Sorry for how long I've been away, I had so many exams and then just seemed to hit a wall with everything… But now I am back!
So yeah, sorry for the wait but I hope you enjoy this somewhat of a filler chapter but still
Please review and enjoy my lovelies!
The ride to the clubhouse was tense, especially for Ash. The larger and more selfish part of her didn't want to give Sophia back, primarily because Happy wouldn't have let her leave, even if it meant walking straight past her mama. But as Ash took another deep drag from the cigarette she knew she'd have to. She'd grown to love Sophia, but if you love them you let them go.
'Or some bullshit like that,' Ash thought, grumbling to herself about how soft she'd become as they pulled up to the gate, Half Sack slowing the pace of the van so it was merely crawling across the black tarmac.
"Okay Juicey, open up," Ash called out from the open window, pleased to see that there were only three Walkers near them, but not near enough for her to worry. It's been a good week Ash thought before she stepped out of the mild comfort of the van and back into the blistering heat.
"Kai come here," she called out loudly to the small boy who was currently decorating one of the many brick walls surrounding them with chalk and within moments he was behind her. "Go and get Sophia JJ, we've got visitors."
"Yes boss," JJ called out, before he scarpered inside of the large sturdy building in search of the girl.
Ash kept an eye on the gate as the cars of the other group pulled into their compound, her heart hammered in her chest as she thought about what she was going to do, what she's brought to her people. It'd be a lot easier if Chibs was here the traitorous part of her brain whispered, and before Ash had a chance to snap back, or begin to cry – she was unsure which she'd do. Their leader, Rick, stepped out of his car, with everyone else following suit.
"This is a nice set up you got here," Rick complemented her, looking around at the metal chain gate and high brick walls.
"Thanks, this was the clubhouse for the people here, sure you know all about that officer," Ash smirked, after deciding that the man wasn't a threat.
"Didn't ever think I'd willingly be inside one," Rick laughed back, the rest of his group looking confused as they listened to their conversation. Except for Daryl she noticed, maybe he was part of one too, that idea was confirmed when she glanced at the beautiful set up of his bike.
"Kai," she said, turning to look at the young boy behind her. His blond ringlets were stuck to his head, the midday sun making it impossible to not become sweaty. "This is Rick, and his group. They're with Sophia's mama. Rick, this is Kai."
"Well hey there Kai, nice to meet you," Rick replied holding out his hand. And with a quick nod from Ash, Kai shook Rick's hand with a wide grin. "And how old are you Kai?"
"I'm six," the small boy said, his lisp more prominent which made Ash frown slightly.
"As a rule," Ash spoke up making sure that she caught all of their attention. "If for some reason we let you stay for a prolonged period of time, you'll all have to learn sign language. Got it?" She arched her eyebow and glanced pointedly at Kai. She don't know what made her say that, practically offering them a place to stay. Perhaps it was because officer Rick seemed like a nice guy. Or perhaps it was because she was slowly accepting that Chibs was probably dead.
And she knew once she'd truly accepted that she'd need help to keep everyone safe.
Because she wouldn't be alive anymore.