*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐖𝐎: 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 1/2 ˚୨୧⋆｡
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IT WAS FRIDAY. Clementine was getting all dolled up for her date with Robby, but she realized she messed up her hair with the curling iron. "Fuck!" she exclaimed, feeling frustrated. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she heard a chuckle from behind. She turned her head and saw Tyler laughing his ass off. "Tyler, get out of my room!" she yelled, annoyed. Tyler stuck his tongue out at her like a mischievous toddler. "Ty, you're 17, stop acting like a child," Clementine snapped, rolling her eyes.

As Clementine snapped at Tyler, her aunt Anastasia happened to walk by. She couldn't help but notice the back of Clementine's hair sticking up. With a suppressed laugh and a bitten lip, she approached Clementine and said, "Oh, Clem, let me help you..." Anastasia trailed off, her hand reaching out to fix Clementine's hair. Clementine shrugged, her gaze fixed on her lap. "I look like a fool, Robby's probably gonna make fun of me," she sighed. Anastasia ran her hand through Clementine's hair, gently brushing out the curls and starting over, assuring her that everything would be fine.

Anastasia gave Clementine a playful smack on the shoulder and looked at her reflection in the mirror. "Clem, you're absolutely beautiful, and if Robby can't see that, then he must be blind," she confidently declared. Clementine shrugged, still feeling a bit unsure. The Katz women let out a sigh, determined to boost Clementine's confidence. "Lift your head up, sweetheart. I'm gonna work my magic and redo your hair for you," Anastasia said with a reassuring smile. Clementine obediently lifted her head, and Anastasia skillfully sectioned and curled her hair, making sure it looked absolutely stunning.

As Anastasia skillfully curled Clementine's hair, it struck a chord with Clementine. Memories of her mom flooded her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Being so young, she missed out on cherished moments like celebrating Mother's Day, getting ready for dances, receiving guidance on her first period, and learning how to use makeup and style her hair from her mom. With her dad's demanding work schedule and his duty to serve in the military and help wounded soldiers, Clementine understood the sacrifices but couldn't help longing for a more traditional upbringing.

As Anastasia worked her magic, she carefully divided Clementine's hair into small sections, gently wrapping them around the curling iron. The soft hiss of the hot iron meeting Clementine's hair filled the air, as each curl took shape, bouncing with life and vitality. Anastasia's skilled hands moved with grace and precision, ensuring that every curl was perfect.

With each curl, Anastasia would pause to admire her handiwork, running her fingers through the newly formed ringlets to separate them slightly, creating a natural and voluminous look. The room was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation as Clementine's hair transformed into a beautiful cascade of curls.

Once the hair was complete, Anastasia moved on to the next step: makeup. She began by prepping Clementine's skin, applying a lightweight primer to create a smooth and flawless base. With a gentle touch, she carefully selected a foundation that matched Clementine's skin tone, blending it seamlessly to create a radiant and natural complexion.

Anastasia then moved on to Clementine's eyes, selecting a palette of warm, earthy tones that would enhance her natural beauty. With a precise brush, she expertly applied a base color to the lids, building up layers of depth and dimension with carefully chosen shades. The colors blended effortlessly, creating a mesmerizing and captivating look.

As Anastasia continued, she delicately lined Clementine's eyes with a rich, jet-black eyeliner, creating a subtle cat-eye effect that added a touch of allure. She then applied several coats of mascara, carefully separating each lash to achieve a full and voluminous look.

To complete the transformation, Anastasia added a soft, natural blush to Clementine's cheeks, giving her a youthful and radiant glow. She then selected a lip color that perfectly complemented Clementine's complexion, applying it with precision to create a soft and luscious pout.

By the time Anastasia put down her brushes, Clementine looked in the mirror and couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence and beauty. The combination of the meticulously curled hair and the expertly applied makeup had transformed her into a true vision of elegance and grace.

─────────── 🥋 . . . ───────────

ROBBY PICKED CLEMENTINE UP. Robby couldn't take his eyes off Clementine. He found her absolutely mesmerizing, and the anticipation of reaching their destination only heightened his excitement. Despite the fact that he only had his permit, Robby made sure to drive carefully, hoping to avoid any unwanted attention from the police. Clementine, perceiving Robby's occasional glances, couldn't help but feel a smile spread across her lips, knowing that she had captured his attention.

Clementine spotted Robby as he slowed down and steered towards the boardwalk parking lot. Her excitement was palpable as she exclaimed, "I absolutely adore the beach!" Robby's lips curled into a mischievous grin as he responded, "That's good to know, but I have another idea." He winked at her, causing Clementine to narrow her eyes suspiciously. To her surprise, Robby got out of the car, circled around, and opened her door. With a smile, Clementine said, "Thank you, Robby."

As they step onto the boardwalk, Robby reaches out and gently takes hold of Clementine's hand. They intertwine their fingers and swing their hands back and forth, creating a sense of warmth and connection. A rosy blush appears on Clementine's cheeks, and a giddy grin forms on her lips. She gazes up at the sky, feeling the gentle breeze caress her face.

In that moment, she notices Robby looking at her, his eyes filled with admiration. Meeting his gaze, she musters up the courage to share a personal detail, "You know, my birthday's next week..." she reveals. Robby's eyebrows raise in surprise, his curiosity piqued as he responds, "Oh, really?" Her nod confirms the truth of her statement, leaving him eager to learn more.

"Yep, I turn sixteen."

Robby's laughter filled the air, his amusement evident. "Wow, you've got quite the late birthday," he jested, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Clementine responded with a playful eye roll, her hand gripping his tightly, conveying both affection and a hint of mock annoyance. "Oh, you think you're so clever," she retorted, playfully shoving his shoulder. Their playful banter continued, adding an extra layer of lightheartedness to their stroll along the boardwalk.

Robby playfully nudges her, drawing her attention to the boardwalk arcade. They come to a stop in front of it, both wearing mischievous smirks. "Oh, how about a little friendly competition?" Clementine suggests, her smirk matching his. Robby scoffs, confident in his abilities. "Fine, but if I win, you've gotta smash a cupcake in your face on your birthday," he challenges. Clementine scoffs right back, determined. "And if I win, you have to do the chicken dance in public," she counters, ready to prove herself.

As Robby and Clementine step into the bustling arcade, a wave of anticipation and nostalgia washes over them. The air is electric with the symphony of sounds: the rhythmic clattering of arcade machines, the joyful jingle of coins being inserted, and the triumphant cheers of players. Their hearts race with excitement as they embark on a journey through the maze of games that lay before them.

With excitement bubbling in their hearts, Robby and Clementine dive into an intense air hockey match. The puck glides effortlessly across the table as they skillfully maneuver their paddles, each vying for victory. Back and forth, the score swings like a pendulum, accompanied by their infectious laughter that fills the vibrant arcade. Finally, in a moment of triumph, Clementine expertly lands the winning shot, claiming her well-deserved first victory of the night. The room erupts with cheers and applause, celebrating their thrilling and unforgettable start to the evening.

Robby and Clementine's friendly rivalry escalates as they eagerly transition to a basketball shooting game. Fueled by determination, they take aim, shoot, and score with precision, showcasing their impressive skills. The crowd surrounding them grows, captivated by their remarkable talent. In a thrilling finale, Clementine's unwavering precision and accuracy lead her to yet another triumphant victory. Their competitive spirits soar, leaving them craving more exhilarating challenges.

Robby and Clementine eagerly dive into a thrilling racing game, selecting their favorite cars and revving up the engines. Their eyes remain fixated on the screen as they skillfully navigate through twists and turns, their hearts racing with adrenaline. With determination fueling their every move, they speed towards the finish line, feeling the exhilaration with every passing second. As the race reaches its climax, Clementine's talent shines through once again, propelling her to a well-deserved victory. The excitement lingers in the air, fueling their desire for more adrenaline-pumping adventures.

After a series of thrilling games, their pockets brimming with tickets, Robby and Clementine converge at the prize counter. A wide grin spreads across Clementine's face as she discovers she has amassed more tickets than Robby. With a playful nudge, she teasingly reminds him of their bet. "Looks like it's time for you to bust out your best chicken dance in public," she says, a mischievous sparkle dancing in her eyes. The anticipation of Robby's dance performance adds an extra layer of excitement to their arcade adventure.

Robby chuckles, gracefully accepting defeat. "You totally earned it," he admits, a mischievous grin lighting up his face. With joyful anticipation, they exchange their hard-earned tickets for an array of exciting prizes. As they leave the arcade, their excitement radiates, carrying the cherished memories of their spirited competition with them.

Clementine's eyes light up as she spots a mime in the midst of the bustling boardwalk. With a mischievous grin, she approaches the mime, her curiosity piqued. "Excuse me," she says, her voice filled with excitement, "do you mind if I borrow that microphone for just a moment?" The mime responds in their unique, silent manner, giving Clementine the go-ahead. Clapping her hands together, Clementine takes a deep breath, preparing to captivate the crowd.

With a clear throat, she leans into the microphone and addresses the gathering. "Ladies and gentlemen! Gather 'round for a special moment. My dear friend and date, Robby Keene, has fallen victim to a bet and now must showcase his finest chicken dance moves. But before we begin, please, hold your applause!" The anticipation in the air is palpable as all eyes turn to Robby, awaiting his lively performance.

Robby, with a bashful expression, bravely stepped into the midst of the crowd, ready to fulfill his chicken dance destiny. As his wacky moves unfolded, laughter erupted from the onlookers, including Clementine. The ever-resourceful Katz girl captured the hilarious moment on her phone, ensuring it would be cherished forever. To add to the fun, someone serendipitously played the chicken dance song, intensifying the laughter. When the song finally ended, Robby received a well-deserved round of applause, celebrating his comedic dance skills.

─────────── 🥋 . . . ───────────

CLEMENTINE HAD A FUN NIGHT. Robby, being the gentleman that he is, accompanied Clementine to her doorstep, their hands intertwined. Standing face to face, a warm and playful exchange unfolded. With a mischievous grin, Clementine couldn't help but admit, "I had an absolute blast tonight!" Robby chuckled in response, teasingly retorting, "Oh, you enjoyed every moment of embarrassing me! Winning all those arcade games and making me bust out my dance moves in front of everyone."

Clementine couldn't contain her laughter, her giggles filling the air. "I guess I did, didn't I?" she playfully replied, causing Robby to roll his eyes in mock exasperation. "Don't worry," he confessed, "I had a great time too." In a tender moment, their eyes locked, and they leaned closer, their lips almost touching... until a sudden jolt of pain shot through Robby's back. Startled, he turned his head and discovered Tyler, Clementine's mischievous brother, had thrown a stick at him. Gasping, Clementine shot her brother a scowl that could melt steel. "Tyler!" she exclaimed, her gaze filled with disapproval.

Tyler shot Robby a menacing glare, his words dripping with disdain. "Keep your lips off my little sister, Willy Wonka!" Clementine, not one to back down, stuck her tongue out at her brother and crossed her arms defiantly. "Ugh, I freaking hate you, Ty!" she retorted, her frustration evident. Tyler raised an eyebrow, his tone softening. "I'm just looking out for you," he stated, his concern shining through. Blushing, Robby glanced over at Clementine and mustered the courage to say, "I'll text you later, okay?" With a gentle kiss on her cheek, he made his way back to Sam's car, borrowed for the occasion.

As Robby's car slowly disappeared from sight, Clementine's anger began to bubble up inside her like a volcano ready to erupt. She couldn't contain her frustration any longer and unleashed her fury on her unsuspecting brother, smacking his chest with all her might. "You dickhead!" she shouted, her voice filled with a mix of anger and disappointment.

In a fit of rage, she shoved him forcefully into a nearby bush, the leaves rustling as he stumbled backward. The words came pouring out of her, a torrent of pent-up emotions. "I was just about to have my first kiss, and you ruined it!" she yelled, her voice echoing through the air.

The weight of his overprotectiveness had become unbearable, suffocating her like a heavy blanket. With a deep breath, she turned away from him and stormed towards the front door, her footsteps heavy with frustration. With one final burst of anger, she slammed the door shut, the sound reverberating through the house.

ASH SPEAKS!

A LONG AWAITED CHAPTER!!! i've been so unmotivated but i finally got to finish this chapter that i've been trying to write for a few weeks!