Summary: She was there when they trapped them - and she was there when they decided to kill them. However, Lindsay doesn't believe in the same morals the rest of her group members do. No - she wants to free the prisoners and help them to safety, all the while running away from the people who have helped her stay alive. Her only question is, will Lindsay be willing to sacrifice everything she's built behind the cages and leave her safe haven, or allow the outsiders to die and become her group's next meal?
Disclaimer: I do not own the show the walking dead, nor do I own the canon characters. However, I do take ownership of my original character, Lindsay Vargas.
That night was a cold one; the full moon shone brightly providing enough illumination for any group member on patrol. It was quite – quite enough to hear a pin drop, and yet Lindsay heard nothing but the loud buzzing in her mind. Weeks have gone by with each night mirroring her situation and sleep was rarely attained. She just could not sleep knowing what the group, who promised her survival, was doing with every prisoner they obtain. It was too barbaric for her liking, and quite frankly she was scared. Frightened if she didn't comply with their demands and wishes, she'd be next.
Sitting up in her bunk, the woman ran her hands down her face. If she didn't know better, Lindsay felt she was going insane. Any person would say she was overreacting and this was a new world – but the real reason she felt crazy were all the voices in her head telling her what to do. The voices caused the woman to shake her head, trying desperately to extract the words.
Pulling her knees to her chest, Lindsay closed her eyes and began humming. "God I'm just like her." And by 'her', Lindsay meant her mother. There was a small fear Lindsay would have the same illness as the woman who birthed her. Schizophrenia was a very dangerous disorder to have and without the proper medication, Lindsay would never be able to make it through the new world. "Don't be ridiculous woman, you're just fine." Letting her legs fall onto the bed, she threw the blankets off from her body. Though warm during the day, Georgia nights in autumn could get a little frigid. Slipping on her work boots, Lindsay snuck out of her room. The hallways were dark and empty – her footsteps echoing through them.
Once Lindsay reached the outside, she felt the rare Georgia breeze hit her light skin. She wrapped her arms around her sweater tighter around her small frame as she made her way to the cargo. Lindsay wasn't stupid, she knew there would be guards watching at almost every entry point; and she knew exactly where each one would be. Fortunately for her, she was a familiar face to all fo them. "Morin' Christopher." With a smiling face, Lindsay greeted the young man, her hand finding his shoulder. It was Lindsay after all who had found Christopher months prior, scared and shaking from the two walkers stumbling toward him. And it was Lindsay who had saved his ass from falling out of a four-story building. He was young and still very naïve; wanted to make good with the leader so he could make a name for himself.
"Technically it's 'night', isn't it ma'am?" he inquired, his thick southern accent ringing away in the woman's ears. Shaking her head in disbelief, Lindsay took a moment to explain how 'a.m.' and 'p.m.' worked. It amazed her how school districts were different in each state, and how others are slower than the rest.
"So technically, it's good morning," Lindsay finished, the urge to roll her eyes hindered by his understanding nod. "Now whaddya say you go inside and get some sleep? I'll take over for you."
"I dunno ma'am, I have strict orders to stay put," Chris voiced, an indecisive expression written on his face.
"Strict orders from the general, correct?" Lindsay asked, her arms folded across her chest. Christopher sighed, and with a smile the woman continued. "I, sir, happy to be the General, so soldier, you may rest." Graciously thanking her, Christopher handed Lindsay his weapon and strolled to his assigned bunk. A feeling of victory filled her soul as her eyes fell upon the cargo. This is the night Lindsay whispered in her mind. There was not a chance she'd continue to stay in the group after the leader had called out her behavior. And there was definitely no way she was going to allow another day pass by when they decided to kill and devour the prisoners. With her own personal weapons hidden in a duffel bag and the exit hole already in the fence. Lindsay moved quickly and silently toward the cargo. Her eyes scanning her surrounds every second that had passed by, there was no one to stop her.
Reaching the cargo, Lindsay took her steps with caution. She knew the others wouldn't be aware of her presence –and the woman didn't want them retaliating. Due to her slight fear of the capability the captors had, Lindsay lightly knocked, indicating to Glenn it was her. Unlocking the door and opening it, the woman wasn't surprised to see Glenn at the door. "More food? This is new."
"Not food." Lindsay spoke, beckoning them out. "Escape. There's a duffel bag in the hole of that tree by the fence full of my weapons and a hole to get out of here." The rest of the captors came to view, looks of uncertainty. "Have I ever given you a reason to not trust me?" Now Lindsay's gaze fell upon Glenn, her eyes pleading. "Now please hurry and go." Without hesitation the other captors began running to their freedom, most of them stopping to say 'thank you' or nodding as a substitution. However Glenn stayed where he was, staring blankly at his savior.
"Aren't you coming?" he asked quietly. As much as Lindsay wanted to break free from the group she was absolutely terrified of, the woman knew once they would realize exactly what happened. The camp was safe – she was respected and slightly feared. Outside of the fence Lindsay was nothing but a woman; a piece of meat, and she knew nothing of the captors and what they were capable of.
"Hey!" Snapping her head to the voice, Lindsay's eyes focused to see Jackson wide-eyed as he stared back at her. Shit Lindsay thought as she quickly took hold of Glenn's arm, pulling him along as she ran as quickly as she could to the fence. "Lindsay what the fuck are you doing?" Hearing Jackson's words hurt – but what hurt the most was knowing she'd be hunted down along with the captors.
Reaching the fence, Lindsay slid right through the hole after pushing Glenn through it. Turning back to look at Jackson, Lindsay felt a slight feeling of freedom as the metal from the fence paralyzed her sight. "Let's go!" Hearing Glenn's voice, Lindsay began following behind him, her legs moving as fast as she possibly can. Eventually the woman had caught up with the two who seemed to be the leaders. Running with them wasn't hard for her at all – in fact the woman made sure she kept in shape for circumstances relating to the one she currently was in. But as she started to slow down, the men did as well. Her breathing quick and her lungs tight, Lindsay looked around to those around her. The trees high above blocked any light that would allow her to get faces.
"So now what?"
Author's Note:
Thanks for taking the time to read Stand by Me. Please review if you're able to and give your comments/thoughts. Thanks again.
Julie Jay xo