#moodlit

Bella Goth: We did it, little one! We got away from them! We survived. I didn't want your first view of the world to be so scary and cold. Not sure I'm doing a very good job, considering I birthed you in the middle of the desert, and the sounds of their aircraft are getting closer and closer, and I'm fairly certain that I'm losing consciousness due to dehydration, and they're going to find me soon. Shh-shh-shh, don't cry, my love. Everything's going to be okay. Ha, I know, it seems a little unbelievable considering our circumstances, but life has a funny way of working itself out. Before they find me, I just want to say; I don't know what they're going to do to me when they find me, or if we'll ever see each other again. I don't know who will raise you, who you'll become, or even what you are. Just like you, life is beautiful and mysterious and full of unknowns.

I know, I know, they're getting louder, and they're scary. Sounds like we don't have much time left together, sweet girl. How about I use this time to tell you some other things I do know? I know that you're going to need sustenance very soon. I know that you'll be alone for a little while, and that will be distressing. But I know that you are powerful and mighty and you're going to cry with all of your might, then someone will find you and take you in. You're going to carry that strength into adulthood and never back down when life tries to get the best of you. You'll find love, like I did with Mortimer. And if you decide that someday you want to have children of your own, you'll have so much love to pass on to them, just like I did with my Cassandra and Alexander, and of course, you.

Oh! And I think I know what I'll call you, too.

Clementine stunned Salem with three slow and sensual kisses before hastily pulling away from the last. Clementine wasn't sure why she did it, and neither was Salem. But it happened, and Salem welcomed it without hesitation.

Clementine: Oh my god, I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking, I-

Salem wasn't going to let this moment be ruined with more fumbled words or awkward silences. She held Clementine's face in her hands and kissed her hard. Since reuniting with Clementine, every interaction she's had with her had to be delicate and careful, but that all blew away with the wind when she finally tasted Clementine's beautiful sweet lips again.

Bella: I think it's time to say goodbye, my sweet daughter. Not through blood, but most assuredly through the bond we'll forever share. May you never have to endure another parting as sorrowful as this.

Goodbye, little Belladonna Cassandra Goth. I love you.

[*Disclaimer: This conversation is a little heated, and may be delicate to some readers and should be read with care ♥] Cassidy: Oh you didn't notice? Funny, I had a little chat with Dave on the way in. He mentioned that Clementine and her friend were helping out in the garden. Inside the gates. He said they were chatting with you for quite a while. He asked if her friend was a new member or something. Luca: Huh? No... That wasn't today. Had to be a different day, maybe Dave is confused.

Cassidy: No, he seemed to have his head on pretty straight today. Just like every other day. Luca: [Confused expression] I don't recall- Oh wait, yeah! Now that you mention it, I think I did speak with her, very briefly. I must've forgot because it was such a short-

Cassidy: Okay, Luca, just cut the crap! It's so obvious you're lying to me. Straight up lying to my face. Luca: Lying? Cassidy, I'm not lying, I just got confused. I told you I had a long day. I have a lot to deal with right now. Cassidy: Do you think I'm that stupid, Luca? You're so full of-

Luca: So I'm assuming you've already given your friend the grand tour...

Salem cackled at Luca for emphasizing "friend". She bit her tongue. She didn't want him to think he was clever. Clementine: I haven't shown her everything. She's not quite interested yet. Salem: [Sarcastically] It's weird, I've just never been interested in cults, not sure why.

Luca: It's not a cult. It's a movement. Salem: HA! Right.

Clementine: It's okay, Luca. Just give her time to come around okay? Luca: Right. Knowing your place is only the first step. And speaking of knowing your place... I have something I need to tell you about the organization, Clementine, but unfortunately it's confidential. [Cocks head in Salem's direction]

Clementine: Well then it can wait. I'm hanging out with Salem right now- Salem: No don't mind me. I'll just wander around for a bit. Clementine: Wait, are you sure? Salem: Yeah sure. This should be good. Salem chuckled and walked away, in pursuit of something that wasn't nailed down and could be easily concealed.

Clementine: [Gasps] Sa-lem! This looks amazing! You're such a great artist.

Salem: Meh, you're just kissing my ass. I'm better with a paintbrush anyway. [Shrugs]

Clementine: SoOo sAsSy! Just take the damn compliment. Hahaha- Hey! I think I recognize that thing you're drawing...

Salem: ...It's a windmill. Clementine: I know that, I'm not stupid. Salem: [Smiles] Clementine: Really though, I do! And that barn. That was in our old neighborhood, right? In Appaloosa Plains. Over by your house.

Salem: Yep. It was our barn. Clementine: Shut up, Really? [Gasps loudly, then frowns slightly] I remember that barn. Yellow rejected me and shattered my heart into pieces in that barn. Damn, that sucked.

Salem: Ha. Yep. Clementine: Oh, speaking of Yellow... Can I tell you a secret?

Clementine: Why won't you tell me your Grandma's name? Salem: Huh? Clementine: I've guessed every name imaginable and you've shot every one of them down. It's been months Salem! Salem: Why do you care so much? Clementine: Because, Salem! There has to be a reason you're not telling me.

Salem softly chuckled and then shrugged. Salem: I don't know. Maybe it's just fun making you guess.

Salem: [Shrugs] I can just tell by looking at his ugly face.

Clementine: [Laughter] You are so mean to him! Salem: He's just an awful person, Clem. I wish you'd see that. Clementine: Well he has some issues. But there's a lot more to him than that. I mean I have issues too, ya know? I'm in a relationship with a married man, years later I still have a crush on your brother, who's also happily married with kids by the way, and who's rejected me countless times. [Sigh] I'm just a mess. Salem: Yeah. The whole feelings for Yellow thing... that's gonna be a problem. What's the deal with that anyway?

Clementine: Ugh I don't know. He's just so compassionate and respectful and honestly it's so hard not to fall for him. As far back as I can remember, I've just always felt such a connection with the Darlings you know? Like when I'm with you guys I just feel like I'm home... but don't worry, okay? I'm not actually gonna do anything about it. I love Donna and the kids so much, I would never do anything to ruin their family. Honestly! I mean that. Salem: No, I know you do. But my brother is nice to everyone. You need to raise your standards. Clementine: Okay enough about my miserable love life! What about yours? How come you never bring home any girls? Let's talk about that.