I Love You So

Part 26

Amanda was awake early in the morning, sitting on the back porch with Maverick, reading a book. Amanda didn't go anywhere without Maverick. Rick found comfort in that, knowing he would always be alerted by barking if Amanda was in danger.

Rick woke up, looking at himself in the mirror, examining his thick beard. He cleared his throat, walking downstairs, "Babe?" He called

"Out back." Amanda called back in return, looking as the backdoor swung open.

Rick smiled as he looked over at her, "you're up mighty early." he said

"I couldn't sleep." Amanda admitted, "I fed the chickens, though." amanda said

"Thank you." Rick said, walking over and kissing the top of her head. Amanda and Rick had made a home in that small house, with some chickens and a small garden. There was a creek nearby, which they used to clean their clothes and fill their canteens.

Amanda shifted, looking up at Rick, "I think we should start looking for the rest of the group."

Rick looked at her, unsure of how to feel, "Are you... are you comfortable with that?" Rick asked gingerly. He knew Amanda still had night terrors and panic attacks from The Governor. He was afraid that being out in the open would reveal some unknown triggers, sending her over the edge again.

Amanda nodded, "I can't spend my life in a bubble." She said, "You killed him... He's dead." She said slowly, "We should leave in a few days." Amanda said

Rick nodded, "we can slaughter the chickens and make jerky. take whatever fruits we've got and make some jam... tie up any loose ends." He said as he sat down besides her, "it was nice while it lasted." he admitted, "we got to live out our dreams briefly. remember?" he smiled

Amanda laughed softly as she nodded, "small house with land, chickens and animals." amanda said as she rested her head on his shoulder, "thank you." she said softly as she rested her chin on his shoulder, looking up at him

"for what?" rick chuckled softly

"bringing me back down to earth." amanda said quietly

                                       ~*~

A few days later, Rick and Amanda were tying up loose ends, preparing to leave.

Amanda placed a carton in the trunk, filling it with jerky, jam, fruit, vegetables and canned foods. She placed multiple jugs of clean water in the back as well as their clothes, some extra blankets and sleeping bags. They had a pretty good amount of supplies, due to Amanda being able to hunt and Rick being able to garden and scavenge.

Amanda closed the trunk and opened the back door for Maverick and Butterscotch, the cat.

Rick walked over and reopened the trunk, placing in some cartons of gasoline before he walked over to the passengers side, "you ready?" he asked as he opened the door for her

Amanda nodded as she looked up at him, "born ready." she said softly as she kissed him deeply

"I'll drive back to the prison, there's a set of tracks behind. I think the truck will be able to get over the tracks so we can drive on them. Maybe we'll find someone who hung around." Rick said

Amanda nodded as she climbed in the passengers seat, opening his drivers side door

Rick climbed in and started the car, driving off.

After driving for about 30 minutes, Rick looked over at Amanda, who was knitting quietly. Amanda looked up at Rick, "what's up?" she asked as she felt the car jerk around from the terrain