Clem's POV

Boozman is a really good story teller and that's not an exaggeration. It only took him like 6 minutes until I passed out. It also had something to do with the traveling, but Boozman just speeded up the process really quickly. I'm still asleep until I feel something press against my stomach harshly. I wake up to see Troy staring at me with a little annoyed look. Annoyed that he kicked me I talk back to him.

Clementine: Don't kick me!

He looks a little more annoyed, but I don't budge as I retaliate again.

Clementine: It's rude.

*Troy MIGHT remember that*

Then I hear Boozman behind me.

Boozman: So I suggest if you wanna keep all of your teeth along with your dignity you don't do that again.

Troy: I'd like to see you try drifter. *Looks at me* Get up. Bill is gonna have a word.

He points his gun at me aggravating Boozman, but he keeps his cool while I get up and walk over to the rest with Carver just now entering the yard.

Carver: 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.

Carver: Reggie, you're nearly back in. Keep following the path, and we'll welcome you back with open arms.

Sarah: How'd you sleep?

Carver: *Glares at Sarah* I'll let Reggie be an example to you all. Salvation is available, but it must be earned.

Sarah: I was so tired. I didn't even realize it.

Clementine: Pay attention. Wel talk later ok.

Sarah: Ok, sounds good. I was just glad I was able to finally-

Carver: CARLOS!

Me and Sarah jump a little at Carver's raised voiced toward Carlos.

Carlos: Yes?

Carver: Your child seems to be in need of correction.

Carlos: I'm sorry, Sarah. Apologize to Mr.Carver.

Sarah: *Looks down* Sor-Sorry sir.

Carver: No, no. That ain't gonna cut it. I can't have this on day one of your reform. You discipline her now Carlos.

Carlos: How do you propose that I-

Carver: One GOOD smack across the mouth should do it. It'll make her think twice before opening it up again. Go on well wait.

Carlos: *Slowly raises his hand* I'm not sure that with my hand that I-

Carver: Well that's why you have two hands Carlos. Come oooooon. And not some namby pamby thing alright. A good hard SMACK. *Fake slaps* Otherwise Troy here will do it for you. I know you don't want that. He can be.... overzealous. *Looks back at Troy* Is that the word?

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

Carver: Come on. Just get it over with.

Clementine: It's my fault-

Troy: HEY! No one is fucking talking to you.

Carver puts his hand up to calm him down.

Carver: If you want another one of those from yesterday I'd pipe down missy.

Boozman: What the fuck did he just say!?

Kenny: He did what to Clem yesterday!? HIS BRAINS WILL BE MUSH WHEN IM DONE WITH HIM!!!

* Remember words like this means it's in their head so it saves me time from switching from one POV to 3rd so this way its kinda like it's always 3rd POV, but not really*

Carver then looks at Carlos nodding his head telling him to do it or Tory will. Carlos turns his head to Sarah as I back away next to Boozman.

Sarah: I'm sorry dad. I'm sorry.

Carlos: It's ok sweetie. It's only going to sting for a second.

Sarah closes her eyes accepting what's coming. Carlos also his eyes, but has a pained and sorrowful look on his face.

Carver: Do it.

Without another second Carlos swiftly smacks Sarah across the face as the slap echoed a little. Sarah sits there with a red mark on her face with Carlos looking more sorrowful. The baby dad in him tries to help her.

Carlos: I'm sorry Sarah-

Carver: STOP! Your not coddling that girl anymore. Let her sit there and think about what she's done. Troy get Carlos to his post. It's time to get to work!

Troy walks over to Carlos, but looks down at Sarah before saying something about it.

Troy: Goddamn. You really knocked the shit out of her doc-

Carver: Everyone get to work!

A woman in a coat walks up to me and Boozman.

???: Little girl come with me. Your working in the armory.

Boozman: And what about me?

???: Somebody else will come to get you something to do. Come on girl.

I look and Boozman and give him a small hug.

Clementine: Don't worry Boozer. I'll be fine.

Boozman: I sure hope so. If I find one scratch on you-

Clementine: Your going to behave right?

Boozman: ....

Clementine: RIGHT!?

Boozman: Yes ma'am

Clementine: Good boy.

I follow the woman to the Armory but not before seeing soil fall to the ground in front of me.

???: Soil coming up!

???: Goddamn this thing!

???: *Sighs* Shit.

???: Clementine!

I run to catch up with the woman. I follow her until I hear some people to the side.

???: Who's this?

???: She's with the new people. She was with Carlos and Sarah and-

???: Ughhh Sarah. I wish she'd stay gone.

???: She's had a hard time Becca.

Becca: So have we Shel. We aren't sitting on the ground like babies.

Clementine: Do you have to sleep on a concrete floor with a hardwood bed outside? No I didn't think so, and you sure complain a lot for someone who doesen't see themselves as a baby.

I continue to walk away since the woman would not be pleased if I make her wait.

Becca: What did you just say you little-

Shel: Becca just let it go. You had it coming anyway.

Becca: SHEL! Your really taking her side over mine!?

Shel: She isin't wrong. You have been acting totally differently ever since we first got here. So yes I am.

Shel walks away pissed leaving her pissed off sister.

Becca: You'll regret those words you little shit.

We make it to the Armory as I walk in to see Bonnie.

Bonnie: Hey! So I guess your starting your day with me.

She motions to a chair that's next to her as I sit on it.

Bonnie: Where loading magazines.

She shows me how to put the bullets in the mag and I follow along getting the hang of it pretty quickly.

Bonnie: That's it, you got it.

We continue working as Bonnie wanted to make conversation.

Bonnie: I suppose I owe you an apology... I wasn't truthful when I came across y'all at the lodge, and I was shown a kindness I never would've expected from a group of strangers. But now folks are dead, and I can't help but feel I'm to blame. But the plan was for no one to get hurt. I truly believe that was the intent. At least, it was mine, goin' into it.

Clementine: Well you did lead them to us.

Bonnie: And what was I supposed to do? Say no to Carver of all people?

Clementine: You could have just warned us.

Bonnie: ...

Clementine: I rest my case.

Bonnie: I didn't want any death to happen-

Clementine: And you really thought Carver of all people would be peaceful? It's not exactly pleasant to have a group of people chase you down and force you to their camp. Yea my friend Kenny could have just given up, but not everyone thinks like that. Hell always be a fighter and what would you do if you where on the other end of that situation?

Bonnie: I-I. I-

Clementine: I will also admit it was a bad situation that got worse so everyone is to blame, but you allowed it to happen.

Bonnie: Clem. Just, I apologize. Which doesen't account for much, but it's all I can give right now. So, how was your first night in the yard? I know it's not exactly comfortable, but it's safe.

Clementine: I was hungry.

Bonnie: They didn't feed you? Bill said you'd eat every night.7

Clementine: I haven't eaten since yesterday.

Bonnie: I don't have anything. I'm so sorry. I was supposed to go... when Luke and Carlos and all them left. I was plannin' on leavin' too. When Luke approached me about it, I-- I thought he was crazy. I mean, we're safe here. We got power. We got food. And Bill, he... he wasn't always like this.

Clementine: They never mentioned you.

Bonnie: No? No-Not even Luke?

I just shake my head saying no.

Bonnie: Well, I'm-- that's to be expected, ain't it? You don't know me, do ya? What're they gonna say? "Bonnie ain't here"? You wouldn't know what he was talkin' about.

Clementine: I guess that could be it.

Bonnie: I justified not goin' by tellin' myself it's easier to try an' change somethin' that's broken than start all over. Take this situation with the herd... that's the type of thing that rips a community apart. He keeps things in line... he's got a lot of this stuff figured out. I don't know... I guess I just wanted to be somewhere comfortable for a while.

Clementine: Nobody's safe here with Carver around.

Bonnie: You're safe if you stay on his good side.

Clementine: I would if I knew where it was.

Bonnie: I mean, it ain't easy keepin' a group this big fed and protected. I don't envy that position. Figure that'd make anyone a little stressed. I'm not defendin' what he did. That was... I'm alive because of him. That's just a fact. And there's somethin' to that.

Clementine: He killed Walter!

Bonnie: Only to protect his own people. Kenny could've killed us all.

Clementine: But he didn't.

Bonnie: Bill overreacted. He was in the heat of the moment and he overreacted.

Clementine: Well it sounds like you really respect him. And will say anything to make him sound like who he's not.

Bonnie: It's not that... I just have sympathy for the man...even though sometimes it's hard for him to do the same.

Bonnie: Luke had ideas about how things should go, but they didn't line up with what Bill was thinkin'...they butted heads, then Rebecca started showin', and that only made things worse. Maybe Luke was right about him... I wish he was around, but... I just hope he's safe.

The radio on the table crackles.

???: *Over radio* Hey, Bonnie, is that girl down there? I need to come get her.

Bonnie picks up the radio.

Bonnie: *Over radio* Yeah Tavia, she's here.

Tavia: *Over radio* Okay, I'll be right over.

Bonnie: I'm sure it's fine. Oh, almost forgot. I grabbed this for ya.

Bonnie gets up and retrieves a puffy blue jacket, which she then hands it to me. I then try it on.

Bonnie: Huh? 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.

I just shrug not knowing what to say about it.

Bonnie: You better watch yourself. I think some folks might be jealous of that cool jacket of yours.

Tavia enters.

Tavia: Oh, there you are. What's with the ugly jacket?

Bonnie: Tavia.

Tavia: What?

Bonnie: Never mind. I'll see you later, Clementine.

Tavia: Come on.

Tavia leads me to the roof.

Tavia: Follow me, come on.

Tavia takes me into what looks like a greenhouse.

Tavia: Stay in here for a minute, I'm gonna radio down and find out what you're doing. Don't touch anything.

Tavia leaves and closes the door. That's when I notice Sarah huddled in the corner in tears.

Clementine: Hey...

She says nothing as I walk up to her

Clementine: Are you okay? I know it's... it's gotta be hard.

She doesn't say anything.

Clementine: But you have to be tough, Sarah. Everything is harder now, but... you have to be tough to survive.

She still doesn't say anything. Time for drastic measures.

Clementine: You... want a hug? Okay... well, I owe you one for later, then. You might not know it's coming, though, but... I could just sneak up on you when you're not expecting it.

Finally Sarah looks at me as she speaks with tears still in her eyes. I also notice the redness on her face is still visible.

Sarah: My dad's never hit me before. Even when I was really bad. He never hit me.

Clementine: Troy would've been way worse. Your dad had to do it... Carver made him. So, in a weird way, Carver's the one that hit you... not your dad. He didn't want to do it, Sarah. Carver made him. He's the bad guy, not your dad.

Sarah: I guess so... Well, then Carver hit me super hard, 'cause it still hurts like crazy.

Clementine: Yeah. It looked like it.

Sarah: Thanks... for trying to help.

Sarah: I don't know why people have to be so mean... Like, even when I'm really mad, I still don't want to hurt anyone...

Tavia brings Reggie and Boozman into the greenhouse. Tavia then looks at Reggie.

Tavia: Don't mess this up.

Reggie: Yeah, I get it.

Tavia: Reggie's in charge here, okay? Listen to him carefully.

Reggie: Yep. No problem, Tavia.

Tavia leaves and closes the door.

Reggie: Okay, we gotta do a good job, guys. The camp is counting on us. Come on, I'll show you what to do. It's super easy.

The group goes over to one of the tables of plants.

Reggie: Pick up a pair of those shears.

They pick up the shears.

Reggie: Okay, so we're picking these berries, right? Just pick them, put them in the basket. Simple. While you're at it, if you see any dead branches, take those shears and cut them off, and stack them neatly for composting. Got it?

Me and Boozman nod our heads and goes to the other table with Boozman on the other side. Reggie approaches me.

Reggie: Hey, so... is she gonna be okay? 'Cause what happened down there, that was straight fucked up. I don't want her freaking out and getting me in trouble.

Clementine: I talked to her. I think she's okay.

Reggie: Good... good. 'Cause I'm awful at that stuff.

Clementine: I'll take care of her. You don't have to worry.

Reggie: Well I really appreciate that. Cause I need to concentrate on my work. Well I'm gonna go work now.

Reggie walks away to do his own work as me and Boozman start our own.

Boozman: You doing alright Clementine? What'd they have you do in the Armory.

Clementine: I'm fine Boozer and I only just loaded magazines.

Boozman: 11 years old and already loading their first mag. They grow up so fast.

Clementine: *Turns her head to Sarah* Not all of them.

Boozman looks at Sarah with me then he sighs.

Boozman: *Sighs* Yea, unfortunately. She's gonna mess this up for us if we don't help her.

Clementine: I got it Boozman.

Boozman: But if your work isint finished Carver might-

Clementine: I'll be fine Boozer. I've had my fair share of punishment and pain.

I walk over to Sarah to help her out.

Boozman: Clem.

Boozman: I won't that fucker lay another finger on you if I have anything to say about it.

*Timeskip*

I've been helping Sarah as she's finally catching up on how to do it. I see her use the sheers on a dead branch and picked a couple berries and put them in the basket.

Clementine: This isin't that hard Sarah.

Sarah: I know, I'm just worried I'll make a mismistake.

Clementine: It won't be the end of the world if you do. Just keep going.

We all see Carver approaching the door of the greenhouse.

Reggie: Oh, shit.

Sarah: Oh, no.

Reggie walks up to us and he sees my work all done, Sarah's is almost done, but Boozman's work is only halfway done.

Reggie: Boozman, how are you only halfway finished!?

Boozman: Hey you zip your pie hole before I stuff these plants in it. If he has a problem he'll tell me to my face.

Sarah gasps as we see the door open and Carver walks in.

Carver: Just checking in... see how the new recruits are doing.

He sees my work complete, with Sarah's almost finished and Boozman still doing his half-done work.

Carver: When I walk in you give me your attention.

Boozman ignores him and continues to work.

Carver: You got sand in your ears boy?

Carver walks up to him while saying this and stops right next to him, but Boozman still pays him no mind and continues to work.

Carver: I asked you a question boy? Better yet, why is your work only half-done.

Boozman: Because I wasent doing only my work.

Carver: What was that?

Boozman: I did all of Clem's work before mine while she helped Sarah.

Carver: So you did two whole sets of plants by yourself and you got that much done?

Carver laughs as he puts his hand on his shoulder.

Carver: See Reggie. You could learn a thing or two from this guy. I mean you both done have two arms anymore, or I guess hands since he still has some of his arm.

Reggie: Yea.

Carver: Well since you actually managed to get more done then I expected your all off greenhouse duty early and move on to your next task. Get that done and your free for the rest of the day. Now move it along.

We all leave the greenhouse to do our next task. Me and Boozman's task is in the same area so where both walking up to Bonnie who's putting nails in a orange bucket.

Bonnie: Oh, hey. So, they want you to run some supplies out to the guys workin' at the expansion. Real simple. Just take this over to 'em. *Hands the bucket to Clem* That jacket looks real nice. I don't know what Tavia's talkin' about.

Boozman: So your the one that gave her the ugly jacket?

I hit him on his side.

Clementine: Boozer!

Boozman: What?

Bonnie: Anyway, as for you drifter your gonna be helping the other guys in the expansion.

Boozman: Yes ma'am.

Bonnie opens the door for us.

Bonnie: Hey, Troy! Clem's just gonna take them boys some nails and the drifter is gonna help the boys in there.

Troy: Alright.

Bonnie: Go on.

Bonnie goes inside.

Troy: Just follow them cable's to the boys.

Boozman: Let's go Clem.

Clementine: Yea.

We start walking along the wooden fence to the expansion. I hear some walkers on the other side slamming against the wooden wall.

Clementine: You didn't have to do what you did back in the greenhouse. I told you I'd be fine.

Boozman: I wasent gonna let him put another finger on you. If he does he's a deadman on sight.

Clementine: Well thanks anyway Boozer.

Boozman: Anything to keep you safe from harm.

Clementine: I feel like a princess.

Boozman: So who am I?

Clementine: The dad who spoils me rotten of course.

Boozman looked a little shaken up after that sentence.

Clementine: You alright Boozer?

Boozman: Yea, yea, I'm alright Clem. Just got a little dizzy for a second there.

Clementine: When was the last time you ate?

Boozman: Yesterday?

Clementine: Oh Boozer. Hopefully we'll finally get to eat something after this.

Boozman: Yea. I'm praying.

We reach the expansion as Boozer opens the door for me.

Boozman: After you malady.

Clementine: Such a gentleman.

We enter the expansion but see Kenny push Mike against the window.

Kenny: I ain't nobody's laborer! Fuck that! Let'em do this shit themselves if it's so goddamn important.

He had him hold up against the window with his left arm over his neck, I drop the bucket as me and Boozer run up to them.

Boozman: Kenny! Cut it out man or your gonna get us killed!

Mike: You better listen to your drifter friend here man! And get your fucking hands off me!

Kenny: You ain't gonna force me to do this bullshit!

Mike: I'm trying to help you asshole!

Kenny: Oh, YOU wanna help? Why don't you just think of yourself for once?

Clementine: Kenny, do you want Carver to bring Sarita into this?

Kenny: But he!

Clementine: Kenny.

I glare at him causing him to finally give in and release Mike, however the wood that was covering the window falls allowing the walkers to break the glass and enter the building.

Mike: Shit!

Kenny: Fuck! Grab something!

Kenny picks up and knife and Mike runs to find a weapon. I pick up a wooden plank with Boozer in front of me.

Boozman: Just stay behind me. I'll protect you.

I don't know why, but hearing that again makes me shake and quiver mixed with a scared feeling. The last person to say that well...

Boozman: Clem! Clem! Listen to me! Well get through this! Stay focused!

He's right. I have to stay focused on what's in front of me. Lee would also want me to.

A couple walkers walk up to us, but Boozer uses his speed and his metal arm to hit the walker behind it's knee causing it to kneel in front of my allowing me to whale on it while Boozer takes care of the other one.

Boozer: See? Nothing to-ooofffff!

I quickly hug him tightly relieved that neither of us got bit, but it was short lived as Troy walks in AK in hand and he does not look pleased.

Troy: What the fuck happened in here!? Why is that window broken with a half dozen walkers in here!?

He then glares at me and Boozer with a lot of furry in his eyes.

Troy: You two enough mushy shit! Get back in there! I'm sure they got shit for you to do in there. NOW! Think I'm fucking around!? I can't believe I have babysit you assholes! Can't do a simple fucking patch job without me here cracking the whip?

I walk out and head back to the main building, but while I'm walking I get grabbed and dragged into a comic store outta nowhere hand over my mouth, so out of reaction I start to bite the hand, come to find out its-

???: Ahhhh-haaaaaaaaa Hey! It's me!

Clementine: Luke!?

Luke: Yes! Ah man! Bit the hell outta me. Think you drew blood. I come all this way. And this is the thanks I get.

Out of joy I hug him as he hugs me back.

Clementine: I was worried. We all where.

Luke: *Smiles* Aw, it's good to see you too, kid.

Luke: Alright, listen, we ain't got much time, okay? I followed y'all here best I could. Haven't had a night's rest since y'all got nabbed and... well, this is the first chance I got to talk to somebody. They're everywhere, okay? They got guards. Watchin' everything. Shh.

Footsteps are heard outside the store.

Luke: There's a herd'a lurkers just south of us. It's bigger than I ever seen around these parts.

Clementine: Carver mentioned that. Said he hopes it passes us.

Luke: Yeah, I heard folks talkin' about that, but that ain't so, okay? It's gonna hit this place, I know it is... I don't know when, but it's comin' and it's gonna be soon. See, I've been lookin' for places to... to get y'all free... but haven't been able to find anything yet. They plugged up all the holes we used when we got out.

Clementine: When do you think the herd will be here?

Luke: I don't know... it's hard to say, really, but I-- I reckon it'll wash over this place when it does. See, Carver? Oh, he ain't dealt with anything like this before.

Clementine: I have to go. Troy will be looking for me.

Luke: Uhh, what?

Clementine: Troy... he's expecting me back.

Luke: Oh. Oh, yeah... right, right. Okay. Just... just one second.

While he thinks I get this random warm feeling all over my body.

Clem: Whoa.

Luke: You alright?

Clem: Yea... just got a warm feeling all of a sudden.

Luke: ...... Oooooookaayy.

Clem: Shut up.

Luke: What did I-

Clem: Shut it.

Luke: Alright, alright, sorry. My head, y'know, is just spinnin'. Could... could use a couple hours of sleep here. We just... we just need a plan, y'know, a way to get you and... and everyone...

I heard more footsteps outside frightening me even more.

Clementine: Luke...

Luke: Oh, sorry, sorry. Shit, okay. Troy ain't gonna like you bein' late. Listen, Clem, I need you to meet me here tomorrow, about this time, 'cause I-- I need you to get me one of those radios, okay? Do you think you can do that? Just-- just one of those walkie-talkies. I just need to be able to tell y'all what's goin' on with them guards... you know, I'll figure out the schedule their patrols are on. I mean, they're-- they're all over the place, but I can keep an eye on 'em for y'all from out here. Look, we ain't gonna be able to shoot our way outta here, so we gotta be careful. W-- we just gotta be smart, 'kay? We gotta plan. That radio is crucial to that.

Clementine: O--okay. I--I'll get you one.

Luke: Thanks, Clem. I'm so glad I can count on you

Luke: Remember, you meet me here tomorrow. I'll try and be here around this time. But if I ain't, just wait as long as you can, 'cause I really need one of those radios. Just let everybody know I'm alright, okay? I'm worried they, uh--

Troy: Clementine! Get out where I can see ya!

Luke: Go on! Get outta here.

Clementine leaves the store.

Troy: The hell were you doing? Huh?

Clementine: I was looking at comics... there's a whole store full of them.

Troy: Yeah? No shit. You best not dawdle, girlie. Pull somethin' like that again and you'll be meetin' the back of my hand.

Troy: Bill radioed. Wants a word with you up in his office. So get on up there, now.

I run back inside the main buiding and headed straight to Carver's office not wanting to make him wait.

Where back at it again. I've been doing a lot and I mean A LOT of writing for the future chapters. This one was already finished when I came back, but next 3 or 4 have already been made and ready to publish when I feel it's time. I tried with the every Sunday thing and it just puts more pressure on me, so at least this way it don't feel rushed. Anyway I hope you enjoyed and I hope my return will make this story really POP! This is Birchwoodpython signing off. Peace out my homies.