It was nightfall, I gazed at the popping fire, pulled into my own thoughts. I took a glance around to the sleeping members of my group. I need to find a way out,to survive on my own... My thoughts haunting me about the people I've come to know,this world has made them selfish,cruel,and dangerous. I brushed my dark hair out of my face sweeping it into a loose pony tail. I have witnessed cruel deeds done by them, I planned on making my escape by first morning light while on a run. Even though they were a small group, the members were ruthless men out numbered woman,for a reason. "What are you so quiet for?" The voice of Tommy jerked me out of my planning. I glared up at the tall,gritty,stock man. The man that I had history with,before the world turned to shit. "I'm Tired, Your supposed to be keeping watch for walkers...not me." I snapped almost timidly. He scoffed and slicked his blond grungy hair back and turning to walk the perimeter. I was lucky to get by with that,normally something would have been thrown. The men of this group has taken alpha dog roles and turned into savages,here woman were below them as if time reversed since the virus. I had made my way up to a higher standard of the other woman purely for my obedience and strong will,to a point. I situated my backpack under my head and pulled my handgun close under the bag,right next to my hunting knife. Forcing my thoughts towards some light rest to prepare for my risky escape.
That morning, I woke up at Dawn, I slid my knife into my work boot and was tending to my handgun when Ron kicked some dirt my way. "Come on Bitch, we don't have all day" I shoved my clip into the slot and holstered my gun. Slinging my bag onto my shoulder and grabbing my jacket I motioned my hand to say I was ready. Unfortunately, Tommy and Ron were the basic leaders. They tagged me along to use as a bait toy for outsiders so they could pick them clean under my distraction and on worse case scenarios I would be the meat to slow the walkers off them if we were surrounded. The sacrificial lamb if you will. We made our way across an abandoned shopping strip a new location to raid. As we made our way cautiously through the front of a store there was a collection of walkers that caught notice. This is my chance. Tommy and Ron started slashing with machetes as I slinked to a back store room, quickly I glanced around for a route outside. I was caught off guard by a walker, but I quickly avoided him keeping him unharmed for a reason. As I caught a loading door I flung one of my torn up shirts with scraps of meat and blood behind me, hoping they would think the worst happened to me and wouldn't tail me. Yes! I cheered in my success as I took cover in a thicket of woods behind the store not once glancing back.
After walking for what seemed to be hours with nothing but trees surrounding me, I took notice that nightfall was approaching. I needed to find shelter and fast. I could here soft moans of the dead in a distance,I knew it wouldn't be smart to take camp alone on ground. I started scouting trees, easy enough for me to climb, but not too easy for me to become fresh meat. Finally, Upon seeing a decent sized oak tree I pulled myself up into the limbs. I found one that could easily support my weight and provided the width to recline,I settled in for a not so easy rest until Dawn. I had only been there for several moments when a noise caught my focus, a mans voice. Oh no, they found me! My eyes squinted trying to see through the veil of black where it was coming from. I steadied my breathing as I could barely make out two figures approaching. "Those shelves were picked clean." One man spoke in disappointment. "I'll head back out tomorrow,saw a cabin I'd like to check out" another man with a deep southern accent replied. Good, its not Tommy and Ron. I almost relaxed in relief until my foot scraped the trunk while I was adjusting sounding louder than it should have in the silence. shit. "Sh-you hear that?" the one with the accent got silent. I could see an outline of one kneeling down to a patch of mud,while the other shined a small light onto it. "Shoe tracks,looks fresh." the man was armed with a crossbow stepped forward following the few mud spots. "They stop here" his voice was raspy. They were almost under me, my heart race quickened. The other shrugged "Maybe a walker got the poor bastard" he started to walk on while the crossbow wielder looked around wanting to be sure. Then, I felt an itch in the back of my throat, no not now! I tried to clear my throat softly and quietly but, to no avail. Quickly the man swooped the crossbow up aiming in my direction. "Who's up there?!" that got the attention of the other man,who ran back, shining his little flashlight beam on me. I threw my hands up in a sudden surrender "Don't shoot! I don't want to start shit, Just move along and leave me be." The man seemed to take charge spoke in " Then just join us down here,we just want to talk" I shook my head "No Thank you, I've seen what some are capable of doing and no good comes of it. Plus I'm not the one with a weapon drawn" I glanced at the sharp bolt. The man nodded at the crossbow's holder as he lowered it down. "Look, I understand your lack of trust but we're not like that" He sounded sincere yet stern. "Fine, but could ya step back first?" I wanted to have time to react if things went down. They did so as I made my way down, straightening my black leather jacket to cover the gun on my side. "I'm Rick this here is Daryl" he tilted his head towards the man with the crossbow. I nodded and replied "Angel." keeping it short. "Where's your group,Angel" Rick stepped forward a bit, I could see his rough appearance now. "Left 'em." "Why?!" Daryl finally jumped in. "I do believe that is my business!" Offended at his tone and interference. Rick held up his hand "Look, we might be able to help you, but we need honesty here. We have a group,food, and shelter, we look out for each other,but we need to see if we can trust you first." I stepped back scoffing "I didn't ask for help, after what I've seen it seems to be better on my own." Rick motioned to what was around him "odds are against you without numbers, you can at least get some rest, then if you choose to leave, do so. Just offering an option here." "If we were dangerous I woulda killed you already" Daryl boasted. I sighed in defeat, I was tired and hungry. "Alright, I left my group because they were rabid savages, they raided any outsiders that came along leaving them for dead, and if they were women..." I trailed off not wanting to continue. Rick nodded in acceptance to what I spoke "Ok, first a few more questions, How many walkers have you killed?" Where do I start? "loads...ass loads" Rick handed me a bottle of water, I swallowed a long gulp being without for several hours. "How many people?" I paused at the question for a moment. "None that wasn't already dead." "Fair enough." Rick turned tilting his head for me to follow. Daryl walked behind me, I'm guessing to keep watch of me.
Daryl wasn't sure of this girl, but she seemed straight forward yet withdrawn. She was attractive but not in the skinny breakable way she had a bit more curve to her. All he knew was he was going to keep watch of her and figure her out...