Lady C
Here once more
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It took everything in my power to keep Maggie from confronting Shane and beating the shit out of the dirt bag.
"He did what?!" Maggie nearly screamed.
"Shut up Mags!" I whispered, "If Rick found out or worse my Uncle it's not going to be pretty." I grabbed her arm and pulled her back onto the bed, "You swore!" I pleaded with tears in my eyes.
Maggie pulled me close, "I won't leave your side for anything, he won't get near you again. If he does I'll him myself." She swore hugging me tight.
A few days later...
Thing at the farm where starting to get tense at the farm, no one could find any trace of Sophia and people were starting to look hopeless. Shane was going farther down the rabbit hole (Maggie never leaves my side, making sure to never leave me alone. I was granted a secret glee because he even sported an ugly bruise on his face – he claimed to have tripped over a tree root during his surveillance shift the night before), things were weird between Lori and Rick. So far I've been able to keep Shane attacking me from everyone, except Maggie, who found me crying in the room we shared and Dale who at times looked like he wanted to say something to me whenever we run into each other. Even Glenn and Maggie where having problems, which had me dumbfounded. Which why I was the one climbing on to one of the horses to go on a run to a town several miles away with Maggie, instead of Glenn who chose to stay back with Dale. I could tell that had hurt Maggie's feelings and I wasn't gonna let her go off alone.
My ass is slowly going numb from the saddle as I wait for Maggie to come out of the house. I'm dressed in black stretch pants, an oversized Green Day t-shirt, and a pair of sneakers. I'm fighting with the large backpack that I'm taking with us when I spot my Uncle walking up not looking happy, assuming because I was leaving the farm. I could also tell he was still sore too with the way he cringed as he walked. I mentally shook my head as I had heard he had declined Hershel's offer regarding letting him sleep in the spare room since I now shared a room with Maggie, but he said no telling him he slept better outside, which for my Uncle was true.
"You shouldn't be going Itsy." he said running his hand threw his hair, here we go lecture time. "I should be going. You're gonna get hurt, I already lost Merle, I can't lose you as well." he looked uncomfortable as he stroked the horse's mane.
I adjusted myself in the saddle before looking down at him, "I appreciate the concern, Uncle, I do but you're not cleared to do or go anywhere remember?" I stated rolling my eyes as he growled at that, not liking having to stay put. "Easy Holy Man, I'm a big girl. Maggie and I can handle this; we're just running in grabbing a few things. We'll be back in a few hours." I say with a smile, patting the horse. "I'm a Dixon remember? We're a hard breed to kill." I grinned wider
Daryl snorted and chuckled, "Ain't that the truth." he said shaking his head, "Stop calling me 'Holy Man'."
"Ain't my fault you got more holes in you than Swiss cheese." I teased
"Isabella..."
"Ouch must have hit a nerve, you never call me 'Isabella', unless your pissed..." I pouted before breaking in to a grin again. Daryl just rolled his eyes.
"Don't worry Daryl, we'll be back soon." Maggie said as she walked up. A look of frustration on her face as she climbed up on to her horse, without another word except for a 'Hiya!" she was gone. I spotted Glenn watching from the front porch, his eyes following Maggie as she headed towards the woods.
I shook my head, looked down at Daryl again with a small smile. "See ya later Uncle!" I said as he handed me the reins before stepping back. Kicking the horse in the sides, I took off after Maggie. I love the feel of the wind in my hair while riding, its freeing from the world we live in now.
The pounding of the horse's hooves was loud in the quiet woods as I caught up with Maggie. "So what's going on with you and Glenn?" I ask as we brought the horses to a slow walk, our eyes scanning the trees. "Don't mean to be nosey but he usually goes on these runs with you."
Maggie took a deep breath, "Told him I loved him." she said looking down.
"Wow Mags, I'm happy for you." I said smiling, "What did he say?" I asked spotting a few walkers heading our way. "Should we get them?" I asked nodding.
Maggie looked over, "Might as well. There's only three." she said.
Sliding off my horse, I handed the reins to Maggie, "I got this." I said as I slid my machete out and made my way over to the three walkers. I quickly put it through the head of the walker closes to me, before turning to the other one.
"He just stood there dumbfounded." She said picking up where she left off as she handed me back the reins after I climbed back up on the horse. "Then he just walked away. He's been keeping his distance from me ever since." I could tell Maggie wanted to cry, but was refusing to let herself.
I reached over and squeezed her hand, "Give it time." I said sincerely, "It's hard to find love in a world like this. Especially when he's one of the last men on earth." I grinned causing her to smile back. "At least you found someone. I feel so alone sometimes and if you even mention Jimmy, I'll smack you." Maggie snorted her smile getting bigger. I decided to change the subject, "Ok I know we're doing a food run, but I don't know about you, but I'm almost out of tampons. Might as well see if this store has any left."
"Ya, same here." Maggie agreed scratching her head before pushing her hair out of her face.
"With seven females in close quarters, we are bound to get on the same cycle and no one wants blood shed or the men to go running for cover when shit hit the fan." I joked causing Maggie to laugh and shake her head.
We rode in silence for what seemed like forever before we finally reached our destination and rode through the deserted town. It was quiet town with several business', a small movie theater, a courthouse, a library, one gas station and a single bank. It was a little too quiet so both us were on edge. I let Maggie take lead so I could look in windows of business' and cars, while Maggie kept a look out for walkers.
Maggie whistled softly drawing my attention to her pointing down an empty street toward a grocery store. Nodding my head, I turned my horse in that direction. Quietly, we tied the horses to a car across the street, checking the road and sidewalk before we headed in.
Clicking on our flashlights, we nodded to each other before heading in opposite sides of the store. Maggie headed down the can food isle, while I headed down the female personal isle.
Walking down the aisle I was rewarded with almost ten boxes of different varieties. Whistling softly to Maggie who answered back with a whistle of her own, I started to throw them in my backpack. Making my way through the store, I came across several books and magazines. Feeling generous, I got something for everyone; including Shane, despite hating the guy. I grinned evilly when I spot a stuffed mouse holding a chunk of Swiss cheese and I shove it in my already stuffed bag.
Perfect for my dear ole Uncle... he's so gonna hate me
Moving on through the other isles, I looked with disappointment at the already picked over shelves when I heard Maggie call out my name. Panicking, I took off like a bullet for the other side of the store. Skidding to a stop, I spotted her crawling backwards as three walkers stalked toward her. Grabbing a can of dog food, I threw it with all my might, hitting the middle one in the face, knocking it over. "Maggie move!" I yelled grabbing her bat and swinging it at the walker on the left as she scrambled to stand up. Connecting with its head, I was graced with a disgusting splat of walker blood across my green day shirt. Gagging, I bashed the final one with such force that it's head exploded like a balloon, covering me in more blood.
As I went to help Maggie, the first walker stood up, grabbed a hold of my shirt and swung me into the shelving behind me all while trying to take a bite out of my neck like a ravaged dog who hadn't eaten in days. With a yell, Maggie drew my machete from my hip and brought it down upon the walker's head, squirting both of us with blood.
"Thanks." I say wiping the blood from my face. "I hate that part. Got everything?" I ask noticing that she's trembling. "It's ok Mags," I drew her into a hug and whispered in her ear. "we're ok."
Maggie stepped back and shook her head, "We better get going. Their gonna worry and knowing Daryl, he'll come looking for us. Whether Daddy wants him to or not." she stated with a small grin. She picked up her full bag and together we headed for the horses.
"I am in need of a shower anyways; I hate walker guts." I said laughing as we made our way outside. "Ya we don't need him drawing more walkers to us." I untied my horse and climbed up. The sound of a metal garbage can falling drew our attention to our left and we watched in shock as a horde of about thirty walkers stumbled out of an alley following what looked to be a stray cat.
"Ah shit." I exclaim, trying to calm my horse who could smell the danger. "We can't possibly take all of them on." Maggie shook her head as her horse reared up, nearly throwing her off. I watched in horror as more walkers started to come out of buildings and the nearby woods to our right. We were now virtually surrounded.
"Neamh cabhru linn." I prayed trying to spot a way out. "Maggie, we need to go. You know this area better than I do... which way!" I look to my friend, her face is pale and there is terror in her eyes. "MAGGIE!' I screamed trying to snap her out of her daze.
Maggie whipped her horse toward an ally, "This way!" she called kicking the terrified beast in the ribs and bolting away. I steered my horse toward the alley and followed her. We galloped into another group as we enter on to another street.
"Dammit!" Maggie yelled looking both ways, "This way!" she turned right and headed toward the woods. I followed as best I could but my horse reared up when a walker jumped out from behind a van, throwing me off. I landed in a large pile of garbage with a humph the wind getting knocked out of me, my left ankle slamming on a metal container. I watched in horror as the horse took off at full speed with a good portion of the walkers following it.
I stood up and dusted myself off the best I could before I pulled out my machete. I tried to put pressure on my foot and was greeted with a sharp pain. As best I could I tiptoed around the van, making sure to watch my step. I quickly killed the walker that had scared my horse. Fear clutched my stomach as I realized Maggie didn't know I was no longer behind her.
Fuck!
Ok Dixon, calm down. she'll soon realize you're not there and come back for you. You just need to stay calm and find a place to hide.
I wiped the sweat from my brow as I took a deep breath, I could feel a change in the weather and knew a storm was coming. Looking both left and right, I spot an open door across the street and quickly limped towards it before anymore walkers spotted me.
Stepping in, I took in my surroundings, praying I was alone. I closed and locked the door before I quickly swept the three room office space. Sighing with relief after finding the place empty, I put my bag down and began to push the large metal desk in front of the front door, I then went into the back and pushed a metal filling cabinet in front of the back door.
Going back into the other office, I rummaged the desk drawers and found duct tape and a large black permanent marker. I ripped apart a brown box that I had found in the corner and wrote in bold letters
Ta me anseo!
Before taping it in the front window and closing the blinds. I went back into the small kitchen area and began to open and close the cabinets and drawers trying to find something to eat, seeing as Maggie had all the canned food in her backpack. Finding nothing, I went into the bathroom and was greeted with nothing as well. Getting frustrated, I stalked back into the smaller office and began to open and close file cabinets, and a large metal closet. There I found a blanket, pillow, matches and candles with holders as well as a lighter stuffed into a black duffle bag.
I turned to look out at the small window high up on the wall and noticed that black clouds where coming in, causing it to get dark outside. Carrying the duffle bag, I went out to the main room and placed everything on an end table. I started setting up the candles around the room and lighting them before I grabbed the blanket and pillow. Sitting down, I put my back to the corner, facing the front door, my machete next to me. I pulled my shoe and sock off and took a quick look at my now swollen and dark purple ankle. I swiftly pulled my sock and shoe back on, ignoring the pain and placed it on the pillow. I could hear the rain start to fall, softly at first but then soon it turned into a down pour. Slowly the sound of the rain lulled me to sleep.
The sound of thunder wakes me from a dead sleep just before a flash of light lit up the room. Getting up, I stumbled over to the window and peaked out into the blackness. Thunder booms loud overhead; I count the seconds before lightning struck and I was caught off guard at the number of walkers standing in the street, confused by the sound and the lighting from the storm.
Fuck me, how am I gonna get out of this one?
Shaking, I go back to my corner fear deep within my stomach. I wrap myself in the blanket before sitting down again. With tears in my eyes, I stare up at the ceiling and silently start praying to God, something I haven't done since the orphanage.
A few hours later...
After dozing on and off for what seemed like hours, I finally got up to check the window. I was graced with clear skies and not a walker in sight. Going back to my corner, I sat down. Arguing with myself on wither or not to leave my current sanctuary and try to make my way back to the farm, even on my now bum ankle or stay here and wait to be rescued. After a good twenty minutes of going back and forth, I'm still sitting in the corner when I hear what sounds like several cars pull up down the street.
Going to the window, I try and see who is there, but I can't see anything. I grab my backpack and machete before moving to the back door. Pushing the filing cabinet with a grunt out of the way, I sneak out the back door and into an empty alley. Looking both ways, I turned left and sprint towards the end of the ally, fear and adrenaline running through my veins making me forget about my bum ankle.
I put my machete back in its sheath and pulled out my pocket knife out of my sports bra. Crouching low, I crept between the cars. Keeping an ear and an eye out for not only walkers but also whoever was in the next street over. I kill three walkers as I make my way two streets over heading towards the woods.
As I am passing a dark alley, I scream when someone grabs me by the waist and pulls me into the shadows. A hand wraps around my mouth to muffle my yelling and cussing as I struggle against their grip. I elbowed the person in the gut before I tried to make a break for it. But a voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Bella."
I spun around and came face to face with Glenn who was bent over trying to catch his breath. I grabbed him and hugged him tightly as I started sobbing relief washing over me. "Oh my God Glenn!" I whispered, "I'm so sorry."
"Shhh, it's ok." he said hugging me tightly.
"Did Maggie make it back ok?" I asked afraid to let go.
"Ya, she's ok. Pissed at herself for not coming back for you when she realized you were no longer behind her. Instead she came back to the farm to get help. You should have seen your Uncle, as soon as he found out you were missing; he was like a rabid dog, almost got into it with Rick and Hershel. Then the storm hit and even Daryl wasn't even gonna try it until after it passed."
"Ya, you should have seen the number of walkers in the street last night during the storm. We got to go though, Glenn, there are others here." I state stepping back and wiping my cheeks.
Glenn grins, "I know, it's us." he states grabbing my hand and pulling me with him towards the other end of the alley.
"What?" I ask confused as I sway a bit, exhaustion suddenly hitting me and my ankle starts throbbing making me wince as I start to walk.
"You think I came alone." He teased. "You'll see." he says pulling my backpack off my shoulders, slinging it over his shoulder before he put my arm around his neck and wrapping his arm around my waist so that I didn't put any pressure on my ankle. "What did you do?"
"Slammed it on a metal crate when the damn horse threw me off." I explained through gritted teeth. "Fucker hurts like hell."
"I bet." Glenn said adjusting the backpack, we walked a few streets over and a few blocks back the way I came when he suddenly called out, "Hey look who I found!" as we walked around a corner and out of an alley. I stop in my tracks as I see Rick, T-Dog, Maggie, Jimmy and Daryl all standing by Rick's car and Jimmy's blue truck. Rick holding my handmade sign and talking to Daryl who has his back to us. They all turn, a look of relief washes over their features as they each call my name and make their way towards us. Letting go of Glenn, I broke out sobbing as I started limping towards the group.
Through blurry vision I watched as my Uncle swung his crossbow on to his back and sprints towards me, tears in his eyes. I wrapped my arms around his neck as he hugged me close, swing me around. "You are not allowed to leave the farm ever again, young lady." he stated his voice shaking. I nod my head as he steps back as everyone crowds us. Everyone hugging me tightly before I turned to a hysterically Maggie.
"I am so sorry Bella." she cries throwing her arms around my neck, "I should have gone back for you."
"It's ok Maggie." I state hugging her tightly. I step back and nearly scream in pain as my ankle starts to give out. T-Dog catches me before I fall.
Rick looks me over, his eyes full of concern, "You ok?" he asks.
"Ya, just slammed my ankle on a metal crate after the horse dumped me." I explained shifting my weight, trying to catch my breath, digging my nails into T-Dog's forearm.
T-Dog winces, "Loosen them claws, girl.' he says.
"Sorry T." I say loosening my grip a bit.
"Let's get you home and have Hershel take a look at you."
"Man, he's gonna be tired of looking after me." I groaned leaning on T-Dog, who just laughs as he helps me to Rick's car. "What? Between him saving my life, my feet, my hangover and now this, he's gonna start charging me!"
"I'm surprised he hasn't." Daryl smirked.
"Shut Up, Uncle. You're not very far behind me Holy Man." I teased as I climbed into the back seat of Rick's car.
"Shut it, Itsy." came his reply.
"Make me." I said sticking out my tongue.
"Grow up." Daryl said climbing into the front seat as T-Dog went and climbed into the back of Jimmy's truck with Glenn.
"Never." I said reaching up and flicking my Uncle's ear, causing him to swat at me and smacking himself in the head. Rick snickered as he caught my eye in the review mirror. I smiled and winked before flicking Daryl in the ear again.
"Dammit Itsy stop it! Act your age not your shoe size!"
"HA, I knew it! You DID listen to my Prince CD!" I exclaimed laughing hysterically.
"W-w-what the hell are you talking about?" He stammered not looking at me nor Rick in the eye. Rick and I couldn't stop laughing the more Daryl tried to dig himself out of his grave.
