With the irritation that Clemens was suffering as his scales began to separate from the rest of him, the new coat beneath fast becoming ready to emerge, he had elected to sleep on the couch that night. Jenny’s increased workload had clearly left her exhausted, needing her sleep more than ever, and he was not willing to subject her to any other discomforts. Which was just as well as he did wake up twice during the night thanks to the itching.
This was something he had known of before taking the Animatrix Serum, it was a known fact to him that all reptiles shed their skin once they outgrew it, a process that varied from species to species. Some, like crocodiles and alligators would shed individual scales as the new ones were ready, while snakes would shed all of them at once. Though that didn’t mean he had to enjoy the experience, shifting around until he finally found a position that at least softened the itching enough for him to nod off again.
The following morning revealed how much closer to it he was, as once he rubbed then opened his eyes, his sight was obscured somewhat. Not enough to prevent him from making out shapes and to read if he were careful, but certainly he would have to take care when moving around. And as he prepared a small breakfast that he expected he could keep down, he knew that he’d never be able to drive himself to work today. Last time this had happened Jenny was able to drive him in, but with her hours now full-time, and with her exhausted state at this time thanks to those two, he really didn’t want to add to her troubles by forcing her awake now just so he could make it to work on time.
Which was why he was on the phone now, closing the kitchen door to muffle his voice to the rest of the apartment.
“Jacob?” He hissed.
“Clemens? Why are you calling me now?” Jacob’s voice indicated that he hadn’t been awake all that long.
“Sssorry, but I need a favour from you.”
“What kind of favour?”
“I need you to come to my apartment, and drive me to work today.”
“Why not get Jenny to do that?” He asked, wondering why he’d call him for that.
“I can’t. Ssshe’sss exxhausssted from her own workload. Ssstill sssleeping.”
“Alright then. I can be there in fifteen minutes.” Jacob relented.
“I’ll sssee you then. Thanksss.” Clemens thanked him as he heard Jacob hang up the phone.
With not much time to get ready, he quickly prepped a small breakfast for Jenny that he left in the fridge, along with a note to tell her about it, was quick to dress, before taking a moment to look at Jenny. Still sleeping, and looking far more relaxed than she had last evening, bringing a small smile to him.
“I’ll sssee you later.” Clemens promised her as he slipped out of the apartment, having to go slowly since making out the stairs was more difficult, reaching the front of the building about a minute before Jacob arrived.
“Yeesh, how can you see where you’re going.” Jacob remarked when he noted the blue tinge that Clemens’ eyes now sported.
“By going ssslow.” Clemens deadpanned while manoeuvring his tail into the back seat, the rest of him right behind it.
“I can see that. So how do you plan on getting any work done?” He spotted Clemens scratching away in the rear-view mirror.
“I’ll do what I can. It can’t be long before thisss comesss off.” Clemens explained. “It ssstarted about Thursssday evening, ssso it sshhould be about ready. Either thisss night or tomorrow morning.”
“Just as well then, you’ve still got one consultation left right?”
“Yesss. I sshhould be able to sssee properly again by then.” Clemens reassured him.
“Well, I probably don’t need to tell you this, but you do know not to pull at it until there’s a proper split in it.”
“I am aware of that.” Clemens replied, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice. “It can’t come sssoon enough.”
The remainder of the drive to the Zoo was in relative silence, save for the choice of Radio station that Jacob liked. Once they were there and parked, Clemens needed a moment to stretch, being far more used to driving, where his own van had a hole in the seat made to let his tail through, and make the drive far more comfortable.
“No sssplitting yet?” Clemens asked Jacob, though he really didn’t expect it to be starting right now, there was always a slight chance it might.
“Not that I can see.” He replied. “But there’s a lot in the way.”
“Okay then.” That answer did bring a small laugh from Clemens, enough to lighten his spirits. “We sshhould probably check again at lunch, then before heading home. Mossst likely it will start at either the head, or my back.” He added, remembering the last time he'd shed, the first split had occurred along his spine.