With my little outburts yesterday and yelling at Rick again, I was surprised when Glenn invited my group and I to breakfast. I was reluctant at first but realizing that Glenn was being secretive and jumpy, he was going to tell Rick's group about the barn. My group deserves to know but I'm not telling them.
Everyone from my group sat around Rick's small camp fire as Carol started handing out plates. They were chatting to them as if they've know them forever. I rolled my eyes and took a seat on the ground by dad's chair. He nudged my shoulder with his knee. I looked at him and he raised his eyebrow secretly asking what's wrong. I shook my head and scoffed. You'll see soon enough old man.
Carol walked toward us and handed dad a plate of scrambled eggs. He nodded his thanks and ate his eggs like his last meal. I rolled my eyes at his lack of manners. Carol tried handing me a plate but I politely declined. I made my point clear yesterday that my group provides for my group.
"Are you sure you're not hungry?" She asked. Dad glanced at me and glared. As if saying take the damn plate and stop being a bitch. I rolled my eyes at him.
"No thank ya, Carol. I'm not hungry." My stomach on the other hand disagreed with me and grow led loudly. She looked at dad a hint of concern flashed in her eyes. Dad just starred at his plate, with the look like I ran over his dog. Dog... Titus. I stuck my hand out and Carol handed me the plate with a smile. "Thank ya." She smiled and went back to handing out plates.
I whistled loudly for Titus. Everyone stopped and looked at me. Then without question, went back to what they were doing before. A ghost of a smile flashed across my face as a grey blob got closer to the camp.
I looked down at my plate and ate a piece of egg. I had to stop myself from moaning at the taste. God I am so glad I took the eggs from Carol. I don't remember eating yesterday. I inhaled my eggs, wow I'm a hypocrite. I set my now empty plate at my feet as a small whimper filled my ears. I groaned and patted my lap. Titus perked up and licked my face. Then turned around, backed up, and sat down.
I huffed at how heavy he was. My dad snickered from beside me and I glared. I rubbed his back. "Wish I would'a got a Chihuahua." I said and everyone laughed.
"How much does he weigh?" Carl asked from beside Lori.
"Last time he was at the vet he weighed about... 165. He's about 7'0' when he stands on his back legs." Carl's eyes got wide at the mention of his height. "I use ta git tha' face all the time. People would cross the street when they saw me walking him." I chuckled at the memory. "Ta be honest, I loved it."
"That's because you hate people." Amy reminded me again. I rolled my eyes, I know I hate people. That's a Dixon trait I love.
"You're an asshole. Why are we even friends?" I repeated the same words that she told me a couple nights ago. I smirked at the look of shock on her face. When she copied me I scrunched my eyebrows together.
"Because we're assholes." My whole group said mocking me in high pitch voices.
I rubbed Titus' back. Dad smirk down at me in his chair still eating his eggs. I looked up and noticed that face. The face of, you choose the right friends, and I told you so. "Shut up." I said quietly so only he heard.
Glenn walked awkwardly in front of everyone. Great, now we'll have panic and everyone will question Rick and his leadership. Mine won't. I had my reasons and they know that. Glenn rubbed his chin. "Uh... guys?" He said as more of a question then a way to get everyone attention. Everyone looked up at him from their food. "The barns full of walkers." He stated putting his hands in his pockets waiting for a reaction.
Everyone starred at Glenn and then the barn. Dad chewed slowly wondering what dumbass move they were going to do next. Or at least I was. No one moved for five minutes. I looked at around at everyone who was starring at the barn. When dad spaced out I reached on his plate and stole his last bite of egg. He blinked a couple times and looked over at me. I smiled with my mouth full of egg to show him I took it.
"Yer not hungry huh?" He whispered to which I shrugged. I really wasn't hungry but to piss dad off, I'll eat it.
Shane began to run toward the barn and Rick was next in line following him. It only took a second before his group followed in suit. My group looked at me. I sighed as I pushed Titus off my lap. I wiped the dirt off my pants and walked toward the barn with my group following closely behind.
Shane being the dumbass he is walked straight up to the barn door. Hearing a growl, he jumped back and walked over to Rick. "You can not tell me you're ok with this."
"I'm not." Rick stated firmly. "But we're guests here. This isn't our land."
"God. This is our lives man!" Shane screamed.
"Lower your voice."
"We can't just sweep this under the rug." I glared at Andrea who instantly shut her mouth. Good job bitch. Lay down.
"We either got to go in there, we got to make things right, or we just gotta go. Now we've been talking about Fort Benning for a long time-"
"We can't just go." Rick tried to reason. He's undermining your authority Rick, that's all you have to say?
"Why Rick? Why?"
"Because my daughter's still out there." Carol said. Even I know that's not a possibility but I'm not going to tell her that. Hell Sophia made it to my camp, maybe she made it with other survivors.
"Ok..." Shane wiped his face trying to decide his words carefully. "I think it's time we all start to just... consider the other possibilities-"
"Shane we are not leaving Sophia behind." Now Rick's going to be the leader to be the hero. One or the other Rick, not both. Never both.
"I'm close to findin' this girl. I just found 'er doll a few days ago."
"You found her doll Daryl. That's what you did. You found a doll." Shane screamed at my dad.
"Anna?" Courtney asked standing beside me.
"Don't get involved." I growled.
"Look I'm just saying what needs to be said here." Yeah officer Douche Bag with his voice of reasons. I scoffed. "Let me tell you something else man. If she was alive out there saw you coming. All meth'd out with your buck knife, geek ears around your neck. She would run in the other direction." I was pissed. Its one thing to say that to Merle. Its another to say it to my father.
"Anna." Madison whispered in annoyance.
"Don't get involved." I looked over at Corbin. I wanted to do something I really do. I want to bash his fucking head in... but that's not going to happen, unless he chooses the right words.
Dad charged for Shane, everyone in Rick's group tried to get between them. Except for my group who hasn't moved from the same spot since we came over here.
"Let me talk to Hershel. Let me figure it out." Rick tried to reason with him but like I've said many times; Shane is a fucking dumbass.
"Man, what are you going to figure out!" He yelled charging at Rick but Lori stopped him. Lucky keeping her legs closed too.
"If we're gonna stay. If we're gonna clear this barn. I have to talk him into it. This is his land." Finally Rick comes to his senses. I almost fell to my knees and thanked sweet Jesus.
Dale stepped up beside Rick, "Hershel sees those things in there as people. Sick people. His wife. His... His stepson."
"You knew?" Rick questioned stepping closer to him. You going to beat up an old man if he doesn't give you an answer?
"Yesterday I talked to Hershel."
"And you waited the night?"
"I thought we could survive one more night. We did. I was waiting till this morning to say something but Glenn wanted to be the one."
"This is crazy Rick." Shane began to yell again. I was fed up and this isn't even my group. I'm sick and tired of this shit. "Then no-"
"Enough!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. Everyone turned around and looked at me in shock. Except for Shane, he glared. "Shut the fuck up! I'm sick an tired of yer bullshit. All this yellin'. Are ya fuckin' dumb? Are ya that fuckin' simple?" I waited for a remark from Shane but didn't get one so I continued. "Y'all are really fuckin' stupid if ya think ya have an opinion on this matter."
Shane glared at me then opened hi big fat mouth. "I have-"
"No ya see ya fuckin' don't. None of ya do. Wha' Rick says goes. This is Hershel's farm, his barn, his say. It doesn't matter wha' ya say, how ya say it, ya can't fuckin' change tha'. Ya don't git ta take charge. Ya don't git ta change the rules. All ya do is follow them. So I suggest ya stop measuring yer dicks."
"What makes you think a little girl has a say in this?" Shane asked rubbing his head.
I laughed. "Look I see two group leaders here and neither one is ya. So stop bein' a prick." Shane looked liked if no one was around he'd slaughter me. Good. "Rick if ya wanna talk ta Hershel I suggest we do it now."
"We?" Rick asked stepping in front of everyone.
"What?" I chuckled and pointed to the barn. "Ya think I'm ok with this? Fuck no." Rick looked at me amused. "But instead of poppin' a damn ball over it..." I looked over at Shane. "Lets just talk ta the man who owns the fuckin' barn." I simply stated. Rick nodded and began walking the small distance toward the house. I turned and looked at my group. "Stay away from them an the barn. Ya got that?"
"Yes ma'am." Everyone said. I nodded and ran after Rick. Who I, again, easily caught up with.
"Thank you." I raised my eyebrow at Rick. "For Shane." I mumbled a your welcome. Although I didn't mean it. He owes me a lot more than a 'thank you' if you ask me.
Once we got to the porch Rick began to reach for the handle. I stuck my arm in front of him to stop him. I sighed and knocked lightly on the screen door. "Come on in." Rick walked in first, a little to eager if you ask me. I walked in soon after. I just want to get this over with.
"A little light reading for lunch?" Rick asked as he walked to the kitchen table. I rolled my eyes. There Hershel sat at the head of the table reading his Bible.
"Been working so hard lately. I get my study in where I can." He didn't even look up at us.
"Ma people have been helpin' out with yer work. We lived on farms we know wha' it's like."
"It's my field to tend." He snapped at me. I leaned on a chair beside Rick. I let out a quiet sigh. Well looks as if my group and I no longer have a place to sleep.
Rick was quiet for a while just staring at Hershel as he read. I scoffed lightly. He's taking to damn long. "We found tha barn."
"Leave it be." Again, Hershel didn't even try to make eye contact with us.
"I'd like to talk about it but... either way your barn, your farm, your say." Rick looked over at me. Yes Rick, I know I said that, thank you.
Hershel brushed off his comment. "I don't want to talk about the barn. I don't want a debate."
"Not a debate, a discussion."
Hershel turned in his chair to face Rick. He had an annoyed look, as he wiped his face. "I need you and your group gone by the end of the week. Both of you."
"We talked ta Dale." I spoke up. My group was planning on leaving anyway but that doesn't mean Rick can't stay in this place. Great, a Dixon trying to be the hero... for a third time. "We have a different views. The way we look at the roamers. Those-"
"People." Rick interrupted me. I raised my eyebrow at Rick. I'll let that go mostly because I have no other fuckng choice. Rick glanced at me and I gave him a scowl. He nodded, hopefully staying out of my business unless I'm drowning.
"They may be dead, they may be alive, but Ricks group an mine. We're alive. Now me an ma group are planin' on leavin'. Tha' ain't changin'. Ya send Ricks group out there. Hell, ya said so yerself, how could they hav' survived this long? But ya send there group out there tha' will change."
"I've given them and you a safe harbor. My conscious is clear." Hershel said. After a moment of awkward silence he went back to reading his bible and eating his lunch. I turned my head and and closed my eyes. No way we could convince him.
Rick pulled his chair out and sat down. "This farm... this farm is special. You've been shielded by what's been going on out there. Dale said you saw everything happen on the news, well, it's been... its been a long time since the cameras stopped rolling."
Hershel grabbed his plate and glass and took it to the kitchen. With Rick hot on his tail giving him the voice of reason. I on the other hand know when to give up. I turned and walked back out onto the porch. I sighed in agitation but then covered it up with an unemotional one. I heard the men scream then the screen door open the slam shut.
"Daryl know you planning on leaving?" Rick asked from behind me.
"Na. But Dad also knows tha' I can't be tied down to one spot fer too long. A Dixon trait we both carry, I guess." I shrugged. I looked over toward the barn to see Shane watching it. I sighed. "Ya mind talkin' some sense into officer dip shit over there. He's startin' ta scare all yer women, an ma group. Ever since he came back from tha' medical trip with Otis he's been... different."
"I know." Rick said putting his head down. "He's my best friend..."
"A lot of people change in this world, Rick. We jus' choose how much." He nodded and began walking toward Shane. I think I just gave the commanding officer some confidence. I smirk and shook my head.
I whistled lowly for Titus, who was at my feet in seconds covered in blood. I panicked and ran to check him for bites. I sighed contentedly when I found nothing. I heard Alex scream and run toward me.
"Look Anna... I can explain." He said between breaths.
"Ya better fuckin' start now." I screamed standing at my full height. A couple inches taller them him. "Why the hell is ma dog covered in blood?"
"We went hunting. Had a close call with a roamer in the forest. Nothing happened. I took care of it."
"We...?"
He looked down at his feet and ran his hand threw his long hair. "Me, Corbin, Kamon, and Hailey..."
The anger boiled over and my hands clenched at my sides. "Hold up. Let me jus' think 'bout this fer a minute. Ya went on an unapproved huntin' trip. Ya took my dog, knowing he would listen ta y'all. Then my dog is covered in blood an all ya can say is I took care of it." By the end of my little speech my group circled around me.
"Anna... we didn't think-"
"Yeah that's right Corbin ya didn't think." I whispered. "You and you..." Pointing to Alex and Hailey. "Wash ma dog." They nodded and went to do their chore. "These people may be 'ere but the rules have not changed. Go back ta wha' ya where doin'." I screamed. Everyone jumped and mumbled a yes ma'am. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose.
I sitting on the porch of Hershel's house rubbing a now clean Titus down with a towel. Still a little mad that no one in my group could follow the rules, but I'm getting over it quickly now that I know for sure that my dog is ok.
I was holding back laughter from Glenn and Maggie. You figure that since they've had sex before they wouldn't be so... awkward around each other. Glenn went to go get his baseball cap. Apparently Maggie smashed an egg in it. I miss all the fun. Maggie looked back at me and smiled.
"Wha's so funny?" I asked her still trying to dry off Titus.
"A Dixon and her dog." She smiled again.
I rolled my eyes. "Ma uncle got me this dog fer ma 7th birthday. It was the first an the last birthday present I got. Well... tha' wasn't related ta huntin'." I dried him off one last time then grabbed his leather collar. This was the other non hunting present I got and it was for my dog. I clipped it around his neck and pointed down. "Good boy."
"He's really well trained." Maggie said.
"Wha' else did I hav' ta do growin' up?" Titus is all I have left of my uncle.
While dad got a beer from the fridge, I went to see where uncle Merle was. I walked into the small living room to see uncle Merle sitting on the couch.
"There ya two are. I was lookin' fer ya." Merle smiled. Smiled? "Come here kid." He opened his arms. I cautiously walked toward him. Once I was in close range he leaned forward, grabbed me, and plopped me on his lap. "Gotta somethin' fer yer birthday squirt."
"Merle?" Dad warned sitting down beside us. "We said we would take her huntin' an tha' was it."
"I can't git my lil niece one fuckin' present?" He pushed me into dad's lap. "Here take her. I gotta go git it from the truck." He got up and slammed the door on his way out. I jumped in dad's arms and he frowned.
I moved to where I wasn't sitting on dad's lap anymore but still somewhat close to him on the couch. We sat in silence as I picked at my hands.
I had to break this silence. "Wha' do ya think it is?"
"Knowin' yer uncle Merle, it could be anythin' baby girl." He took a sip of his beer and I laid my head on his arm. He stiffened and shook me off.
"I'm sorry." I whispered.
He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by Merle. Merle came through the door with a small grey puppy in his hand. "Here squirt." He set the puppy in my lap and grinned. "Happy Birthday."
"A fuckin' puppy? Ya think a seven year ol' girl can take care of a puppy?"
"We can teach it ta track. Take it huntin' with us."
"What kind of dog is it?" I asked.
"A great dane. He'll git big, bigger than any other dog you've seen before."
"Where'd ya git a great dane from?" Dad asked still in shock.
"An old buddy of mine pure bread dog an this one was the runt. No one wanted him. Gave him ta me fer a steal. Figured might git Anna ta actually be fuckin' happy about somethin'."
Dad sighed but agreed to keep the small puppy. "Wha' are ya gonna name him baby girl?"
"Um..." I lifted the puppy up to check it's gender. Boy. Like Merle would get anything else. We sat in comfortable silence for awhile. The two men sipping on their beers as I pet the nameless puppy on my lap. "Titus."
"Wha'?"
"Titus." I looked up at dad with a smile of my face. "Titus, that's the puppies name daddy. Titus."
Andrea and T-Dogg ran up to the porch. Ugh, will I ever get away from this bitch? "Where is everyone?" She asked completely ignoring me. Well... time to fuck with her.
"Thought ya guys were suppose ta leave earlier? Wha'? To busy with yer legs open?"
"You are such a dick, you know that?" She huffed.
"At least I don't fuck every guy I see. Oh wait ya only go fer psychopaths." I said pointing to Shane in the distance with the bag of guns. "Searchin' fer Sophia... Tha' involve fuckin' Shane?" She glared and I did the same back. Then sighed and looked over at Maggie. "Tha's right bitch, lay down."
"Rick went off with Hershel. We were suppose to leave a couple hours ago."
"Yeah ya were. Wha' the hell?" Dad said walking along side Carol. "Damn it. Isn't anyone takin' this thing seriously. We got us a damn trail." He pointed off then saw Shane approach with the bag of guns. I walked up to stand beside dad with Titus at my feet. "Oh 'ere we go." I rolled my eyes. "Wha's all this?"
Shane held out a shotgun. "You with me man?" Dad grabbed and cocked it. "Time to grow up. You gonna protect your group?" He asked me with a pistol in his hands. I smirked and push it away from me.
"I told ya before deputy... I like ta admire stupidity, not be apart if it."
He shook his head and handed T-Dogg the pistol. "Thought we couldn't carry?" He asked the question everyone was thinking.
"Yeah well, we can, and we have to. Now look, it's one thing picking daisies when we thought this place was safe. But now we know it ain't. How about you man?" He approached Glenn holding out a rifle. "You gonna protect yours?" Glenn looked over at Maggie then nodded accepting the gun. "That's it. Can you shoot?" He asked Maggie.
"Can you stop." She replied. "You do this, you hand out these guns, my dad's gonna make you leave tonight."
"We have to stay Shane." Carl spoke up on the porch.
"What is this?" Lori asked.
"We ain't going anywhere ok." Shane told Carl as he set down the guns. I rolled my eyes at another one of Shane's great speeches. "Now Hershel, he just gonna understand, or he's gonna have to. Now we need to find Sophia, am I right?" He keeled down to Carl's height and handed him a pistol. "Now I want you to take this. You take it Carl. You keep your mother safe. Do whatever it takes. You know how. Take it."
I walked over to Shane and Carl, stopping Lori on my way over. I shoved Carl back a little behind me. "Ya ain't his father Shane. Ya ain't in charge. Hershel said no guns. His land. Ricks group. This ain't yer call. This ain't yer kin." Shane glared at me but I brushed it off. Like I care?
"Oh shit!" T-Dogg said looking over at Rick, Hershel, and Jimmy pulling... walkers. Great.
"What is that?" Shane said running over as everyone, but me, followed in suit.
I whistled loudly catching my groups attention and pointed toward the barn. Everyone then began running toward the barn. I can only imagine what Shane could possibly do.