A/N ~ I want to make this clear, just in case you guys think I have anything against Kenny. I absolutely love Kenny, he is probably my favourite male character in TWDG. I'm sorry if I portray him as some sort of 'evil' man in this fanfic, I don't intend to, honestly. I love him.

Chapter 3 - Help

Bonnie's POV

I woke up suddenly, my head throbbing painfully. I went to raise my hands to my injured head, groaning when my wrists rubbed against something metal and cold. Handcuffs. "What..?" I croaked out, my eyes blinking rapidly as I tried to focus, now fully awake. They were my handcuffs.. the ones I had put on Arvo.. gasping, I tried to sit up, regretting it straight away as pain shot through my body at the sudden action.

I was tied up to the same staircase that Arvo had been, back in the house. I rakked my brain for any memories of what had happened, and my heart stopped when I noticed Clementine laying beside the fire, her shoulder patched up, although blood had began to soak through the bandages.

My eyes widened as I remembered everything. Sneaking out to Arvo and Mike with the supplies.. Clem catching us.. Arvo shooting her.. and then Kenny beating the shit out of me after the two men had run off and abandoned me. My body ached in agony as I straightened up, my eyes shifting to Jane who was laying down beside Clementine, fast asleep. That woman had saved my life, because I knew that if she hadn't of stopped Kenny from hitting me he would have most likely beaten me to death. I owed her for that.

I couldn't see Kenny, but I could hear his snoring from the room next door. I was so thankful he was sleeping right now. He would be awake soon enough, and I really did not want to be around for that. I needed to get out of here, somehow.

I heard a quiet groan from by the fire, and watched silently as Clementine sat herself up carefully, her hand instantly on her shoulder as she winced. The pain I had felt by the beating from Kenny was nothing compared to the dreadful pain I felt for practically causing Clem to get shot. The girl got up, hissing at the pain from the wound. She turned and spotted me cuffed on the other side of the room, and I saw her eyes blink as she recalled what had happened to her a few hours ago.

She gritted her teeth, her voice calm although it was full of anger as she pointed an accusing finger at me, causing me to wince. "Y-you, you betrayed us! You and Mike were going to leave us and run off with Arvo!" Her voice was quiet as she knew that Jane was sleeping and that if Kenny was disturbed, he wouldn't be happy knowing that I was conscious.

I looked down at the ground, too ashamed to even make eye contact. I whispered hoarsely, my head burning with pain as I felt blood trail down my face and onto my jacket, "I.. I.. I'm so-"

Clementine cut in, glaring at me in fury. "I thought I could trust you Bonnie! After all the times I forgave you when you asked! Did our friendship mean nothing to you?!" I watched as her eyes brimmed with tears, and I badly wanted to bring her into my arms, comfort her, and reassure her that everything was going to be alright. But I'd betrayed her too many times, she could never trust me again.

I locked eyes with her once more, and replied, "Our friendship meant everything to me, Clem. You were.. are like a little sister to me.." My eyes welled up with tears as I thought about everything I had done wrong. The young girl in front of me scoffed harshly, her eyes never looking away.

She spoke coldly, "Did you ever betray your sister?" My heart stopped as I stared up at her, my hands shaking against the cuffs. Clementine knew she had got to me, and her expression changed from angry to regret, but she quickly masked it with the anger she felt towards me.

I felt a tear meander down my cheek as I admitted, "No.. I didn't exactly.. but some of the things I did hurt her feelings.. I regret it everyday." My voice trembled as I continued, "I used to be hooked on drugs, it was so bad.." I trailed off, watching as Clementine listened. "She begged me to stop, as I was beginning to get ill and it was getting worse everyday. I tried to stop.. for her and mom.. but I couldn't, I just-" I broke down into tears, my body shaking and pain shot up to my head, causing me to groan quietly.

"My mama saved me, when the walkers first started appearing. She sacrificed her life for me, even after I had been a disappointment and a liability to her for years.. She saved me, and my little sister blamed me for it. It killed me knowing she blamed me, though I did blame myself.. and she hated me until she herself was taken from me by those undead fuckers!" All the rage inside of me had suddenly resurfaced, and I hung my head in shame, knowing I did not deserve her pity.

Clementine dropped to her knees, her breathing ragged as her shoulder began to throb. Her face was still etched with anger and hurt, but her eyes were now full of sadness and despair. She stuttered as she kept her voice down, "I.. I didn't mean to be so cold to you.. It's just-"

I cut her off, whispering softly, "I know, I know, it's not your fault Clem. I shouldn't of listened to Mike. I wish I hadn't agreed to leave with him and that fucking boy Arvo, it was stupid." My expression became frustrated as I tried to block out the increasing agony I felt.

"Really?" She questioned in disbelief, and I nodded my head slowly, trying not to yelp at the discomfort from the wounds. My light blue eyes desperately stared into Clementine's wary ones.

"Of course. I knew I was going to regret it for the rest of my life-" I stopped as she reached forward with her hand, and hesitantly touched my bloodied forehead carefully, her eyes widening slightly as her heart began thumping in her chest.

"Did Kenny do this to you?"

I shook my head quickly, nervously shifting my tender back up against the staircase. "No.. Clem he'd never-"

Her hand immediately slapped across my bruised cheek, and I felt a sting of pain as I squeezed my eyes shut tight. Clementine narrowed her eyes, retracting her hand and attempting to cover up the guilty look on her face. She repeated slowly and clearly, "Did Kenny do this to you?" She then gestured to my head, and my clothes which were soaked through with blood. I didn't actually realise how bad it was, and wasn't too keen on finding out just how bad it looked.

I answered honestly, my voice cracking, "He was angry Clem, I betrayed him, I betrayed you all.." I trailed off, seeing the spark of anger return in her eyes as her nostrils flared. I looked up at her, adding, "I deserved this, okay? I deserve so much more. Don't blame Kenny, he was just worried about you!"

The young girl bowed her head, as she spoke up through tears, "He hurt you. I know you betrayed us and I don't think I can trust you again but he almost killed you, Bonnie! H-how? He was so n-nice.. he's my friend.."

"He was only looking out for you Clem, you know that you and AJ are all that he has left." I let out a sigh, and added seriously, "But listen Clem, I know you hate me right now, but I need you to understand this." I looked up at her pleadingly, and she nodded her head without a word.

I let out a few spluttering coughs. Clementine watched worriedly as she sat beside me. I cleared my throat quietly, keeping an eye on Jane who was still asleep by the fire, "Well.. I think that after Carver had done what he had to Kenny.. It kind of.. changed him a little." I noticed Clementine frown in confusion, although I could sense that she understood what I meant.

"Is it why he's acting so angry all of the time?" Clem asked in a hushed tone.

I nodded my head in confirmation, "That's most of it. You know.. Kenny's lost more than anyone. It's bound to change him. But Clem, you have to realise. Kenny is a dangerous man, and that's the only reason me and the other two chose to leave. I know that he would never hurt you, no matter what, but I couldn't be sure that the same would be said about the rest of us." Clementine kept quiet, listening intently as I carried on.

"W-when he wakes up, I know that once he knows I am still here, he's going to act like he did last night. I know I deserve it, Clem.." I stopped, my eyes watering in pain and I felt myself begin to get weak with the blood loss. I coughed out, "But I think it would be better for all of you if I just left. Went on my own way." My eyes drifted over towards the window, looking out as I watched the sun begin to rise.

Clementine gulped as she whispered, "You're going to try to leave again?" I sighed deeply and my eyes flickered back to her, a caring smile on my face as I tried not to let the guilt I felt overtake me.

"I can't stay, you know that. And I'm certain you all will be fine without me, and probably better off. All I seem to do is fuck everything up, maybe it will be easier on my own." I can't bear to look at the hurt expression on her face.

"But you can't just leave us. We are your friends. We don't leave friends behind." Her voice was firm but also pleading.

I grimaced as I tried to straighten up better, replying sadly, "I don't want to leave you, Clem. But I doubt any of you will be able to trust me at all anymore, and I fully understand and respect that. I.. I just need to go.." I gritted my teeth and hissed as the cuffs I wore dug into the skin of my wrists, and I gasped in shock as Clementine slowly reached over, taking them off of me and dropping them to the ground.

She then muttered, "I get it."

I rubbed my sore wrists, and then lifted one hand to my forehead, wincing as my head jolted in pain. I stuttered, "T-thank you.." I shakily stood up, leaning against the stairs for support. My knees felt as though they were about to give way at any second, and my body was in agony from the event not long ago.

Clem also got to her feet, looking up at me as she deadpanned, "Let me come with you." I froze for a moment, my eyes wide. Why would she ask this? Surely she would want to stay with Kenny, as he'd been there for her much longer than I had been. I had to say no, I couldn't let her do this.

I grabbed hold of her by the shoulders gently, whispering softly, "I can't let you come with me.. it'll be too dangerous out there. Plus you have some food and supplies to live on here, and warmth of the fireplace. You'll be safe."

Suddenly quiet whimpers came from the crib, and Clementine rushed towards the baby. I took a moment to think about what I would do. I could just run off into the woods and attempt to survive out on my own. But I knew it was a stupid idea, I wouldn't last long out there alone. I turned my attention back at Clem, my mind deep in thought. Maybe I could take her and the baby with me, take care of them. But I shook my head at that, knowing how much they meant to Kenny. He was like a father to them both, it felt wrong.

The wounded girl gently lifted AJ into her arms, cradling him softly which quietened him down automatically. I smiled over at her proudly, and she smiled back, but it faded soon after it had appeared. She slowly made her way back over to me with little AJ in her arms.

"Just take us with y-" Clementine was cut off by a soft groan coming from down beside the fire. I immediately froze on the spot as Jane yawned, stretching her arms above her head as she pocketed her combat knife that laid beside her, getting to her feet. She turned her head and her eyes blinked as she caught sight of me without my restraints on. Her eyes glared daggers at me although I could see the worry behind them.

"What the fuck were you thinking, Bonnie?" She seethed as she stalked over to me, stepping in-between me and Clementine protectively. I slumped my shoulders in shame, and she continued, "I knew that Mike asshole was capable of pulling shit like that, but you too?" My body tensed as she got closer, and I felt intimidated as she glared down at me.

I shrunk backwards, my hand still grasping the staircase as to keep my upright. I cleared my throat before answering quietly, "It was a mistake. It won't happen again." Jane looked between me and Clementine with uncertainty, and then her gaze settled on my red raw wrists.

"Why did you take her handcuffs off, Clem?" She asked Clementine with an arched eyebrow, the young girl cradling the now sleeping baby in her arms with a small smile.

Clementine shrugged, regretting it as pain shot up to her shoulder, "She wants to leave, Jane, before Kenny wakes up. I think we should let her."

Jane's eyes widened as she placed her hands on the waistband of her skinny jeans, "Well, I'm not stopping her from going off on her own. Staying here whilst Kenny is like this isn't going to do her any good." I watched as Clementine nodded slightly, and I sighed with relief. I couldn't believe they were being this nice with me, after all I had done.

I felt more blood meander down from my head wound, and raised my hand to dab at the liquid, letting out a yelp of pain. The slightly older woman's expression softened as she spoke in a whisper, "I'll find some supplies and help fix you up, and then you can be on your way."

I nodded gratefully, and she helped me over to the bench I had slept on the previous night. I lowered myself onto it, Clementine sighing and following over, sitting herself beside me with Alvin Jr still in her arms. Jane wandered off to get some items to help treat my wounds, which only seemed to make me feel guiltier than before. They were willing to offer me supplies even after I had gone out of my way to betray them.

We both sat in an awkward silence for a minute or so, when I finally found the nerve to speak up. "Why?"

The girl looked up at me with confusion, "What do you mean?"

I quickly covered my hand over my mouth, muffling the sounds of my hacking coughs. I didn't look back at her, just answered in a frail voice, "Why would you ask for this? After how I've treated you?"

Clementine held her breath, not really wanting to answer. Her eyes grew misty as she peered over towards the room next door which Kenny was occupying. She continued to rock the baby, her voice quiet and sad, "Because I know that you're right. That Kenny is dangerous. I also know he'd never purposely hurt me. I'm just worried that one day, he's going to give up like he did before- a long time ago- and I won't be able to bring him out of it."

I dropped my hands to my sides, not really knowing what to say. Clementine was growing up fast, really fast, and it kind of surprised me that she was more grown up than myself, Jane and Kenny sometimes.

The girl beside me added in a calm tone, "And I know you've betrayed us.. more than once. But like you said a few nights ago, good people do bad things sometimes. I can't forgive you, but we can move on from it." I felt my eyes fill with tears of both appreciation and happiness.

I gulped, muttering softly, "Clem.. thank you.. B-but I don't know, Kenny and Jane will take good care of you and the little one. Better than I ever could." Clementine averted her gaze to AJ, and she remained silent as Jane re-entered the room with a handful of bandages and a bottle of peroxide.

I smiled as she walked over, crouching in front of me. Her eyes flickered to mine and she asked hesitantly, "Mind if I do this?"

I nod weakly, in too much pain to protest. I nudged Clementine gently, stating, "It might be best if you look away Clem, it's not going to be pretty." She did as instructed, turning to face the fire, looking down at AJ with a frown on her face. She had seen worse than this, but I still didn't want her to always have to see things like that. I also knew she was thinking about what I had said earlier, maybe she'll change her mind about leaving with me. It's probably for the best.

Jane placed the bandages and bottle on the wooden floor. I unzipped my jacket, slipping it off my shoulders and dropping it down beside me. Jane nodded before slowly and carefully lifting my t-shirt over my head, a small gasp escaping her lips as she inspected my battered body. I glanced down, immediately wishing I hadn't.

My stomach was badly bruised, and I could tell from the searing pain that I had probably broken a rib or two. There were a few cuts and scratches, none that needed stitching or bandages, thankfully. The pale skin on my arms was mostly covered by purple bruises. I pretty much looked like shit from what I could see, but didn't even know what my face looked like.

"Fucking hell." Jane murmured angrily as she checked for any broken bones. As soon as her fingers made contact with the skin above my ribcage, I jumped backwards, groaning in agonising pain. Jane raised her hands in the air, her voice apologetic, "Sorry, sorry! I think you've broken at least two ribs, so take it easy." I coughed violently, covering my mouth and nodding my head.

"I- I will. Thank you though Jane, you saved my ass last night." I wheezed and winced as she began to wrap the fresh bandages over my skin. Goosebumps covered my battered body as I began to shiver, my mostly bare body registering the cold. Jane made quick work of cleaning up my wounds, and then shifted higher so that she was at eye-level with me.

"I did." Jane answered shortly, her eyes scanning my face.

"You've got numerous bruises on your face and a deep gash on your forehead. We don't have any stitches, bandages will have to do for now." She explained. Well, it didn't sound so bad..

She lifted the bottle of peroxide up for me to see, and I groaned inwardly. This is going to be shit. "This is going to be the crap part." She muttered plainly. Clementine lifted her head and turned to look at the two of us, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at the bottle in Jane's hands.

"It's going to hurt. My arm needed stitching before and that stuff felt like I was on fire. Also when Kenny needed.." She trailed off into silence, staring out of the window.

"Well, I'm sure it'll be fine." I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. My ribs began painfully throbbing as my hushed laughter died down. It probably wasn't going to be fine.

Jane noticed how unconvincing I sounded, and replied, "It's gotta be done."

I watched as she soaked an old rag with the clear liquid, and gritted my teeth as I braced myself. Thinking quickly, Jane grabbed hold of another small rag, gesturing for me to open my mouth. I obliged and clamped my teeth down onto the fabric.

Before I could even protest, the other rag was pressed firmly against my wound. My howl of agony was muffled by the rag as I clenched my fists to stop myself from punching the woman in front of me out of shock. The pain was unbearable, worse than anything I had experienced physically. The burning sensation increased as the short haired brunette began dabbing at the open wound, "Shit! Fuck!" I hissed as I tried to suppress my groans of discomfort.

"Quiet!" Jane scolded harshly and I did as she said, shutting my eyes tight and flinching ever so often as she continued cleaning my wound. The other woman cleared her throat, and my eyes fluttered open as she removed the rag from between my teeth and let it fall to the floor as she whispered, "What's up with Clem? She seems.. different. I know what you did really upset her, but there's something else, too."

I couldn't keep anything from Jane. She had surely saved my life last night, and I wasn't going to lie or hide the truth from her. I admitted quietly so that Clementine couldn't overhear, "She asked me not that long ago this morning if she and the baby could leave with me."

"What'd you say?"

She pressed the fabric back onto my wound, and I jumped as I felt the familiar burning sensation against my forehead. I tried to concentrate, "I told her that I couldn't take them with me, because they are safe here for now, with you and Kenny to look after them both."

"But for how long?" Jane interjected, and I raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"W-what?" I asked with a frown, and she rolled her eyes back at me. She finished disinfecting my wound, and picked up the discarded bandages, carefully covering up the deep wound on my forehead.

Jane spoke without any emotion, "You know what I mean. Sooner or later, Kenny's going to lose it for good. If Clementine doesn't realise this now, then she isn't going to be around for much longer. She needs to get away from that man." My eyes widened at her blunt words.

"Kenny is a good man! I know he can be a real stubborn bastard at times but he would never do anything to hurt Clem!" I retorted as I folded my arms over my chest trying to warm up my freezing body.

"Not intentionally," She snapped in response, passing my t-shirt back. I pulled it over my head, and noticed that Clementine had sat herself on the bench opposite, her elbows propped against the window sill as she stared out of the window in thought, Alvin Jr now back in his crib, fast asleep.

The brunette persisted, "And you know that me and Kenny don't see eye to eye on most things. I doubt it's going to be safe to have Clementine around him, especially if I'm there. Anyway, I'm thinking about heading out myself." She leant back against the wall beside me, folding her arms over her chest.

I glanced up at her questioningly, "You're going to come with me?"

The other woman shook her head and replied honestly, "No offence, but I think I'm better off on my own." She started to fiddle with the zip on her dirty brown jacket, adding solemnly with a whisper, "It's easier that way."

I nodded my head in understanding, the movement hurting like hell. "Yeah, suppose it is." Peaceful silence filled the half-built house, only the sound of Kenny's loud snoring echoing from the other room could be heard, as well as the occasional shiver from one of us. My voice wavered as I spoke up again, "Do you really think Clementine should come with me?"

Jane let out a sigh. "I know you might make mistakes sometimes, but you are a smart woman. I'm pretty sure Clem would be fine with you."

I smiled at that, but couldn't help but still feel a bit guilty about the whole situation. I pondered, "You can take care of yourself pretty well. Maybe she should go with you?"

The older woman immediately declined, "Like I said, I think I'm better off on my own." She looked away for a split second, and I swore that tears were threatening to fall. I felt bad for asking. I guessed whatever she was upset about was to do with her sister, Jaime. Clem had told me bits about her. I offered her an understanding look, and she smiled back half-heartedly.

Jane cleared her throat and said, "Kenny told me a few hours ago his idea for leaving later this morning, by the way. He was planning on driving with me, Clementine and the baby up to some camp in Wellington. He.. He was going to make us leave you here. I didn't argue with him, seeing the mood he was in. But we need to leave as soon as we can, it won't be long before he's awake."

I nodded my head, my expression neutral. I knew that I deserved to be left here, after what I had done.

My eyes drifted over to my neglected backpack, and Jane followed my gaze. I sighed, "I better start getting ready to leave. I'll ask Clementine if she still wants to leave with me." Jane nodded in response and I got to my feet cautiously, my head pounding violently as I steadied myself.

I quietly made my way over to the young girl, clearing my throat from behind her, startling her out of her daze.

"Are you sure you want to come with me?"