virago|c.g.|

v

Clary peeled away from the sight, feeling her chest tighten as she thought of all she had lost. She knew this community wasn't like Solaris. Solaris was where warriors were trained. It was where you had to fight or you died. It was a place where kids didn't chase dogs but rather where they grew up before joining the Guard. It was not built with white picket fence type homes and asphalt but rather log cabins and dirt paths. "Clarissa?" Upon hearing her name, Clarissa turned, facing the door as she saw that Carl had entered the room, his blue eyes looking at her in worry. She noticed a pile of clothes and a pair of boots in his arms, but he placed them on the bed before approaching her. She stepped away, holding her hand out as the boy watched her. "Don't—" Carl shook his head. "You shouldn't be up. You need to be careful—" His voice faded as he approached, his whole face merging into the one she had been terrified even when she didn't realize it.

"You're supposed to be resting! You said you were sick, or are you a liar? Did you lie to me?" the boy questioned, causing Clary to frantically shake her head. "No! I wouldn't, but Leon and your father needed my—" A hand collided with her cheek and she pulled away, bringing her hand to the sensitive skin as she faced the blond haired boy. His gray eyes held nothing but coldness."You better not be. I told you I loved you but I will not allow you to lie to me. Understood?" Clary allowed her eyes to meet that of the boys before she nodded. "Yes." She wanted to push him away as he forced his lips on hers, cradling the cheek he had just marked in pain. He pulled away, looking at the girl in what she could only assume was fake love. "Good."

"Clarissa? Are you okay?" Clarissa realized she was against the wall, having backed away from Carl where he still remained where he had been. She blinked her eyes, realizing she wasn't with him. But her fear still took over as she clenched her jaw, trying to control her breathing. "Just— just go." Carl's eyes widened as he nodded, backing away. "Yeah, of course I— I'm sorry. Um, Maggie's waiting for you outside to take you to Deanna's for the interview." She nodded softly as he looked at her once more before turning on his heel and walking out, gently shutting the door. Clary stayed in her position for a few moments, trying to get herself to calm down from the encounter. Soon, anger overtook her panic, causing her to clench her fists, her nails digging into her palms.

Clary hated how weak she felt, not only having to be taken care of by strangers but at the fact that she couldn't even face a boy her age because of what he had done to her. In an effort to control her fury, she took deep breaths before making her way to the pile of clothing Carl had brought. There was a simple deep green long sleeve and jeans, brown boots tossed besides them. She noticed how clean they were, knowing full well that this community was well off. Then there was the deeper thought that they would be better off when she left, no longer a stain on their perfect little life.

She changed as quickly as her wounds would allow her, finishing up quickly before heading out the door of the room. As she went down the small hall, she looked around to see the infirmary empty. With no second thought, she made her way out of what she believed to be the main door and saw Maggie just as Carl had mentioned. The woman looked towards the younger girl, a kind smile on her face. "Are you ready?" Maggie questioned, to which Clary nodded before following the woman, their feet hitting the asphalt in slow rhythm. She couldn't help but think of a way to get out of here, knowing full well the longer she was here, the more danger she placed on not only herself but this community. The community, which she had yet to learn the name of, with their perfect and happy families and dream life, they'd be torn apart.

It didn't take long for Clary and Maggie to approach a large house, Maggie opening the door before beckoning Clary in. The girl walked in, followed by Maggie, her eyes looking at all of the faces in the room. As Deanna's eyes met the girl, the woman smiled. "Clarissa, I'm glad you could make it." Clarissa only nodded at Deanna's words from where she sat at a couch, Maggie leading Clarissa towards an arm chair right in front of the older woman. As Maggie moved away, the young girl stayed standing, looking to the eyes of each and every person. She recognized Rick, Michonne and Daryl, surprised it was only them and not others within the community closer to Deanna. "Please, Clarissa, sit. We have much to talk about." Clarissa clenched her jaw, not wanting to comply to the orders of the woman. However, she knew she would have to in order to gain some form of trust that would allow her to slip away. So she listened, Clarissa sitting in the armchair in front of Deanna as the older woman prepared a notepad before sitting across form the young girl. She clicked a button on a camera she had facing Clarissa before speaking. "I am Deanna Monroe. Can you please state your full name for the tape?"