Author's note - I won't be able to write on the weekend, so I'm going to post at least this chapter, maybe two more (we'll see how quick I can type) :P. Thanks for the reviews faithfuls! Time for some mo' action!
We pulled up to the small convience store in the quiet town. There had been a walker or two on the way there, but nothing we hadn't run over and taken care of. Rick drove, and I sat in the front with him. I would occasionally take a peek in the back window and see Glenn and Maggie holding hands, smiling at one another - it was great to see them so happy. Some might say for them to bring a baby into this world is stupid, but Judy is getting along perfectly fine - if it happened, then it happened.
Rick and Glenn kept watch outside, Maggie and I entered the store. I led the way, pistol drawn, quietly scoping out the area. It seemed clear so we began our search.
"What if they don't have anything here?" She asks worried.
"Then I guess you have to wait and see?" I shrug.
"It would be nice to know for sure." She mutters.
I see a lot of broken shelves, pieces strewn across the floor. I see a few cans of tomato soup, and one box of poptarts - the s'mores kind. I put the items in my bag, thinking Carl will be happy to see the poptarts.
I come across a lone box of condoms, and wonder if I should throw them in my bag, in case anybody else needs them at camp. Maggie might be pregnant, Carol's tubes were probably tied, Beth was a little too young, Karen stayed away from everyone, and that only left old people. Well, them and me. I chewed my lip staring at them - would I ever need them? I think about the man with the blue eyes standing outside, his playful mannerisms lately, his smiles and jokes, his body language ... I stand there chewing my lip until Maggie laughs.
"Just grab them. You'll kick yourself if you need them later."
She surprises me and I stare at her.
"Girl, don't think I don't know."
"I don't understand what you mean - what are you talking about?" I play stupid, but keep my voice low so they don't hear us outside.
"You and him." She says, raising one eyebrow.
"What?"
"You like him."
"No. I-"
"Look, everyone else might be fooled, but not me. You're also a terrible liar."
I let out a breath and lean against one of the remaining shelves. I put my face in my hands.
"How long?"
"The night we met."
She nodded, hearing the story from Lori once before.
"I'm an awful person."
"Why?"
"His wife just died how long ago?"
"Their relationship wasn't the best. I loved Lori too, and I miss her everyday, but come on. I see it, the spark between you two!"
I look up at her, her eyes shining with excitement, and that's when I see it behind her. "Maggie, look!"
I point to the last pregnancy test hanging behind the counter.
"Yes!" She squeaks and runs over to it.
Before she makes it there, a walker emerges from a closet in the corner.
"Shit! Maggie get down!"
I turn the corner and push the thing up against the wall, bringing my sharp hunting knife directly into it's eye and through it's brain. I pull my knife out and it drops.
"Dammit. You okay?" She asks.
"Yeah - fine. You?"
"Scared the shit out of me!"
She reaches for the pregnancy test and I walk over to her. I spot a small mickey of Whiskey sitting behind the counter, unopened.
"Hello.." I mumble. I never was much of a drinker, but hey anything like being confused about loving your dead best friend's husband to make you want a shot - or twelve.
We walk out, whiskey in my hand, a pregnancy test in hers.
Rick and I wait in the car, as Glenn and Maggie go get to the bottom of the whole pending baby situation. In the mean time, I take a swig from the bottle. It's strong, and burns on the way down, but I don't mind.
"Since when do you drink?" Rick scoffs.
"Since I found the whiskey." I joke.
He smiles and shakes his head. He taps his hands on the steering wheel, playing out some song I can't hear. I offer him the bottle and he takes a sip. He inhales and exhales deeply. "Whoo. Strong stuff, ain't it?"
"I hear ya. I'll be lucky if I remember what a walker is tomorrow!" We laugh and pass the bottle back and forth once more.
"So officer, I do believe it is against the law to drink and drive!" I tease.
He looks at me and lifts an eyebrow, slowly smirking.
The car door flings open and Maggie slowly climbs in. Her and Glenn both look crushed.
"I'm sorry, guys. Maybe next-"
"I'm pregnant!" Maggie all but screams and they burst out into laughter.
I think this is a good place to end the chapter .. Oooh whiskey makes them a little flirty flirty ;). Let's see where this goes!
