CHAPTER 13

Martinez has the record player on again. I could hear Eric Clapton playing in the background as he holds me in his arms.

The song Layla comes on, and it reminds me of my current situation. Two men wanting me. And I didn't want that.

I was not a cheater. Never. But yet I had done just that.

"I don't want you to leave," Martinez whispers.

"Me either but Philip is..." I said looking to his eyes trying to find the words.

"He is brutal. We've done things together, Andrea. Terrible things to survive. If my wife and kids knew that would be afraid of me. I am ashamed,"he says, his voice darkening.

"What have you done?"

"I don't want to say, but the more I think about it. The more I am convince he's not going to let you end the relationship. Unless he think it's his idea. I could take him, but he has so many men on his side," Martinez cringes.

I turn to look into his eyes. And I see a sign tear falling on his face. I never pictured Martinez crying, but we both know at this moment are options are limited. We have both had depended on Philip and Woodbury for survival. But us being together would destroy our universal as we knew it.

"I know. This whole situation sucks," I said my voice starting to crumble.

"You ain't kidding. I wish none of this happened. There were no biters. Because I want more than anything to make you are safe," he promises pulling my tee-shirt over my head.

We both know I was going to have to leave soon. I wanted to tell him everything would be all right, and that everything would work out. Still I knew better to make promises that I couldn't keep.

"We could run away together. Neither one of us told him. I could pretend for a while longer until we get everything we need. We could steal a car, some food, and other supplies. We could do it," I whisper.

"You love Woodbury. This is what you wanted. A community," he says unsure.

"I want you more. You do too. We are good people, Martinez. We can't survive knowing that others will have to suffer. You said you were a school teacher. Whatever Philip has you doing, I know it goes against your beliefs," I reasoned with him.

"I know, but I don't know about giving this up. It's not that easy," he says reaching for my hand.

I open my mouth to say something. Then I hear footsteps. Someone is inside the apartment. I knew exactly who it was.

Martinez pulls on his pants, and stands in front of me in a protective way. Both of our bodies trembling.

Philip was standing in front of us with a gun in his hand.

Chapter 14

"Philip, I am sorry. I wish I could say this isn't what it looks like, but I can't lie to you, man," Martinez says not knowing what else to do.

We were caught. Might as well get the truth out there and see how things go.

"We didn't want to tell you like this," I said looking into his blues eyes.

"You didn't." Philip's voice is ice-cold.

"You knew? This morning when you questioned me, you already knew." I said everything suddenly making sense.

"Yes. Milton told me everything while you where sleeping. Did you ever plan on telling me? Or were you two going to keep sneaking behind my back?"

"Philip, come on. Andrea doesn't belong to you," Martinez says squeezing my hand.

"Don't touch her. Don't look at her," he yells at him.

"Please, I never meant to hurt you, but I can't help how I feel about him," I said letting of Martinez's hand. I moved closer to Philip, looking for the words to say.

"The two people I trusted the most in the world stabbed me in the back. My best friend and my girl. Andrea did you just want to fuck him? Do you think you are in love with him? You think you'll be happier with him?" He yells holding up a gun in my face.

"I can't answer all these questions on the spot. But I know that when I am with you I feel like I am always walking on eggshells. When I am with him, I get to laugh and have fun. Everything so control with you. And you're constantly manipulating me, to get your way," I said closing my eyes.

I was prepared for him to shoot me.

"Everything I have done has been to protect you. Damn it, Andrea," he says grabbing my arm.

"Don't blame her. This was all me. I went after Andrea. She tried to stop me, but I wouldn't take no for an answer. I had to have her," Martinez pleads for my life.

"I guess sex is more important to you then friendship. You were my best friend. I loved you like a brother," Philip screams again.

"I am still your best friend. And you know that I appreciate everything you've done for us. So does Andrea," Martinez tells him.

"I find that hard to believe. I expected loyalty from both of you, and to see this. I can't accept this. Not you two together," he says putting down the gun for the moment.

"We weren't married Philip. We never agreed to be exclusive," I said looking at him.

"If you two want to be together then hit the road. Take your shit and leave Woodbury," he hisses.

"Can we take our weapons? Any food?" I asked concerned.

"No. Just your clothes and you can take your record player. How about that?" He smirks.

Martinez stares at him. "You are sending us out there to die," he says finally.

"You know what happens to people when they leave Woodbury. You two are lucky, I am letting you walk out of here alive," Philip says harshly.

"Martinez," I said looking into his brown eyes.

His eyes meet with mine, and we both know what we have to do. Philip senses what is happening, there is an evil grin on his face.

"If we aren't together. Can she stay?" he says, looking at me.

"You both can. If you end your relationship for good. Pledge your loyalty to me. What do you say?" He smiles, knowing he has won.

Either we die being together, or we stay alive apart.

"I am with you Philip. Andrea, it's over. It has to be," Martinez mutters.

"I fucking hate you both now," I said walking out of the apartment.

"Andrea, wait up. Where are you going," Philips says grabbing my arm.