Chapter 9

As Clementine, walked back to her room, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Bill was looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Somethin' on your mind?" Clementine slowly nodded her head.

"Alright, follow me to my office. Let's talk about it."

They both walked for a minute. She felt strange, she couldn't even fathom the situation right now. Her mind was constantly spinning, searching for answers on how Kenny could've made it. She was so stuck in her thoughts that she didn't even realize they were both already outside Bill's office. Following the man inside, and sitting down, she waited for him to sit down.

"So, you look like you've seen a ghost, Clementine." Bill joked, Clementine didn't respond, only dragging a piece of paper towards herself.

'The guy wearing the baseball cap. He was in my old group before I was alone.'

"Ah, the ones that all died two years ago." Clementine nodded softly. "The man's got a fiery temper, wouldn't shut up while we were restraining him, and bringin' him here. Although I think he's more angry about being in the pen with the traitors more than anything." Clementine felt tempted to ask, why they'd even left.

'What happened to make them leave?' Bill didn't even read the page, to know what she asked.

"They disagreed with how I was doin' things, didn't agree with my leadership. So one day, they got it in their heads to leave, they had 'bout nine people when they tried. Reggie was one of 'em, heh, he didn't make it all that far. But while tryin' to escape, Alvin, one of the traitors, shot a man, his name was George, close friend of ours. Murdered him in cold blood, just because he didn't like me." The man slammed his fist on his desk loudly.

Clementine jumped in surprise at the sudden outburst, this was the first time she'd seen Bill get angry since she got here. She'd only seen him angry while coming across his group a few times when she was still by herself, though she never knew the reason as to why. She understood now though, she'd also felt angry at Lilly, when she shot Carley.

Bill sighed, "Anyways, that man, Kenneth, he's got a good head on him, untrusting of strangers. His yelling had actually helped us figure out where our traitors were. Man seemed ready to gun them all down when they realized that the traitors shot one of his group members.

"Though by the time we got there, a massive herd showed up, one of them had been eaten alive. And Nick, another traitor shot and killed Johnny, and shot me in the arm. We had to kill two of 'em, eye for an eye." Clementine finally noticed the bloody bandage on the man's right shoulder. Finding herself almost smiling at the thought of Nick's death, she hated the man.

"Your camouflage actually helped us out a lot though, there were probably dozens of lurkers we had to clear out, before we could get to 'em in this ski lodge, they shacked up in. Probably saved our lives." Bill praised the girl, pride filling her chest.

"The two groups were still arguin' though, by the time we arrived. Kenneth didn't seem to mind all that much when the shooting began, only started gettin' mad when we dragged him, his girlfriend, and that bald guy along with us. Didn't exactly agree with being restrained without consent and thrown in a truck, but we weren't about to leave 'em to fend for themselves, against a herd like that. That's really I gotta say about this whole debacle." Clementine nodded in understanding, she wanted to see Kenny again, she needed to know how he was doing, how he survived.

Clementine stood up to leave, she didn't have anything else to talk about.

"Before you head on to bed honey, I need to know. What were your thoughts about my last lesson?"

Clementine sat back down, she already had her answer.

'I'll learn how to lead'

Bill read as Clementine wrote, "Good, tomorrow I'm going to have you follow me around. I want you to watch me, learn as I do, and I'll let you make some decisions near the end of the day. We'll check in on the people in the pen first thing in the morning, to give them their jobs for the day." Clementine nodded to the order, stood up and left. Returning to her room, she laid down on her bed, and stared at the ceiling.

'Kenny is alive.' She repeated that in her head, smiling at the fact.

It was early in the morning, and Clementine was walking next to Bill, Troy, and Lowell as they approached the gate to the pen. Lowell opened the gate, and stayed behind as the other three entered.

"Everyone wake up! Bill's gonna have a word." Troy shouted to bring everyone forward, and wake anyone who was still asleep.

Once everyone, except Jane, who was working already, had approached, she noticed some murderous glares from the cabin group that was directed towards her. Clementine ignored them as Bill started.

"There's been increased walker activity along the fence, so be mindful when outside the walls. The herd's moved a little closer as of this morning, but that still doesn't necessarily mean we'll be hit. Know we're monitoring the situation. Now... There are some folks might be sore about what happened... at how things went. Well, that's all in the past now. Some of you are new to our community. Some of you are members who went astray. But know that you can find redemption here... forgiveness... by proving your worth through what will undoubtedly be hard work."

"Yeah, Reggie slipped up last night, but that doesn't mean he should lose hope. Today will be a test for him, so let's all wish him the best of luck." Clementine remembered Bill saying something about a fight starting between Kenny and Luke. Apparently, because the latter was there, when the guy from Kenny's group was murdered by Nick.

Sarah started whispering to Luke, Bill glared at the teen, for not paying attention.

"I'll let Reggie be an example to you all. Salvation is available, but it must be earned." Clementine doubted that Reggie would ever earn it.

Sarah seemingly didn't catch the cue to shut up, as she kept trying to talk to Luke. The man trying to make her be quiet.

"Kenneth will be taking over Reggie's duties outside the wall. Michael will continue on showing his value. Walter you're with them as them as well."

"I just thought it was nice to finally--"

Bill snapped, "Carlos!"

The doctor jumped at his name being called.

"Yes?"

"Your child seems to be in need of correction."

"I'm sorry, I-- Sarah, apologize to Mr. Carver."

"I'm... sorry, sir." Sarah timidly apologized, her eyes looking to the floor.

"No, no. That ain't gonna cut it. I can't have this kind of behavior on day one of your reform. You discipline her now, Carlos." Clementine wondered where this was going, her eyes darting between the two.

"How do you propose that I--"

Bill cut him off, "One good smack across the mouth should do it. It'll make her think twice before opening it up again. Go on, we'll wait." She only hoped it actually did.

"My... I'm not sure with my hand that I could--" Carlos raised a bruised, bandaged hand. Clementine found some closure, being able to see her would be killer all beaten up.

"Well, that's why you got two hands, Carlos. Come on. And not some namby-pamby thing, alright? A good hard smack. Otherwise, Troy here will do it for ya. I don't think you want that. He can be... overzealous. Is that the word?"

'He certainly is.' Clementine instinctively started rubbing her nose.

"If it means I'll slap the shit out of her, then, yeah." Troy eagerly stated.

"Go on, Carlos. Just get it over with."

Luke suddenly chimed in, "No, you don't need to do that. She's already scared. She won't do it again."

"Hey, no one's fuckin' talkin' to you!" Troy yelled at the man.

"Unless you want one of what she's about to get, I'd pipe down, boy." Bill shut the man up from saying anything else.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I'm sorry." Sarah had tears well in her eyes.

"Close your eyes, honey. It's only going to sting for a second." Carlos hesitates, unable to bring himself to do it.

"Do it." Bill orders.

Carlos smacks Sarah hard, and she falls to the floor, sobbing. Clementine wasn't expecting the man to his daughter so hard, it was almost funny.

"I'm sorry, Sarah." The man went to comfort his daughter.

Bill interrupting the man, and started shouting, "Stop! You're not coddling that girl anymore. Let her sit there and think about what she's done. Troy, get Carlos to his post. Everyone else should have their assignments. It's time to get to work."

"Goddamn, you really knocked the shit out of her, Doc." Troy seemed to be amused by the situation.

"Everyone get to work!" Bill shouted once more, walking off.

Clementine stared at Kenny for a second.

"Goddamn this thing." She heard Hank suddenly.

"Oh, shit..." Jane's rang out as multiple bags of soil smacked the ground hard.

Clementine decided to stop idling and chased after Bill. Slowing down as she reached his side.

"Carlos needs to learn that he's gotta stop babyin' that girl, or he's goin' to get that kid killed. I didn't want that to happen, but she's got to learn not to interrupt when someone's speaking." Clementine nodded, the older girl struck her as someone who saw the world like it was still like before. Probably from Carlos shielding her for so long.

"We're going to the armory first before goin' to , Bonnie wanted to give you somethin' when she got back." Clementine followed Bill to the armory, the man opening the door for her, and closing it behind her.

Bonnie looked up, beaming at the sight of the eleven year old. "Hey city mouse, I missed you." Clementine smiled at the redhead, who stood up from her stool and grabbed something behind her. Hiding it behind here back as she approached the eleven year old. Once she was in front of her, she pulled it out and held it in front of her. It was a blue puffy ski jacket, with a rainbow going around the chest, and a yellow sun in the left side of the rainbow.

"What do you think? I found it at the lodge y'all were at. Think it might be for skiing. Had to wait for no one around to be around to get it to you." Clementine put the jacket on, she didn't care much for looks when it came to clothing anymore, shrugging in response.

"You better watch yourself. I think some folks might be jealous of that cool jacket of yours." Bonnie rubbed the girls head, making her pout.

Bonnie chuckled at Clementine's expression, "Go on now, city mouse." The woman opened the door for her. Bill stood by the door, relaying orders to someone on his radio, before realizing the girl was outside. He looked at the new article of clothing she was wearing now.

"We should see about finding you something less inconspicuous." Bill seemingly didn't like the bright coloring of the jacket.

"Alright, let's check in on our stocking team. Someone called for my assistance on some manpower issues they're having." She trailed behind the man, arriving at a group taking stock of supplies. Becca, Shel, and Luke were in the middle of a scuffle. Luke seemed to be angered by something.

"What the fuck is happening here?" The three stopped and stood straight.

"He started it." Becca pointed at Luke, who shot her a scowl.

Bill turned towards Luke and raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Luke angrily sighed, raising a hand to massage the space between his eyes.

"She insulted Nick, and joked about him and Pete becoming lurkers." Was his response. Clementine knew that the two men were close friends, but she couldn't help herself from not finding the situation a little ironic. She did feel bad for Pete though, poor guy.

"They deserve it." Becca scoffed, crossing her arms.

"Brat." She managed to catch from Luke.

"You're twenty six years old Luke, and letting the words of a child get under your skin." Shel had finally spoken.

"I'm not a chi-" Becca tried to interrupt but Shel glared at her, making the teen look down.

"Look, it's just... it's just too soon." Luke whimpered out.

Bill sighed in annoyance, "Go to the expansion Luke, I'll have Tavia take you there." Luke walked off, giving her a strange look as he went.

"And Becca." The teen jumped at her name being called.

"Try keepin' those thoughts to yourself. Most of us here don't mind, we know it's just how you are, but don't antagonize them. They're on the path to redemption, and if we make them angry or hateful, they'll refuse to work with us." Becca nodded, but a jab from Shel made her change her mode of response.

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Now get back to work, if y'all manage to get ahead of schedule, Becca I'll give you a lesson alongside Clementine here tomorrow." Bill promised the fifteen year old. Becca waved at her, before rushing to get back to work, a fire put in the girl's heart.

"Always give them an incentive to work harder Clementine, that way people don't get lazy. They're also less likely to make mistakes, as a result." Clementine nodded, taking the information to heart.

"Alright, let's head towards the greenhouse, see how things are goin' up there." Clementine walked beside Bill, sending a goodbye wave to Becca who returned it.

They reached the stairs to go up to the roof, walking up and towards the greenhouse.

"Just checking in... see how Sarah is working out." Both immediately noticed the half finished basket, and poorly done trimming job. Live and dead branches mixed in the basket for compost.

"Reggie." Bill's voice lowered.

"Yeah, Bill. Hey." Reggie shakily greeted Bill.

"What the fuck happened in here?"

"Look, Bill, she's new, and me with my arm, it's just not the eas-- I just ha-- I have one arm, so--" Clementine frowned, it would only take around a few minutes to explain how to do the job.

Shut up, shut up. Shut the fuck up. You better have an explanation for this. And I mean now.

"Bill, please, just... ju--" Reggie was just making it worse for himself at this point.

"Sounds like you're about to give me an excuse when I asked for an explanation."

"We'll get it done, just give us some more time, we jus--" Reggie pleaded to Bill.

"Time's up, Reggie. You had a task and you didn't get it done. Looks to me like you failed."

Clementine noticed Sarah shaking terribly, furrowing her eyebrows.

'Pitiful.'

"We talked about this, Reggie. Didn't we? But you just don't get it, do you?" Bill looked ready to explode.

"Get what? I... I..."

"Why don't you wait outside, Sarah? Reggie and I have a few things to talk about." Sarah didn't move, Bill looked at Clementine and she already knew what he wanted. Clementine dragged the older girl outside, and reentered the greenhouse.

"Well, that's where you're wrong. I shouldn't have to hit people. But I do know plenty of people who need to be hit. You know should know I don't like havin' to resort to violence. I'm not a patient man. I try to be, but there ain't room for weakness when you got so many lives in your hands." Clementine missed something Reggie had said.

"Ma--maybe you could l--let me go out on explorations?" Reggie was begging for his life right now, Clementine crossed her arms. The man only had to help Sarah for a few minutes and this wouldn't be happening.

Reggie tried looking at her, hoping the girl could help him somehow.

Bill pushed a finger into Reggie's chest, "Hey, don't look at her, look at me. Exploring is for those who fall in line. I got no use for the other ones."

"I--I c--an work longer?" Reggie was trying everything at this point. She turned towards Bill, wanting to see how he'd take care of the situation. She froze when she saw the man's face, she could tell that the man had snapped.

"No." Bill grabbed Reggie, throwing the man at the door and pushing him through it. Clementine could only watch as the scene unfolded, unable to bring herself to help the cowardly man.

"I gave you plenty of chances!" Bill advanced on Reggie who tried miserably to back away. Clementine following after him.

"No, no, no, no, please, Bill! No, no! No, no, please!"

Bill grabbed Reggie and pushed him over the roof. Clementine watched as the man screamed, flailing on the way to the ground. A crunching and splattering noise came out. Blood and brains spilled all over the sidewalk he landed on. She stared for a few seconds, she then looked towards Sarah. The older girl looked ready to shut down entirely, any form of shock she may have felt at the brutal killing suddenly disappeared. Finding that it was replaced by anger instead that was directed towards the group she met in the cabin. This girl needed to see stuff like this, know what the world was like soon, or she'll be subjected to horrors that she'll never survive.

"Weakness, incompetence, it puts us all at risk, and it won't be tolerated." Bill was looking at her when said it, a lesson she assumed.

He then looked to Sarah, "You think about that the next time you're asked to do something."

Bill placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder, and said something to her quietly. The teenager walking off, and down the stairs right after.

"We're goin' to head towards the infirmary, check on the doctor, then head back to my office." Bill walking away from the scene that just unfolded.

Chased after him, she walked by him, looking at his face trying to read him.

'He's angry, but there's something else in his eyes.' She couldn't figure it out, by the time they nearly reached the Infirmary.

Bill grabbed his radio, "Vera grab the medical inventory records from last night and bring them to the infirmary, it's in my office on my desk."

"Roger that."

"Alright Clementine, I'm gonna have you make sure he isn't stealing anything while he works on my arm. Check the stock of medical supplies and compare them to the inventory from yesterday. After that, we'll go back to the office and I'll have you work on the schedules for tomorrow and next week." She nodded as they both entered.

Carlos jumped up as the door opened, his eyes showing his fear for Bill and absolute loathing for the both of them. Bill sat down on the cot, taking his coat off.

Carlos started removing the previous dressing, removing the roller gauze. The bandage underneath, had a large splotchy red circle where the wound was located. Once Carlos had fully removed the dressing he started cleaning the surrounding area from blood, before grabbing some peroxide and soaking another bandage. He placed the disinfectant soaked bandage on the wound, Bill didn't even so much as react.

Vera walked inside the infirmary and went to hand the inventory sheet to Bill.

"Give it to Clementine." Bill ordered the blonde woman, handing the paper to the girl. The woman shot her a quick glare as she did. Vera didn't like her much, neither did Tyler and Lowell. She assumed they disliked how quickly Bill had taken her under his wing.

Clementine looked at the inventory from yesterday and started comparing things. Everything seemed to be in order as she checked the infirmary's cabinets, drawers, and fridges. They gained some medicine from the ski lodge Kenny's group was staying in, but that was it. She turned to Bill, the man was already finished with getting treated, and gave a thumbs up to let him know everything was good.

"Looks like everything is okay, Carlos. You can lighten up." Bill slapped a hand on the beaten doctor's shoulder.

"From now on though, I need you to start documenting instructions on how to conduct emergency aid. Just in case you're not around or we have too many injured for you to care for."

"Yes, Carver." Carlos said quietly as he looked away from Bill. She felt satisfied at the man being so afraid, finding it ironic how the man looked so stone faced when leaving her to die in a shed.

"Alright Clementine, let's head back to the office." Clementine started following the man, ignoring the rage filled glare of Carlos.

Once they arrived at the office, Clementine sat down on the chair across his desk. Bill had walked towards the window, contemplating something.

"Start working on the schedules." Bill let out, still watching over everything.

Clementine got started, tomorrow the guard schedules would stay working the same shifts they already were, but next week they'd be switching shifts. Anyone working the dayshift would work the nightshift and vice versa. Rebecca was exempt from any exhaustive work so she'd be working in the greenhouse and cooking duty. Carlos would stay in the infirmary, or helping out with organizing new supplies. She made sure Sarah was as far away as possible from Carlos when making hers. Luke, Mike, Kenny, and Walter worked the expansion. She wished that she could give Kenny something easier and jobs that would let her be able to talk to him, but it was a job he was suited for. Mike she noted was about two weeks from being released from the pen. The schedules for everyone else remained mostly unchanged, most changing as needed throughout the day.

She stared at it for a moment, then looking at the man who stood frozen at the office window. She grabbed a sticky note from his desk.

'Why'd you kill Reggie?' She wanted to know the man's reasons completely. Standing up and handing him both the schedule for tomorrow and all of next week. He read the schedules, nodding approval as he looked through it. Once he reached the last page, he saw the sticky note she wrote.

Bill sighed, placing the sheets of paper on his desk and turning to her, "Killing one in order to save many is part of survival. It's one of the tough decisions that a weaker person couldn't make. It's why it falls to people like us to lead them to safety. Do you understand?" Clementine's mind immediately thought about what would've happened if Lee never took Ben in. Images of Duck's sickly body and Katjaa's hopeless face flashed through her head. Clenching her fists at the thought and nodding.

Bill continued on with the monologue, "I wish it was different, I do. But they are weak... and we are strong. That's why it's our responsibility to shepherd the flock... to keep them safe. It's their nature to follow... not to lead." Clementine understood the logic, there were plenty of people here that could never survive on their own, Becca was one of them, but she'd change that.

"Now, do you agree with what I did to Reggie." Clementine took a second to think about it. She was shocked at first, possibly even angry, but people like Reggie, like Ben, would damn this place to failure, the people to death. She nodded in agreement to Bill's question.

Bill smirked, "I told you we were alike. You might not believe this after what just happened earlier, but I liked Reggie. He was a funny guy. He kept things light. You need folks like that... it's easy to let depression sink in during times like this. But he was weak. And I don't mean just 'cause he was maimed, that wasn't his problem. He was weak of will. Weak of character. And we can't have that around here, not anymore. Not with what we got at stake. You have to be able to contribute." Clementine nodded along as she couldn't find it in herself to disagree. Maybe when she'd first come here, before she'd gotten to know the people she would've. She digested the information, her outlook on everything had been changing constantly since Bill started teaching her.

"The next generation has to be stronger than the last to lead us out of this. Kids like you, raised the right way. The way my child'll be raised."

'Child?' Clementine wondered, confused because she'd never seen the man with a woman, let alone a child.

"It ain't this herd that keeps me up at night. We can handle that. It's not knowin' if I got anyone to hand all this off to... but I ain't worried about that anymore." Clementine felt touched that he thought that way, but she still felt lost on what child he meant.

"I need you to be strong, strong enough to make the hard decisions, strong enough to keep this place and the people safe when I'm gone. When that day arrives, do you think you can do that?" Bill was being genuine, he wanted her to take over for him. She'd been afraid of meeting this man for so long, and here he was, pleading for her to keep this place from destruction when he died.

Clementine gave the man a determined look, and nodded.

"Thank you." She smiled at that.

"Before you leave, grab a radio from the stockroom, and I want you to know that Shel will be in the expedition around the county two days from now. Let me know what you need from the armory before then." Clementine smiled and nodded in thanks, before getting up to leave.

She walked past Rebecca on the stairs, "I knew we couldn't fuckin' trust you." The woman kept walking towards Bill's office.

'Guess they didn't find the second note.'

She walked toward the stockrooms, grabbing a radio from the charging station.

She approached the cafeteria, which was just a random shop that they'd converted into one, stopping in her tracks as the radio went off.

"Bill? You there?" Tavia's voice cracked through.

"Yeah? I'm here."

"The loading bay door is jacked. Troy really knocked the shit out of it." Clementine couldn't control her eyebrows furrowing.

"How bad is it?"

"Rails are tweaked so it won't shut all the way. I don't think it's an emergency or anything, but it's somethin' Stan should take a look at when he can."

"I'll get him on it. Out."

'Troy you idiot, did you forget there's a herd on the way.' She inwardly cursed the man's existence.

She continued on her walk to the cafeteria, grabbing a plate of venison steak, boiled potatoes, and some blueberries. She looked around, spotting Becca, Shel, Vince, and Bonnie sitting together.

Walking over to where the group was sitting, all of them taking notice as she approached. "Hey Clem" They greeted as she sat next to Becca. The girl seemed giddy about something. Clementine raised an eyebrow and stared at Shel, the woman just shrugged.

"We finished organizing the supplies they got from the lodge early." Becca had finally let out.

"That's great Becca." Bonnie smiled at the teen.

"Not just great. It's awesome, Bill said I could be there with Clem when she gets her lessons from him tomorrow!" The girl cheered, Clementine smiled at the girl's happiness at being able to take part.

The group ate their food, joking and reminiscing on good days from the past. Clementine couldn't join in the conversation though, as she wasn't carrying something to write on or with, so she stared at Vince who kept shooting glances at Shel every now and then. She kicked the man in the shin softly, the act making the man stare at her. Nudging her head towards Shel, and looking him in the eye. Vince sighed out of embarrassment, then shushed her as if she could speak. She kept staring at him with a raised eyebrow. Vince stared at Shel longingly and then back to Clementine. Mouthing the word 'later' to let her know he'd do it when he was ready. Everyone else was still seemingly distracted in their own conversation. She frowned at the man, and threatened the man by raising an arm to tap Shel's shoulder.

"Okay fine Clementine!" The man relented to the girl's threat to get Shel's attention. Everyone looked at Vince in surprise.

"Umm... Shel... would you maybe..." He glared at Clementine who returned it with crossed arms and a glare of her own.

"Would I maybe what?" The woman in question asked, Becca started snickering at the man's suffering.

"Shit. Would you want to go out with me?" Vince blurted out, finally bringing himself to say it.

"What?" Shel stared at Vince in shock, a blush creeping on her cheeks, at the man's attempt to start a relationship.

Becca burst out laughing, if looks could kill, Becca would probably be dead a million times over from the stare Vince and Shel gave her.

"This is amazing, took one of you long enough!" Becca kept laughing at the two lovesick adults.

The girls statement made the two she had been laughing at, stare at each other. Clementine found herself silently laughing at the situation. Remembering that Becca had told her, two days ago, that Shel had also been crushing on Vince hard.

Bonnie had also joined in on laughing at the two's despair, as the two of them realized that they were both into each other.

The laughter eventually died down as they started rushing to finish their food before suppertime ended. Clementine waving goodbye to the group as curfew was almost in effect, she started walking towards the pen, wanting to see Kenny again, before heading to bed. Passing by Tisha on the way, the woman giving her a small smile and continuing on her way.

"I don't see what's got you four all hung up over it, the man wouldn't be trustworthy at all." She heard Kenny's voice, Clementine slowed down to make less noise and sat beside the gate eavesdropping on the conversation.

"Reggie was our friend, what part of that aren't you gettin'?" Rebecca hissed.

"Your "friend" would've fuckin' told on you shitheads the second you brought it up. Why the hell are y'all so damn scared anyways?"

"'Cause Carver's a fucking monster, and will kill us all the second he gets a chance." Luke angrily replied.

"Maybe you murderers, but we haven't done anything to wrong him. The man seems civil enough to be giving you second chances. So either you are lying to us, or you're trying to underrepresent exactly what you did to leave here in the first place." A man's voice she didn't recognize countered.

"That doesn't matter! He's fucking crazy!" Rebecca cursed.

"Yes it does, that girl he came here with this morning is the closest thing to a family I have left! I couldn't give two shits about your escape plan, I ain't leavin' Clem."

Clementine smiled at Kenny's comment about her being like family to him.

"I'm with Kenny, I ain't leavin' here either. I'm already close to gettin' out of this shit hole." Mike joined the man.

"So be it, stay here if you want, but the herd's the only chance we have to get out of here. If you wish to stay here fine, but we're going." Carlos interjected.

"Good luck with that, that girl already told them how to camouflage against the dead, they'd just chase after you once it passed. If I knew that I'd be stuck in this fucking prison with you assholes for company, I would've beaten her to it." Jane spoke up.

"Camouflage? that's bullshit." Rebecca scoffed at the woman's statement.

"It's true, she's been doing it for two years, according to some of the guards." Mike defended Jane.

"And I've been doing it for a long time as well." Clementine didn't even know that Jane already knew how to camouflage herself.

"Hear that assholes. You ain't gettin' anywhere no matter what." Kenny mocked the group.

The argument seemed to just be going back and forth between those on Kenny's side and those in the cabin group.

"Then take her with you, when we escape." Luke suddenly recommended.

"What?!" Kenny and Rebecca both shouted at the man.

"Carver's just going to groom her to be just like him if she stays here. You heard what Sarah said, she was right there when Reggie was killed. Didn't even try to stop it, just watched it happen."

"What was she supposed to do, she's a little girl?" A woman with an accent, Sarita she assumed, asked.

Clementine got up, having heard enough of the constant arguing, she took a quick look inside to see Kenny before leaving to head to her room. Curfew would be starting in five minutes and she felt tired from the day's events.

She entered her room, and laid down on her bed. Staring at the ceiling as she drifted off.

A/N

Thanks for the second review InfiniteGrandAdvancer, I am currently not planning to do anything romance related between Becca and Clem. I don't have the mind for being able to write anything of the sort. I also just don't really feel comfortable with the age gap as Becca would be 18 by the time Clementine is 13. At least here, Becca's age was never stated in form of dialogue or whatever, it's a number I chose at random as it seemed to fit her temperament. It'd be like a real bad case of High School Senior syndrome if they got together. They're still going to be friends though.

Also I already know about AO3, I do use the website from time to time. I just haven't made an actual account for the site. I'll probably get around to it eventually, but it's not exactly a priority of mine.

Now I wasn't intending on this chapter taking as long as it did for me to drop it. But I got stuck in a situation like the last chapter, except instead I just kept rewriting the last section and the first part of Carver and Clementine's morning. I spent a while trying to figure out when Kenny would find out that everyone thought Clementine had become mute from the trauma of believing she killed in everyone in Savannah. Before ultimately deciding to leave it for later. I just couldn't really find a way to make it flow in that last part in a way that didn't seem rushed or random. I'll figure out a better spot for it eventually.