Disclaimer: The Walking Dead Series is NOT my work. It is owned by TellTale, all rights, commendation and acknowledgement goes to them.
However, "Derek Brooks" is my own fictional character and apparently the only thing I own in this story.
AN: I'll be uploading shorter chapters so that I can upload more regularly. (Hopefully twice a month!) Anyways, on to the story!
Chapter 11 – Nowhere to Run
Derek stirred from his slumber, his eyes flickering open with weariness. Despite the few hours of undisturbed sleep, he still felt the weight of exhaustion clinging to his eyelids. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he took in the familiar surroundings of his room. He was back at Ericson's. He looked to his right and felt a sense of relief to see Clementine and AJ sleeping soundly.
Glancing down at himself, he couldn't help but be swept away by a wave of nostalgia triggered by his vivid dream. 'Or nightmare,' he mused, the memory of betrayal still sharp in his mind. It was from that day he silently vowed to never let the enemy gain the upper hand again. Yesterday's events only solidified that fact.
He glanced through the window, noting the never-ending darkness outside. Wanting to enjoy a few more hours of sleep, he rolled to one side on his bed in hopes to relish whatever peace and quiet he has left. Yet fate had other plans as sleep eluded him. A tinge of frustration gnawed in his head, he sat upright, fingers kneading his temples in exasperation.
"Guess I'm not sleeping anytime soon," he muttered to himself.
He cursed the fact that he couldn't sleep right for as long as he could remember but even then, he'll do what it takes to survive.
He glanced towards the sleeping forms of Clementine and AJ.
For them.
As the first gentle rays of morning sunlight seeped through the cracks of the boarded-up windows, Clementine stirred from her slumber. Her eyes blinked open, adjusting to the soft glow that bathed the room. Stretching her limbs and letting out a quiet yawn, she sat up, her mind gradually shaking off the remnants of sleep. The movement roused AJ from his slumber, his small form stirring awake.
"Good morning, goofball," she whispered, leaning over to kiss his forehead. AJ groaned in response, twisting his body away from her and the intruding daylight. Clementine chuckled at his sleepy antics as she eased herself off the bed. Her gaze wandered to Derek, still in the throes of sleep, his bare back facing her. She noticed his used, damp shirt carelessly discarded on a nearby chair.
'Couldn't sleep, huh?' She sympathized sadly.
It wasn't the first time sleep eluded Derek nor would it be the last. 'Insomnia', he said, a condition which affects sleeping. She was a light sleeper herself but it was the first-time meeting someone who literally couldn't sleep even if they wanted to. She felt sorry for him and hoped that it would work itself out soon enough.
Her gaze trailed off from his sleeping form, wandering towards his bare back, her eyes tracing the intricate web of scars etched into his skin. Each mark told a story, a testament to the battles he had fought. Amidst the tapestry of scars, her attention was captured by a particular set that seemed to bear the pattern of intentional cruelty.
Three large scars, marring his flesh in a cruel lash-like manner. They were stark and vivid. She couldn't imagine the pain he must have endured to bear such marks. She wouldn't dare asking him about it but one could only imagine.
Although, he did share a few things about his scars. It was "a reminder of my mistakes," he said. A nagging curiosity lingered in her mind – what kind of mistake did he do that could lead to such brutality?
She shook her head from the morbid thought. She could only imagine.
Marlon's words from last night, resurfaced in her mind, reminding her of the morning meeting. She contemplated letting Derek rest a while longer, knowing his restlessness. Yet, she knew this meeting is important for them. With a sigh, she reluctantly decided to gently wake him.
"Hey. Wake up, sleepyhead," Clementine cooed, her voice soft and gentle.
Derek stirred awake, shifting his body to face her with a smirk. "Well, well, well. An angel," he said, winking playfully, trying to add a little charm even in the early hours.
Clementine rolled her eyes, chuckling. "Get up lazy bones. We got to meet with Marlon remember?"
His tired, droopy eyes suddenly widened in wakefulness. "Oh shi—" He stopped himself, remembering AJ's presence. "I mean, yeah, yeah. Let me just get dressed." He rose from his bed and went straight to his bag, hurriedly pulling out a green shirt and putting it on.
"Come on," he said.
Clementine glanced at the still-sleeping form of AJ. "You really think leaving him here is a good idea?" she asked, her tone teasing but with an underlying concern.
A small memory replayed in Derek's mind. They've went out for food just for a little while and when they returned, AJ's upset expression greeted them. He accused them of leaving him behind forever, he screamed at them, his words laced with anger and betrayal. When that wasn't enough, he started hitting them with his tiny little hands. It took a lot of coaxing, reassurance, and a long talk to get him to calm down. From that point onwards, they took a mental note to always bring AJ with them unless they want to deal with his temper tantrums.
After a moment of consideration, he nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're right."
Clementine walked up to AJ and gently nudged him awake. "Come on. Get up and get dressed."
The boy groaned in response but did as he was told. Clementine and Derek helped him get dressed and ready. After a few minutes, Derek opened the door for the both of them, letting them leave first before shutting the door behind him with a soft click.
The trio made their way down the worn-out hallway of the abandoned school, their footsteps echoing at each step. As they reached the doorway leading to the courtyard, Clementine couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and doubt. Should they really stick with their plan and keep moving down south? Or should they stay here instead…?
The more she thought about it, the more unrealistic the plan was. They have no idea what's in store for them other than the fact that there's a 'possible' safe haven out there. A huge settlement with more than a hundred people from many different backgrounds. Doctors, soldiers, teachers, scientists, and if she was going to believe it, a functional government from the old world.
It's worth a shot isn't it?
But with the car gone, their supplies low, and no place to go, the chances of survival was just too low to consider.
She paused in her stride, making the two boys halt in their steps. "Hey, Derek. I want to ask you something," she said, her eyes flicking towards AJ before focusing back on Derek.
The latter caught on the silent message and crouched down to AJ's level, his expression gentle. "Hey, kiddo. I kinda forgot something in the room. Can you get it for me?"
AJ looked at him, his face thoughtful. "Oh! You mean your vest?" he snapped his fingers in realization.
Derek smiled widely, taking advantage of his naivety. "Yup! Forgot to wear it earlier. Mind getting it for me?" he said, his voice sweet but laced with lies. He left the vest there on purpose, not really having a practical need to wear it but he needed an excuse to make him leave while they discuss some things in private.
"Okay!" Without another word, the boy zoomed past the two adults, heading back to the room with child-like enthusiasm. Derek felt a little bad about it but it had to be done. He shifted his attention back to Clementine, his eyes filled with concern. "What's up?"
Clementine shifted her weight between the balls of her feet, her mind grappling for the right words to express her concerns. "Do you really think heading south is our best option?" she started, her voice carrying a mix of doubt and skepticism. "It's just… the only lead we had for this, came from your trader friend. I mean, where exactly south are we even going? It's not like we can just ask for directions."
Derek clenches his jaw briefly before meeting her gaze, "Roman might not be the dependable sort but this one is legit. I checked it with three other sources." He held up three fingers up.
She shook her head and lowered his hand. "Still doesn't change the fact that we don't have supplies, the car is totaled, and that we don't even know where exactly we are."
Derek hummed and looked away from her, his mind deep in thought. After a short while he turned his gaze back to her. "Well it's not like we can stay here either," he leaned towards the wall, crossing his arms as he did. "Those bandits know where the school is and with two of them still running about, it's only a matter of time before they find us."
Her shoulders sagged; she felt an invisible weight around her shoulders slowly drag her down. She felt trapped and constricted. There was no easy way out of this, not this time. If they can't stay here but they can't leave without risking their lives then what can they do?
She sighed, "So, what do you suggest we do then?" her tone tired.
Derek put his hands on his hips, shifting his weight back and forth. After a short deliberation he shook his head in disappointment. "I-I-I don't know. I'm sorry Clem but… I really don't know what to do."
Clementine looked down at the rotting wooden floor, her hope fading. "Me neither."
A despondent silence followed, they were trapped between a rock and a hard place. They could either stay here and wait for the time when raiders attack the school eventually or keep going south with little to no supplies. Both are equally deadly. Derek, sensing Clementine's shift of mood, pulled her close, sharing a small hug together. The hug was warm and intimate, a reminder that despite the harsh world they live in, there's still a small glimmer of hope.
The two separated from each other, albeit reluctantly. Derek flashed a small smile at her, "Come on. Enough of this sad shit. We got work to do," he punched her shoulder gently.
The sudden shift of mood was enough to shift her focus elsewhere. It's not ideal to dwell in despair too much. She then realized that Derek swore in front of her, she cleared her throat and threw a small glare at the boy in front of her, crossing her arms in front of her as she did. Derek could only chuckle at her antics and pulled her cap down to her face, laughing at her unamused look as she rearranged her hat back. "Kid's not here Clementine, I can swear whenever I want," he smirked.
She rolled her eyes at him, smiling lightly. "At least make it a habit."
"Yes ma'am." He nodded in response.
She knew he's not listening at this point so she didn't push it. Right now, they have other things to take care of. "We may not have a solid plan for now but maybe something will come up soon. Let's talk to Marlon, see if he can help."
Derek nodded in response but then frowned. "I just hope AJ won't get too attached to this place."
She took a deep breath, fearing the same exact thing. "I hope so too. Come on."
AN: Sorry for the long update. Things got hectic lately and with the lack of user reviews it was hard for me to continue. It's like talking to a wall. I don't blame the readers of course, never in a million years but it still has an effect to me where I feel like nobody seems to be as enthusiastic as I am to this story. Every review counts for me and it doesn't even have to be anything important. Anyways, there's still more to come I can assure you! It just takes some time to work on the writing problems and plot-holes.