BOOK ONE S1-S3
In this new world, you have to make difficult choices. Fight for survival or succumb to circumstance. Close yourself off or give into your desires. Start over or give up. A split second decision can change your entire life. Will she f...
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DAY 320/321
The majority of the morning was spent moving back into the prison. Rick decided that a few of us would be going to Woodbury to retaliate, while the others stayed behind to keep watch. I had just finished setting my room back up before heading outside.
"Hey, Rick." I walked up to the squatting man, watching as Carl walked away. Rick looked down, shaking his head before standing up.
"You alright?" I asked, placing my hand on his bicep.
"Yeah. I'm fine." I knew he was lying by the way he was avoiding eye contact, but I knew if I were to push it he wouldn't answer me.
"Okay. Well, I think I'm gonna stay back. Cleanup a little out here, watch over everyone." Rick gave me a curt nod, motioning at my face.
"Bout time Herschel took those stitches out?" I brought my hand up to my face, tracing the scarred skin.
"Yeah. Guess so." Rick patted my shoulder, before turning to walk away.
"Rick," I said, grabbing his hand to turn his body back around. "I know me and him aren't really speaking, but make sure he stays safe. Please."
"You know you're gonna have to talk to him at some point, right? I see how miserable you've been." He said slowly, not trying to catch Daryl's attention.
"Yeah, I know. Just not now." I nodded at him, before pulling him in for a hug and making my way back inside.
A few hours passed since the group left and I had made pretty good use of my time cleaning outside. Stacking old electronics, picking up filing cabinets, and burning stray papers. I was throwing cables into a basket when I heard someone walk up behind me.
"Need any help?" I turned to see Glenn standing there.
"I'm just about done, but I need help taking apart those tables." I pointed to the metal picnic tables a few feet away. "Gonna use the metal to create some better walls on the bridge." Glenn gave me a nod, moving to help me lift one off the ground. We worked in silence for a few minutes before Glenn spoke.
"So, I'm gonna propose to Maggie." He whispered, peeking over his shoulder at the woman scanning the fence line. I stopped all movement, looking at him with a shocked expression.
"Oh my god, Glenn! It's about time!" I slapped him on the arm, not wanting to ruin the surprise.
"I know, I just wanted to have everything settle down before I sprung it on her." He blushed looking down at his feet.
"I'm happy for you guys, really." I smiled at him before a wave of concern went through me. "Wait. Have you talked to Herschel about this?"
"Not yet. I wanted to see if you'd come with me." Glenn rubbed the back of his neck nervously. I was a little shocked at the idea, being that we weren't as close as we should be. "I know it's better to do it on your own, but I would feel better with a friend next to me." He looked up at me through his long lashes.
"I would love to come with you." I gave him a big smile before standing to my feet. "Gotta get these stitches out anyway." I patted his back as we made our way to talk to Herschel.
The group had been gone all night, making me nervous. I was sitting outside as the sun started to come up when I heard the familiar sound of a motorcycle engine pulling in. Jumping up from the stairs, I made my way over to the gate. I helped Glenn open it, smiling as Daryl passed me. Following him was the truck Rick and Michonne had left in along with a fortified school bus. Shutting the gate behind us, I ran to stand near Daryl.
"What's that?" I pointed toward the bus. Daryl was shocked that I was speaking to him. Letting out a little cough, he tried to hide the small smile on his lips.
"Survivors from Woodbury." I turned to him with a confused expression.
"Survivors?" I said, waiting for his response.
"The governor killed the others. Ones that helped him." Daryl said. I placed a hand over my lips, turning to watch the people file off the bus.
One by one people walked off. Old, young, and even a few dogs. I continued to watch as a short woman with blonde locks stepped off the bus. She had a few strands of gray littered through it. Her face had a few more wrinkles than I remembered, and her hazel eyes were bright with the sunlight. I let out a gasp as I felt my body stumble back.
"Woah, Bird. You alright?" Daryl caught my bicep, keeping me from falling. The group turned to look at me hearing the sound that left my lips. I watched as everything moved in slow motion. The woman turned her head, catching my gaze with wide eyes. She dropped the bag in her hand, placing her shaking fingertips over her mouth. I watched as she gently pushed her way through the small crowd. I turned to Daryl with tears in my eyes, noticing how concerned he became. I looked back at the woman, feeling the others watching us.
"M-mama?" I let out a sob, running over to her. My mother pulled me into her arms, cradling me like I was a child.
"Oh, my baby." I felt her rub the back of my head as I continued to cry. At that moment, I felt a wave of peace wash over my body. The past month faded away, and I could breathe. Being in her arms, made me believe that this was a new beginning. We could all finally have a home. I just hope it will last.
