Clement is Ali and Oop's legal guardian? What is Clement like as a guardian?
FUTURE EDIT: I just want to leave a note for anyone who may come across this post, that I've made changes to my story and none of this is canon anymore! :D His daughter is alive and well, and Ali and Oop only tour with the circus during spring break, summer vacation, and fall break. I just want to leave this post up for prosperity and a reminder it's okay to change your mind!
This is a really good question! It really made me reevaluate their relationship and plug up a few plot issues.
In short, as much as I want to say, "Clement is a great guardian! Nothing is ever wrong!" It’s important to note that Ali and Oop lost their mother when they were only five years old, and Clement lost his only child. It was…. hard…. on everyone.
Clement was not prepared to take on the responsibility of two children at his ripe age (Clement is in his 70s), so he has to work extra hard to juggle them and the responsibilities of the circus. It is a relief that so many other circus members care so deeply for them. They stay with their grandmother occasionally (Clement’s ex-wife), but he usually has them due to traveling constantly.
As a reward for such a glorious question, I have made this drawing for you. It makes me very sad to look at 😞💔