Broken

• Chapter 137 •

- CLEMENTINE -

The rest of the week passes in a hazy blur. I spent my weekend with Ashton as well, but even I have to admit at this point, he's doing well. His bruises are fading, his wounds are stitched and healing, he can drive again, and he doesn't really need me anymore. It was kind of sad to leave, but I'm also happy to be going back to my house. I'm sure Ashton needs his space, too. He's supposed to show up to school today.

"Morning," I tell dad.

He barely acknowledges my presence, it seems like his mind is elsewhere. He gives me a passive nod and goes back to burning his bacon.

"Is everything okay?"

He shakes his head, "Yep, fine."

I sigh as my gut wrenches, "It's you and mom, isn't it?"

He doesn't say anything, but his eyebags, stubble and distraught look agree with my conclusion. They're falling apart.

"I'm trying... It's just not working yet," he breathes.

My heart hammers against my ribcage, what the hell is wrong with mom? Why is she treating him so coldly? He's so hurt that it makes me want to cry. "I'm just waiting for the trip. We seriously need it," he mumbles.

"What're you gonna do until then?"

He smiles sadly, "I don't know. Anyway, that's not your concern, sweetie. I don't want you to worry about it. How's school? Did you send in your application to Columbia?"

I nod, "Yeah... Before break..."

He cocks his eyebrow, "What's bugging you?"

I scoff, "Oh I don't know, maybe the fact that it's an ivy league school and I probably won't get in, and I don't have any backup or other schools I want to go to."

Dad grins in amusement, "Minty... You take AP classes, and you're on the honor roll. You've got a 5.0 GPA, which is the absolute highest you can possibly get. You've done countless community service and extracurricular back in New York. Plus, you're a Charmant. You'll get in."

I groan, "I used a fake name."

His eyebrows knit together, "Huh?"

I shrug, "I just... I want to get in because I deserve it, not because of my name. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be part of this family, it's just... It's a me thing. I want to do this for myself."

He nods understandingly, "What name did you use?"

I grin, "Same one you gave me for this school. Clementine Noodlemort."

He cackles, "I would admit you just for your goddamn name. Ah, I'm a genius." I roll my eyes at him.

His smirk softens into a warm smile, "Minty... You'll get in, regardless of your name. You're the brightest kid out there, and to hell with them if they don't accept you. It's their loss. You're a blessing to anyone's life," he plants a kiss on my forehead.

I smile heartfully, "Thank you..."

___________________

- ASHTON -

"Hey," Clementine grins widely when she sees me.

I nod at her, nervous that she would've changed her mind about wanting to be with me now that I look like Freddy Krueger wanted to caress my face. She doesn't seem bothered at all. I relax slightly. She cocks her eyebrow at me when she sees me standing outside of class.

Clementine holds my face in her hands, looking up at me with her adoring eyes before kissing me deeply.

She pulls back and waggles her eyebrows, "You look gorgeous! New highlighter?"

I narrow my eyes to slits, "Ha."

She grins and stifles a laugh. "Lighten up. Come on," she drags me into class, hand locked to mine.

People are staring, but I don't really give a shit. The only person's opinion of me I care about is Clementine's. I look down at her, finding her warm eyes looking at me no differently than they did before the incident. I smile softly before leading us to our seats.

___________________

- CLEMENTINE -

I come home to a suitcase at the door. My eyebrows furrow in confusion, "Mom? Dad?" I call out.

Dad comes rushing out with a pale face, "Hey, Minty..."

"What's the suitcase for?" I point as I set my bag down.

Mom comes out of their room and bites her lip. I examine their glum and tired expressions and automatically know what the suitcase is for.

Dad lets out a shaky breath, "Your mom and I are taking a break."