Wishes

Tara rubbed her hands against the cold and wondered, not for the first time, why she had volunteered for gate duty while everyone else was at Deanna's welcome party.

She was being helpful, that was why?

As Glen had refused point blank to go on any more runs with Aidan without some reassurances Tara had been at a loose end at what to do after that. She wasn't going on runs without Glen. Gate duty wasn't usually too onerous. Very few Walkers wandered up to the walls and very few residents left the safety of the compound. In fact it was tediously dull. Surely one Walker wasn't too much to ask for?

While Tara was distracting herself by watching a pair of rats scuttle between the abandoned cars a throat was cleared behind her.

She spun round, one hand on her weapon.

She could clearly see in the shadows it was Noah, but being in a playful mood she demanded,

"Who goes there? Friend or foe?"

Noah stepped out, hands raised nervously.

"A friend. A friend!"

Tara laughed, sometimes she wondered if Noah got her jokes.

"Well friend, you're looking pretty fly!"

Noah had clearly made an effort for the party. He had found some black pants and a smart blue shirt.

Noah grinned.

"You think Holly will like it?" he asked, giving her a little turn.

"Not being an expert I can't say for sure but I think you'll pass."

This time Noah got the joke and laughed with her.

The laughter faded.

Silence descended for a beat.

"You're sure you don't mind being out here on your own?" Noah asked.

"I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mind."

"I could keep you company for a while if you want." Noah offered.

Tara sighed. Noah was clearly trying to avoid the party. Despite their earlier pep talk he still hadn't managed to talk to the girl of his dreams.

"Go and find Holly." she insisted. "She's the one you're supposed to be keeping company tonight."

Noah grinned nervously, and wasn't budging.

Frustrated Tara gave him a little shove back towards the houses.

"Don't be a wuss." She insisted. "She'll either like you or she won't."

"And if she doesn't?"

Tara's grin widened.

"Remember our deal! If she doesn't like you she's fair game!"

Noah looked back towards the party.

There was a peel of laughter and a faint hum of music drifting across the street.

"I'd better go and make a good impression then." He said. His mask of nervousness sifted as he straightened up and took a step towards Deanna's house.

Then he stopped and turned back.

"You're sure I look alright?"

Tara gave him another shove, this time a bit harder.

"Jesus, Noah. Man up! Go get the girl!"

…

A few hours later, Tara found herself regretting her wish for Walkers. She had taken down eight and there was a small pack moaning and hammering on the one of the side walls where she couldn't get a line of sight on them. They had been drawn by the sounds of the party. At one point a loud drum and bass soundtrack had blasted across the street. It had been quickly silenced but had been more than enough to draw in a small herd.

Tara checked her watch. Nicholas and another lad were supposed to relieve her in a little while. She'd try and find Glen or maybe Rick then to help form a small hunting party to take down the Walker's she couldn't reach from the gate.

The people of Alexandria worried Tara somewhat. They didn't seem to take the threats roaming outside their walls, dead or alive, very seriously. Take guard duty for example. If she hadn't offered it was likely no one would have been on post until after the party.

Thoughts of the party caused Tara to gaze back in the direction of Deanna's house. As she watched she noticed a two figures silhouetted against the party lights walking off in the direction of the laundry block. One was tall and slim, the other small and shapely.

Tara grinned happily. It looked like Noah had summoned up the courage to talk to Holly at last.

…