Condemned. Sequel to 'Don't Look Back'

Chapter 21

Rayne's pov

I woke up before everyone else the next day, and the air was crisp. I carefully got out of bed, and laced up my boots. Before walking out of the house, I grabbed one of Carl's flannels that fit like a loose jacket for me.

I heard the muffled growl of walkers, and saw the red sun rising in the East. Nobody was out here, and it was perfect, so tranquil. I stepped down to the road and took a right and ended up walking the streets quietly.

I'm not sure what I was doing out here, but it felt right. I saw on one of the walls a perfect place to climb out. I just stared at the wall and weighed my options. Either I go out there and possibly not have a way back in, or I stay here and get cornered by and Alexandrian.

Before I had time to make a rational decision, someone stepped out of their house. It was Ron followed by Mikey. I didn't have time to run away without it being obvious, so I plastered a smile on my face and tried to act friendly.

"Oh, hey Rayne." Mikey said, being way too enthusiastic for my taste.

"Hey... what are you guys doing up so early?" I asked

"We always get up early, and we usually just hang out. You can come with us if you want." Ron offered. And, against my better judgement, I nodded.

"Yeah, I'll come with you." I put my hands in my pockets, and followed them to their hang out spot.

"Who usually comes?" I asked, having to jog to catch up to them.

"Um, Enid, Kaylee, Dean and sometimes Carl."

"What do you guys do?" I asked.

"Hang out, play some video games. Sometimes Kaylee and Dean make out, Enid usually just stares at Carl." That's it, I can not stand her at all, whatsoever.

"Is that all she does?" I asked and Ron nodded.

"Yeah, she just stands there, it's kind of creepy if you ask me."

They opened the door to one of the spare houses and I shut the door behind me.

"Oh, looks like she beat us here." Ron said, and gestured towards Enid. I looked over at her, and she looked me up and down with an unreadable expression on her face.

"So, what time does Carl usually come?" I asked them and Ron shrugged.

"I don't know, pretty soon, I woke up late today."

"Speak of the devil." Enid spoke up and I turned my attention to the front door, where Carl walked in.

"You're here?" Carl asked with surprise.

"Yeah. I didn't know you came here in the mornings."

"I come back by the time you wake up. I know how much you like your morning cuddles." He said, and I sheepishly smiled, and gave him a big hug. Not only because I do enjoy morning cuddles, but also to show Enid where she stands.

"Are you wearing my shirt?" He laughed, grabbing one of the sleeves.

"Yeah, I tore the sleeves off of mine." I smiled. Ron cleared his throat and said,

"Well, what do you guys want to do besides each other?"

"Nothing really." I said, keeping my best poker face. Everyone looked around uncomfortably, Mikey wiped his mouth and scratched his head.

"We're going to leave." Carl said and took my hand and lead me out of the house. After the door closed, Carl turned to me, and I had the biggest smile on my face.