Tara hadn't spoken to Beth since that night. She asked Sasha, "Hey, have you seen Beth lately?"
"Um, I don't think so. Why?"
"I haven't seen her in almost a week."
"I'm sure she's fine, why don't you ask Glenn or Maggie?"
Glenn wouldn't ask why she was asking, Tara decided. She waited hours for him to be alone. "Hey Glenn."
He looked surprised she had spoken to him. "Hey."
She said it outright. "Is Beth okay?" Sadness spread across his face. "Yeah, she will be."
"What happened?"
"Well, with her coming home, Abraham didn't stress our departure but he thinks we need to get going. Beth won't go with us." Tara's heart sunk.
"When does he want to leave?"
"Tomorrow."
Maggie wailed into a locked door. Tara thought she looked feral . "Beth, open the door please. Please, Beth!" Maggie tried pushing the door harder. Tara offered, "Do you want me to try?" No answer.
"Beth? It's Tara. I just want to talk." They heard a demand from beyond the door. "Just you, tell her to leave." Maggie shut her heavy eyes. Tara reassured her, "Don't worry, I'll talk to her." Maggie looked grateful. "She's gone Beth." More noises, something heavy moved. The door opened, Tara walked in and shut the door behind her.
"Are you okay?" Beth crumpled to the floor. Tara knelt down and held her. "She's leaving me," Beth sobbed, "How can she just leave?" Tara stroked her hair. "I can't answer that." More tears poured from her blue eyes. "Everyone leaves."
"Did she say who all was going?" Beth's eyes bore into Tara's heart. "Yes."
"I have to go." Tara ran out of the room. She crashed into Abraham as she rounded the corner into his quarters.
"Woah, woah- where's the fire?" He put his hands on Tara's shoulders, steadying her.
"Abraham," Tara gasped, out of breath. She felt like she ran head first into a concrete wall.
"I was meanin' to talk to you anyways kid." He twirled the ends of his moustache, a nervous habit.
Tara nodded. "Listen. Abe, I don't think I can come with you guys." He was puzzled, "Why not?"
"I like it here Abe. Please, I can't leave." His eyes narrowed in realization. "This doesn't have anything to do with Beth, does it?" Tara mumbled quietly, "I don't know what you're talking about." Abraham resigned. He and everyone else could see the chemistry between the two.
"Fine- I'm not going to argue with you." Tara reminded Abraham of his younger sister. He hadn't thought of her in a long time. A single tear left Abraham as Tara thanked him and left the room.
Maggie, Glenn, Abraham, and the others left in the morning. Goodbyes filled the heavy air. Maggie whispered in her ear, her warm breath gave Tara goose bumps. "Take care of Beth for me."
"I will. Did she come say goodbye?"
"No, she didn't." Maggie frowned.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. She made her decision to stay behind I have to respect that." Glenn gave her a light hug. Abraham wrapped his massive arms around Tara, restricting her airway. "I'm gonna miss ya, kiddo."
"I know, I'll miss you too." He handed her a map. He pointed to a line he drew up Highway 83. "We're gonna stick to this highway as close as we can."
"Okay. Good luck Abe." He nodded. Tara waved until she couldn't see the bus anymore. She looked around her. Carol and Daryl stood fingers interlaced. Rick held Judith with Carl at his side. Tyrese and Sasha stood with her. The priest had even come to say goodbye. He hardly even came out of his office since Beth arrived. Speaking of Beth, she wasn't here but Tara knew where she could find her. Her arms and legs felt heavy as she ascended the ladder. If Beth had heard her come in, Tara didn't know it. She stared out of the window into the night. Tara took a step.
"Who's there? Just leave me alone." Tara remained silent. Beth brought her hands to her weeping face. "Just go…"
"No." Tara's voice came out harsh, her mouth dry as a desert on a hot sunny day.
Beth wanted Carl to leave. She wanted to be left alone. She wanted to die. "Carl. Just go!" Beth's outburst motivated Tara. She reached out and pulled Beth's shoulder around into a hug.
She buried her face into Carl's neck. Beth smelt pine needles. She knew this smell. This wasn't Carl.
She gasped aloud, "Tara..."
