. Your lively energy helps me feel like I matter. At home, I know they love me. But you, your feelings for me is different. It means so much more. Honestly, you a savior when I'm in my down times. You're beautiful, smart, great at throwing ninja weapons, an adorable teaser, and big-hearted person I've ever known." He whispered the last few sentences to her.

Clem sniffed while chuckling. Rewinding certain parts, he said that caught her off guard. She didn't know she meant that much to him. Laughing at the time when she was throwing paper ninja stars at him.

"You're just saying that to make me kiss you." She blushed. He took her hand, shyly smiling at her.

"Is it working." He leaned to her face. His eyes searching for permission. Her breath quivered as his lips hover hers.

"I'm still mad about the nose bleed." She muttered a stern voice. A small smile broke her blank expression. Gabe furrowed his brows.

"I'll make it up to you." He said in a hush whisper. Looking right into his brown eyes, Clem sighed pleasantly when their lips moved against each other. Her arms slithered up his chest to wrap around his neck. He held her close to him.

They pulled away briefly to go back in a heavy make out. Gabe tickled her sides, making her laugh quietly.

The two backed up, falling on the bed. His hand roamed her side to her thighs. Bringing one leg around his waist to fit perfect between her legs.

Clem hummed as she felt the tip of his tongue. She invited his tongue and felt it stroking hers.

She pushed him a bit. Detached their lips to looks to him. Gabe wiped off the tears from the corner of her eyes.

"Please don't hurt me again, Gabriel." She choked with sniffles.

"I promise." He pecked her lips. When his groin rubbed hers, Clem pushed him off the bed. Shocked by her strength and her red face. Both heaving their chest from the lip to lip action.

"My hoo-hah is on its massacre." She whispered, narrowing her eyes at him. The boy blinked a few times.

Finally getting an idea of what she's saying. He blushed, looking away from her. Filled with embarrassment for attempting physical friction.

"Oh... Sorry."

"Just... come up here and cuddle me." And so he crawled on the bed and held her.

.

.

Tripp met Eleanor in her homeland. He stayed with her, saying he found the love of his life. She happily married him while carrying James. Eleanor gave birth and raised her son in Taiwan till he turned five years old. They moved to America, so she can continue her doctor field and experience the life as an American.

Before attending to Ericson High, James went to a crappy school full of bad ass kids that their ideal of survival is street smarts.

And the Asian kid followed the leader.

His mother, Eleanor, and father, Tripp, wanted what's best for him to stay out of trouble. Scolding and grounding him did not stop him from fighting, stealing, and playing hooky.

They decided to move to West Georgia after finding their son behind bars with cuts and bruises all over him.

In a new school and community, James told himself he was not going to cause trouble anymore for the sake of his mother. She brought him to this world for a reason. He had seen enough tears on her face.

James stayed to himself during his freshman year at Ericson. He arrived early to all his class, handed complete work, isolate himself from cliques, and went home with no one bothering.

When he befriended Sarah, during his sophomore year, she invited him to her church in town.

At first, he didn't take it seriously. Surrounded by people who likes to waste their time on man-made stories and someone on stage brainwashing them with convincing lines from the book.

James still visited. Each time, small things sparked his attention. Observing the audiences praising a make-believe God fascinated the boy. Seeing them all together, with no worry about the chaos outside these walls.

Figuring it all out, this is what kept them safe from trouble and fear. Everyone has their own story. Some came from a poor background, abuse, guilt, betrayal, suffering from a loss, or in search for a better life.

James realized he's not the only one seeking for light.

James invited his mother. Eleanor fell in love. Tripp sometimes take part of it but Eleanor goes every week religiously.

One day, during his junior year in Ericson, he visited the church. He sat in the back row, reading the bible to himself.

An odd accent and foreign language grabbed his attention. He raised his head a bit for a quick glance. And at that moment, he believed that God sent him a sign. Guiding him to meet this beauty in front of him.

She was gorgeous in his eyes. Her long brunette hair braided underneath her lace veil. Her fashion sense compare to others weren't trashy and revealing. She wore a button up blouse and a long flowery skirt. Her beauty mark and dimples enhanced her delicate features every time she smiled. And most of all, her accent when she spoke in her native tongue made his mind go wild and the scar on her eye brow engrossed his curiosity.

He wanted to know more about her.

Who is she?

James found her in a couple of his classes. How he didn't see her till now!? He would constantly ask himself.

When he learned her name, he tried his best to talk to her.

It didn't work out because he always run off, stumble on what to say to her, and froze in place when she passes by with her older brother and friends.

Now.

In his junior year, he finally got a chance to talk to her and walk her to class. Two bonuses in one day.

He thanked God for keeping an eye on him.

.

.

On Saturday, the air around whistled as the autumn leaves swirled on the cement ground in front of a small cafe shop. A man came in the shop, ringing the door chimes.

The noise alerted a woman who was busy wiping a table. She stood up, smiling at the man. She dropped the wet rag on the table as she stepped towards the man.

"How is my girl's today?" He kissed the woman's on forehead. The woman pointed at the side.

In the family cafe, Sarah sat at the corner with Mitch, playing Uno. The two giggling while slapping the cards on the table. That stopped till Mitch had to collect a couple of cards from the deck.

"Oh, Mitchell's here." He arched his brow. He had irritation in his voice. His wife wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Sweety. Don't start this again. Sarah likes his company... That's her first friend. Don't you find it cute."

"That kid always smell like weed. I don't want Sarah part of that 'trend', Sarita." Sarita sighed. She pulled away and took her rag.

"Carlos. You check Sarah every month for any sign of drugs. She's clean." She smacked the rag at Carlos's.

Sarita went up to the front to handle ready customers. He went around the counter helping her with the orders.

"There will be a day that kid will dirty our daughter. I know it." He told her. Sarita turned her head, giving him a look. Turning back to count the money in her hands, sort it in the cash register, and hand the change to the customer.

"You're one to talk."

Carlos's face dropped. Thinking of the time in Mexico.

He passed the customer his coffee and another her bagel. The line decreased within fifteen minutes.

"Sarita... We're not talking about me. I'm worried about Sarah-" Sarita dragged him through the swinging door to the back room. She hit his back against the wall.

"My daughter isn't in Mexico. She will not be some party whore, a drug dealer, sniffing cocaine. Or end up dead from over dosing... On Buddah, Sarah will graduate Ericson, go to college, find a great job, marry a wonderful man, and grant us grandchildren."

"Sarita..."

"Do not underestimate Sarah. Do I make myself clear!"

"Si." He looked to the side. Sarita clapped her hands on his cheek. Forcing him to look down at her. She smiled in reassurance.

"I know you be seeing many kids sent to the hospital from overdosing and alcohol poisoning. Sarah has sense. Believe in her." Sarita said with hope in her eyes. Carlos sighed.

"It's scary."

"You don't think you scared her enough over the years. She's a good girl because of us. Especially you, mister." She pecked his lips.

"Mmhhmm..." He hummed between the kiss.

"What time are you coming home?"

"Hopefully before five am. We're preparing a brain surgery on a teenager soon. Dr. Eleanor is gathering up the right surgeons for this operation." He told her as they came out the back room.

"Wow. Good luck, honey." She kissed his cheek. He smiled.

From behind, a pair of arms snaked around his waist. He turned to see his lovely daughter.

"Hey, daddy!"

"Hey princess." He pecked her forehead.

.

.

Saturday night. In the downtown section, everyone is active. Lights are flashing around, music is blasting, and people are mingling. Clubs and bars are open. Adults chattering in small groups headed to where the party is at. Some drowned in alcohol leaving the club to go to the next.

Carley dressed in a tight purple dress sat on the stool, laughing her ass off with Doug. A bunch of shots centered the table while they slurred in their conversation. Carley ordered a medium size bottle of Taylor and Whiskey. Combing the two drinks in their glasses.

"What do you mean it was cute!? Freshman year pigtails were so stupid! Oh God!" She shouted over the music. Doug and Carley laughed. Their bodies rolling, trying to use the table for balance.

She pushed her hair back. Not caring how crazy she looks. Chucking the whole glass in her hand.

"You can't beat my bowl cut!" He chuckled. Carley jolted out her seat for a second as she remembered his lame haircut. Slamming her head on the table, shoulders shaking in laughter.

"That's the worst! You win!" She admitted in defeat. A smile plastering her flushed face.

"Ah! I'm so happy to see you again." Doug said. Stealing a glance at Carley who gazed at the dance floor.

"Yeah. Can't believe we lost contact soon as we graduated." She looked back at him.

"I lost my phone while moving to the college dorms. Sorry."

"Damn. I tried calling you too." She pouted her lips. Doug's heart pounded. Imagining her calling him every day and night.

Doug got up with his hand out.

"Let's dance."

She nodded her head. Letting him take her hand and lead her to the dance floor.

.

.

"She must had blocked my number." Luke dropped his phone on the bar counter. Javier and Tripp took a swing of their bottle. Javier coughed a bit, clearing his throat.

"Bro, relax. Give it time." Javier passed a shot to Luke. Luke chuck it down in that second.

"Maybe it's time to... move on." Tripp said. Javier shot trip a look. Tripp just shrugged.

Luke shook his head. The man hasn't seen Jane for almost two months. He missed her so much that he couldn't think straight. He tried visiting her place, but she was never there.

He went to her job and Jesus tried his best to cover for Jane who hid in the back.

Luke talked to Jesus a couple of times. And Jesus would come up a lame excuse. The long-haired man gave up and told Luke, Jane is sleeping on his couch at the tattoo polar. Luke asked for the address, but Jesus refused to tell him. Saying it will hurt them. And that time would bring them together.

"I really can't." He whispered. The guys patted his back. Javier opened his mouth to say something, but something caught his eyes on the dance floor.

"I-is that... Car-Ca-Carley?!" He got up. Luke turned. Squinting his eyes to expanding them wide open. Gasping at the scene on the floor.

.

.

Carley, dancing up on Doug to the beat of the music. She twirled on her heels to face Doug.

She laughed at his goofy dance moves. He didn't care what anyone think. Carley liked that about him.

He stayed true to himself.

Suddenly, his hands held her waist. Pulling her closer. She giggled as he tickled her sides.

"Oh stop it, Doug! That tickl-" His lips shut her up. Carley's eyes widen and her hands frozen.

Her world stopped.

Yet the only person she could think of was Lee.

Lee.

Lee.

Lee.

She pushed him off her. Wiping her lips with her arm, smearing her red lipstick.

"What the fuck..." Her voice trembled. She held her mouth. Feeling the urge to vomit her guts out.

Carley turned, a pair of arms wrapped around her. Seeing it was not Doug but Javier, she cried dramatically in his arms.

"Let's take you home." He whispered in her ear. She nodded rapidly. Javier glared at Doug before halting ass to the exit.

Doug's heart ripped in pieces. Watching Carley being taken away from him broke him. He rushed through the people but ended up on the ground from a blow on the jaw.

Luke glared at him with disgust. He massaged his fist then cracked it. Tripp pulled Luke away from doing any more damage that will attract the club security.

Javier escorted Carley out the building and helped her in his car. She curled up in the passenger seat, balling her eyes out with hot tears.

"It's okay Carley. Everything is fine. We took care of it." He told her. She shook her head. Feeling so dumb, so naive, so disgusted with herself.

"I want Lee! Please...Please take me home to him!" She cried.

Luke and Tripp came out. Javier called out to them.

"I'm going to take her home. Get home same, okay." They nodded, Javier took off.

.

.

Clementine heard a crashing noise down stairs. She got up and went down the steps to see Carley drunk with Javier holding her up. Clem ran down till she supported Carley's other side to sit her on the stairs.

"This the first time I seen her wasted." Clementine joked. Javier sighed.

"Yeah. Make sure she gets in bed." He let go of Carley. Her mascara streaked down her cheeks. Clem jerked her head back. A bit terrified to see her adoptive mother resemble a raccoon.

"What the hell happened to her?" Clem heard Lee. He came down and picked Carley up bridal style. Her limbs drooped as the dead.

"She got...white girl drunk.. like the kids these day say." Javier shrugged. Lee chuckled.

"Um. Okay. Thanks for bringing her home." He carefully went up the stairs. Javier turned to the door.

"Yeah! Have a good night." The door shut. Clem locked it as she headed up the stairs.

She went back to her room. Wide awake, sleep won't come to her anytime soon. She sighed as she checked her cell phone in the dark. The phone light illuminating her face.

In the other room, Lee washed her up and changed her into her night clothes. He gave her a cup of water and Tylenol in bed. She took it as she regained her consciousness.

"You're okay, baby." He took the cup from her, placing it on the bed side table.

"No... no I am not." She said. She brushed her hair back as she flopped back on the bed. Lee got in bed, pulling her to him. She shivered by his touch but sink into his strong warm arms.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"I...I rather sleep it off." She whispered. He let it be, holding her close to him. She gripped on his t-shirt. Scared to lose him.

"Good night." He whispered in her ear. She looked up at him. Seeing his smile and the way he consoled her in his arms is what she needed. Pressing her lips on his as the lamp light turned off.

The gentle touch erased the strange feeling that hardened in her chest. She gathered up the courage to look into his sweet brown eyes. Loving those deep brown eyes.

Memories of their first date, him proposing to her, traveling outside the country, graduating college, marriage, and meeting Clem flooded her mind. Happy memories that they both made together.

"I love you so much, Lee." He heard her. He kissed her lightly on her cheek. Wondering what is going on with her. He worried.

"I love you too."