Author's note: First off I want to apologize for any grammar mistakes in this chapter, but it's one in the morning and I need to sleep. Other than that I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, it was actually rather hard for me to write. I nearly ended it early a few times, but as of right now I think it ended rather well. We'll see tomorrow after I actually have some rest.
~Cassandra
Disclaimer: I don't own the Walking Dead, however Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus, you guys are welcome to call me any time. ;)
Rick stared out into the open field trying to gather his thoughts. It was really a pretty sight to see, now that he took the time to see it. Pale green grass slowly turning into a yellow, due to the soon changing season. A large tall forest outlining it in the background. The type of thing Mara would appreciate. His lips curved slightly at the thought. She seemed to appreciate the things others overlooked. It one of the many things Rick loved about her.
The sound of the screen door shutting from behind, drew Rick from his thoughts. Through the corner of his eye, he could see Hershel moving to stand next to him. Giving the older man a glance of acknowledgement Rick looked back at the field. "This place is beautiful." He complimented.
"Been in my family one hundred and sixty years." Hershel informed.
"I can't believe how serene it is." Rick continued. "How untouched. You're lucky."
Hershel shook his head slightly. "We weren't completely unscathed. We lost friends, neighbors. The epidemic took my wife, my stepson."
"I'm sorry." Rick apologized. His couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose Lori or Carl. Not when the thought of losing Mara made him feel so helpless. Who knows how he would have dealt with this all if Carl was in her stead.
"My daughters were spared. I'm grateful to God for that." Hershel paused for a second. "These people here, all we've got left is each other. Just hoping we can ride it out in peace till there's a cure."
The mention of a cure immediately brought Rick back to a few days ago. When he and the others were so happy and carefree at the CDC. They were laughing, drinking, eating well for the first time in weeks. No one expected their safe haven to turn into a death trap only a few hours later. 'There was an explosion-fire-a countdown-panic, it was like a really bad action movie.' Well no one except Mara, who suffered from her strange visions. It had been the last and most violent out of all visions, sending her into seizure of screams. One that only stopped after being slapped by Daryl.
"We were at the C.D.C." Rick said, pushing the memory away. Last thing he wanted to remember were his actions after Mara revealed what she saw. Especially with the guilt he already felt for not protecting her. "It's gone now. There is no cure."
Hershel merely smiled, shaking his head. "I don't believe that. When AIDS came along, everyone panicked. One boy came in town came down with it, and some parents pulled their children from school so they didn't have to sit in the same room."
"This is a whole other thing." Rick argued. Vaguely he wondered how this man could compare AIDS to this. Compared to this… AIDS were nothing. Sure they were horrible, but they didn't bring back the dead or made the dead hunger for human flesh.
"That's what we always say-this one's different-"
"Well this one is." Rick restated firmly.
"Mankind's been fighting plagues from the start. We get our behinds kicked for a while then we bounce back. It's nature correcting herself, restoring some balance." Hershel disagreed.
"I wish I could believe that." Rick replied, looking away. He meant what he said; Rick really did wish he could have Hershel's undying belief that everything would be alright. However other than finding his family, nothing seemed to point in that direction for him. Walkers attacked their safe spot in the mountains. The CDC turned out to be a bust, while everyone at the old folks' home were slaughtered. Then Sophia went missing and it was all his fault. And the one time he prayed for a sign of hope…God decided to take away the only thing keeping him strong.
Once more, Rick was drawn away from his thoughts, before he could dwell. This time by the sight of Maggie riding towards them. Behind her, a familiar dark haired woman clutched onto her tightly…Lori. Without a second thought, he began walking to them. "Lori…" he said, unsure what to say.
"I heard the shot." Lori explained, sliding off the horse. "I had to come-even if she told me, it was Mara. I had to come and make sure, the two of you were alright."
Rick nodded numbly, still not knowing what to say. This definitely was the last thing he ever expected. Though he didn't really know why. If roles were reversed, Rick wouldn't hesitate to do the same. Still seeing Lori brought on the strange feeling of shame in Rick. Almost as if in worrying for Mara, he had somehow betrayed his wife. He gave her a small smile but it was fake. "We almost weren't. Mara took the shot for Carl." Rick informed. "She must've had a vision or something, because one moment Carl and her are petting a deer…next thing the deer is dead and Mara's lying on top of Carl, bleeding."
A look of horror and relief washed over her face. It was probably the same look he wore only a few minutes ago-except to a lesser degree. From what Rick could tell Lori and Mara got along well, but they were nowhere close like he and Mara were. Lori quickly recomposed herself. Something which Rick envied her for greatly. No matter how much he tried, Rick couldn't push away the fear building within him. "Where's Carl now?" Lori questioned.
"Asleep in one of the rooms." Rick couldn't help, but smile at what he said next. "He wanted to stay up, but I think today's events wore him out."
"And Shane? Is he in the house too?"
The smile fell from his lips. Awkwardly he shifted his weight not knowing what exactly to say. "He went on a run with one of the men here….The bullet shattered into pieces when it hit Mara. There are about five pieces they still need to get out of her body, along with an artery they need to stitch. To that they need to put her under. Only problem is Mara can't breathe on her own, when put under. Not without a respirator."
"And Shane went out to get it?" Lori said, rather than asked. Her voice was firm for the most part, but Rick could hear the tiny cracks in it. Shane was pretty much family to them. He took care of Lori and Carl, while Rick was comatose. So it was only natural for Lori to be upset about him leaving.
"There a high school about five miles away, where they opened up a FEMA shelter. He volunteered to go, along with the other man. I would have gone with, but Mara needs blood." Rick explained, practically pleading for Lori to understand. For some reason he felt that if Lori understood his actions, then everything would be alright. "Hershel-the doctor says that even with her brother and I giving blood, it still might not be enough."
She gave him a stiff nod, before looking up at him curiously. "Brother?"
"Easton." Rick confirmed. "I know, it surprised me too."
Her eyes darkened slightly and an unknown expression passed on her face. "And how is he taking all this?"
Rick shook his head. "Better than I am. He's so calm, I don't know how he does it."
Lori said nothing, merely offering him a small smile. There wasn't much she could say to ease her husband's guilt. Even if she knew the right thing to say, Rick would still blame himself. That was just the type of person he was. Anything and everything that went wrong was somehow his fault. He left no room for himself to be imperfect. No matter how many times he forgave others for their mistakes. It was probably the reason Mara and him got along so well. They both seemed to take on more responsibility than anyone else in the group. And while Mara could hide her contempt for failure better, Lori had a feeling the young girl was just like Rick. "Let's go inside, huh? There's no use in standing out here worrying." Lori suggested.
Her husband gave a solemn nodded, his thoughts obviously elsewhere. Slowly they made their way into the house. Inside a large group of people sat, staring at a door not too far from them. Quietly she gazed around the room, wondering if Mara's brother sat somewhere in the mass. However the only boy there was far too young to be her brother. She turned to ask Rick a question, but hesitated upon noticing the anxious look on his face. "What's going?" he demanded to know.
"Your friend needed another transplant." Maggie answered.
Rick ran a hand through his hair. "Why didn't anyone get me?"
"We were about to, but Easton just stuck the needle right in his arm." She explained. A frustrated sigh escaped Rick. What good was he, if Mara wasn't getting blood from him? Forcing the guilt back yet again, Rick started towards the door. Briefly forgetting all about Lori, who followed close behind.
Upon opening the door, Rick's eyes landed instantly on Mara. A little colored had returned to her cheeks, but Rick knew that was only a temporary effect of the transfusion. In no time, she'd go back to that ghastly white color of death. Wearily he walked over to her, fingers brushing a loose strand of black hair from her forehead. It was amazing how soft her hair felt. You wouldn't expect it to be, since it was so unruly and what not. "She's alright-at least for now she is." Easton's voice came.
Suddenly the world came into full context for Rick. Across from him, sat Mara's older brother, watching the officer cautiously. While just right behind him, Lori-his wife stared at him expressionless. Reluctantly Rick withdrew his hand. The feeling of Mara's hair stuck firmly in his head. "You should have told me, she needed blood. I would've came right over." Rick mentioned, hand clenching into a fist.
"You already gave blood once today." Easton merely stated. "You need some time to recover, especially if you plan on giving my sister more."
"You are Mara's brother. Easton." Lori said, announcing her presence.
Easton stared at the older woman a little taken back. When he sent Maggie out to inform the others of the news, Lori was the last thing on his mind. With her son no longer in danger, Easton never expected Lori to come. Nor did he ever imagine having a conversation with her. And while the action might seem like nothing, it was really taking a lot out of Easton. Although he didn't hate Lori like his younger brother Zane did…Easton didn't particularly like her either. Lori was the exact opposite of everything Easton wanted Mara to be. "I am." Easton finally replied.
It was short, but he had answered Rick the same way. Besides as his mother always said, 'if you have nothing to say, then don't say anything.' Though Mara and him were the only ones who really followed that rule. Zane had no qualms telling people exactly what he thought. Bryon was the same way, except he had more control of himself. "You must be Rick's wife." Easton added, extending a hand out to her.
She took it, eyes unwavering from his. "I am."
Rick watched the exchange curiously. For whatever reason, Easton appeared not to like his wife too much. While the younger man had not said or done anything offensive, the coldness in his actions spoke volumes. Only question was why? Mara never seemed to have any problems with his wife. In fact, he thought they were on pretty good terms. What reason would her brother have to hate his wife? "How many transfusions as she had?" Lori asked, suddenly.
"Two so far." Easton answered, "However I have no doubt she's going to need more."
"How can you tell?" Lori questioned.
"Let's just say, you tend to pick things up, being a combat medic." Easton respond, his eyes transfixed on Mara. Almost as if lost in thought, thanks to Lori's question. It was obvious the man was in no mood to answer any more questions. At least not by Lori. Giving his wife's hand a soft, Rick suggested Lori go check on Carl. Their son was bound to be up soon anyway. Reluctantly she agreed, leaving both men alone in the room.
Neither one of them said anything. They both were lost in thought, despite the coming and going of people. Hershel stopped by to draw more blood. Patricia came to give them orange juice. Carl stayed for a little while, taking a seat next his father. Heck, even Hershel's eldest daughter Maggie came in to make sure Easton was alright. However none of these visits ever fully comprehended with either of their minds. At least not until Hershel came to check Mara's pressure for the hundredth time that day. "Pressure's dropping again. We can't wait much longer." Hershel announced.
A despondent sigh escaped Easton's lips as he buried his head in his hands. The sight cause fear to rise once again within Rick. Hastily he stood up, thrusting his arm to Hershel. "Take some more, whatever she needs. Then I'm going to go." Rick instructed.
Easton let out a heartless chuckle. His hands still covering his face. "There's no use going after them, Rick. If Shane and Otis are in trouble, there's nothing more you can do. Besides at this point, I don't think it matters. Even if they do come back in time, they'll be too late."
"Then take more blood. Take as much as you need-take all of it-as long as you keep her alive, until I can return with them." Rick pressed.
"You seriously don't get it, do you?" Easton snapped. His hand no longer shielding his face. "There's no point in going after them. Especially when you can barely stand on your own as it is."
"There has to be something I can do." Rick insisted.
"Nothing. There's nothing, you or anyone can do, but pray."
Hours passed since that moment. Rick continued to waited for Shane to return alongside Easton. He somehow managed to convince the panicked brother to hold out a little longer. Though in truth, it took less effort than Rick expected it to. Still he could feel the rising tension in the man. Mainly, because Rick could feel his own apprehension growing as well. "Shane's gonna make it back with what the doctor needs." Rick assured, the younger man.
Easton merely nodded, not saying a thing. The officer spent the last six minutes recounting the story of Shane stealing their principal's car. It was story, Easton already knew. He had heard it, when watching the original episode in the safety of his living room. Only then, Rick told the story to Lori, not him. And, it was Carl dying in bed…not his little sister. "What's your relationship with my sister?" Easton finally inquired, after minutes of silence.
"She's saved my life-and my family's life more times than I can count." Rick revealed, eyes focused on Mara. "I was in a coma up till about two weeks ago. I ran into Mara when trying to escape the hospital I was asleep in. She was right outside my door-passed out. When I woke her up, she started screaming like I was the devil or something. Gave the walkers locked in a room nearby something to growl about."
"So she's been with you this whole time?" Easton chuckled slightly. He couldn't imagine what it must've been like for Mara to be around. The girl wasn't exactly your average Joe.
Rick chuckled a little too. "Yup. She hasn't left my side this whole time. Even, when I begged her not to follow me."
"Yeah, she's like that. Unfortunately though, stubbornness runs in our family-along with stupidity." Easton joked.
"I know. Mara's told me all about you and your brothers." Rick reflected. "Often called you three, dumb, dumber and dumbest."
Easton was now grinning. "Yeah she does that too. However I suppose it's only fair with the array of nicknames we have armed for her. Not that you can really blame us. Mara's more than a little sister to my brother Bryon and I. We practically raised her and my brother Zane together…..Our mother died, when we were all young…and our father wasn't much of a man. He treated us boys way better than Mara, but he was still a bastard."
Rick nodded, collecting his thoughts. It was no secret to him, how terrible Mara's father was. After all the man had been the reason for more than one of Mara's breakdown; and he wasn't even there, when they happened. Nonetheless, hearing the story from someone else only bore the fact deeper into Rick. If it was that apparent to her own brother, it must've been worse than Rick imagined. "You and your brothers aren't the only thing, Mara's talked about." Rick murmured.
There was a weary smile on Easton's face. "Dad's really done a number on Mar-Mar's self esteem. Especially since she came home for not being able to qualify with her weapon."
Rick blinked. "You mean for hurting her back?"
Now it was Easton's turn to blink. A look of confusion shown on his face, before quickly turning into one of understanding. "Yeah, that's what I meant."
An awkward silence filled the room as Rick pondered his knew found information. From day one, Mara swore she could shoot. She even got all snarky with him, when he questioned otherwise. Furthermore, Rick knew for a fact she could shoot. He witnessed it firsthand. Yet, it all made sense. Despite claiming to be able to handle a gun and being given one, Mara always seemed reluctant around the weapon. It wasn't until the attack on their camp, did Mara ever seem fully comfortable using one. "Mara went home, because she couldn't qualify with her weapon." Rick repeated, chuckling a little. "Who would have guessed it?"
"She's extremely ashamed about it. Especially after all the humiliation our father put her through, because of it." Easton admitted. "Not that it's her fault to begin with. Some people just can shoot."
"Your sister can shoot." Rick disagreed. "I've seen her shoot plenty of times, and she's only missed the mark a few."
Disbelief spread across the younger man's face, before a boastful grin took over. It wasn't hard to see, how proud the older sibling was of the younger one. He practically looked like a parent hearing of their child's achievements. "Who would have guessed it?" Easton agreed.
Their conversation was cut short by a knock on the door. Turning to look at it, Rick's eyes collided with those of Glenn and T-Dog. The two members of his group came into the room cautiously. Both men's eyes widening upon the sight of Mara's still body. Glenn was the first to speak, muttering a small 'hey' as he took off his cap. Rick replied back with a soft 'hey' of his own. Unsure what to say or do the Korean boy looked from his two friends to the stranger seated in the chair besides them. Vaguely he couldn't help, but notice the small similarities between the man and his friend laying in bed. However he pushed back those thoughts for now. There were more important things to dwell on, than how identical the two looked. "Um, we're here, okay?" Glenn muttered, lamely.
"Whatever you need, just tell us." T-Dog added.
Rick nodded, running a hand over his face. Between the guilt and fear struggling to break free within him, Rick didn't know how much longer he'd keep it in. To think a woman, he only met two weeks ago was causing so much chaos within him. It didn't make sense. Then again, rarely did anything involving Mara make sense. "Thanks." Rick murmured.
With one last nod and glance at Mara, the two slowly retreated out of the room, just as Hershel came in. The older man gave them a soft smile, before leaning over Mara. Gently he tipped her over on her side to reveal the woman's swelling stomach. Soon a frown craved its way into Hershel's face. "They don't get back soon, we're gonna have decision to make, Easton." Hershel declared.
"And that is?" Rick questioned.
"Whether to operate on Mara without putting her under." Easton answered, numbly.
Rick glanced at both men in disbelief. "But you said-"
"I know, it's highly unlikely to work. But we can't wait much longer." Hershel explained. "She can either die without us trying. Or die with us at least giving it a shot."
Easton gazed at his sister's stomach, trying to swallow the angry black bruise forming on it. He had no idea what to do. On one hand this is exactly what happened to Carl during the episode. While on the other hand, Easton couldn't put all his eggs in one basket. Who knew if this would follow the same storyline as before. For all Easton knew, Shane could arrive too late. Or maybe Shane and Otis would both die at the high school. Anything was possible right now. "Shane will be back on time. I swear to you, Easton. You just have to wait." Rick begged.
He eyed the officer wearily, his mind not fully there. Oh, how he wanted to believe Rick. There was nothing more Easton would rather do than believe him. Staring at the older man for a few seconds longer, Easton made his decision. The officer seemed to genuinely care for Mara, more than any normal friend would. But he had to consider all options… "We'll wait for Shane, but if something else happens-pressure drop or whatever….we'll perform without the anesthetics." Easton decided.
"As you wish." Hershel said, tiredly.
"Yeah…as I wish…" Easton muttered. He shifted his weight awkwardly, before turning towards the door.
"Where are you going, Easton?" Hershel called out.
"For some air!" Easton shouted. The slamming of the front door could be heard from their room. Sighing Rick slid back down into his chair. Silently he hoped Easton wasn't going to do anything irrational. Easton had been all against Rick leaving to go after Shane and Otis, but people did stupid things in desperation. Rick would know.
Hershel sat down beside him. "He'll be alright, he just needs some time to gather his thoughts."
"I don't see how he'll be able to that. I've been trying to do the same thing for the last few hours-and she's just my friend." Rick sighed.
"Situations like these are never easy. They weren't before the plague and they certainly are not after. Unfortunately though, they are part of life. You live and then you die. It's just the way things are."
Rick simply snorted, not saying a thing. Death may be a part of life-even more so nowadays, but no one would ever get used to it. Especially when they were deaths like Mara's. He closed his eyes at that last thought. No, he would not think like that. Mara would not die. Shane was going to arrive in time. There was no other option. Then he heard it. In a voice so soft that Rick almost missed it, he heard Mara call his name.
His eyes snapped opened, instantly meeting with the unmistakable black eyes of Mara. Uncontrollably his body lurched forward to her bedside. A small smile spread across Rick's face; his fingers immediately began to stroke her soft black hair. "Right here. I'm right here, Mar." he assured, his head snapped toward Hershel. "Easton-we have to go tell him-"
"Rick. I'm so sorry." Mara breathed out again. "I tried to save him, I really did-but the vision, it came too late. I didn't know Carl was going to get shot, until we were petting the dear. I swear-"
"Don't speak too much, dear. You'll wear yourself out that way." Hershel advised softly.
Those dark orbs of hers flickered towards the older man. Her eyebrows scrunched up in confusion, causing Rick's heart to drop. She didn't remember who Hershel was. Hell, Mara didn't even remember she got shot. His hand clenched tightly around the covers at the fact. This couldn't be good. There was no way this could be good. "That's Hershel. You remember, Mara? You had an accident-you took the bullet for Carl-you saved my son, Mara. I can never repay you for that." Rick whispered softly.
It took a few seconds for Mara to comprehend what he said, but Rick knew she got it, when a smile spread across her face. He couldn't help smile back, as he rest his head against hers. Tears began to well up in Rick's eyes at both his happiness and fear. She was awake, but for how much longer. "Rick…I need to ask you, something….a favor." Mara requested.
"Anything. I'll do anything." Rick swore, taking her hand.
"I'm shot…So, I'm going to die, right? I need….I need you to make sure I don't come back…" Mara pleaded. "I know what Jenner told you…about everyone being….you can't-you can't let me, become like one of them. Promise me."
His body stiffened at her words. Mara knew about everybody being infected. She knew that they were all supposedly going to become a walker one day. And she wanted Rick to be the one to end her. "You're not going Mara. Shane is going to come back with respirator and you're going to be just fine-" Rick reassured.
"Promise me, Rick!" Mara cried. "Promise me, you won't let me turn into a walker!"
"I promise you, Mara. You won't turn into a walker." Rick finally swore.
Mara relaxed, a slowly smile returning to her face. "Thank you...I was so worried I'd..."
That's when she stopped moving. Trepidation unlike ever before rose in Rick. No, Mara couldn't be dead. She couldn't-her body started trembling as little painful gasps escaped her. Rick reached out to hold her steady, when Hershel stopped him. "Don't she's having a seizure. If you hold her down, you could hurt her." Hershel informed. "The only thing we can do right now, is let her go through it."
Reluctantly Rick stepped, pressing a hand to his mouth. There was nothing he could do, Rick reminded himself. His eyes focused fast on the flaying body of his friend. Thank god, Easton had left. This was definitely something the sibling should never have to see. Finally after a few seconds more, Mara calmed into another rest. Careful Hershel leaned over to check her. "There's not enough blood getting to her head." He diagnosed. "Her pressure is lowering and we'll need to do another transfusion."
"Okay, I'm ready." Rick said, clutching Mara's hand again.
"I can't take anymore from you or Easton. You've both gave too much already. If you give anymore your body can shut down, go into a coma or cardiac arrest." Hershel reasoned, he paused for a second. "There is one more person, however who can give blood."
Instantly Rick knew who Hershel was speaking of. "No. Carl's too young to give blood."
"I would only take what I can, Rick. It's our only option." Hershel insisted.
Rick just shook his head. "Take more from me, if she needs blood. But Carl-"
"I wanna help, Dad." Carl's voice suddenly said.
Rick's head snapped to see Carl standing in the doorway watching. His brows furrowed as he stared at his son. Where was Lori? Shouldn't Carl be with Lori instead of here? This wasn't something either parent wanted Carl to see. Gradually, Carl entered the room. "I want to help, Dad. Mara's my friend too. Besides you said it, yourself, if it weren't for her-that would be me right now." Carl pressed.
"Rick, we're running out of time." Hershel added.
Looking at his son once more, Rick gave a hard swallow. "Alright. Go ahead."
"I will only take what is needed." Hershel vowed.
The blood drawing was over in a flash. In fact, Carl barely had time to register any pain from the needle or anything. Though he didn't complain about being a little dizzy, which made the two men chuckle slightly. Hershel then suggested Carl go take another nap in one of the beds upstairs, so he could recover. Not exactly the words Carl wanted to hear. One look from his father though and he went straight out the door as told. Ironically, leaving just as Easton reappeared. "You can't leave like that again." Hershel chastised. "You're sister just had a seizure, luckily she's alright. Next time though she might not be that luckily."
Easton froze at the doctor's words, a grave look appearing on his face. He glanced worriedly at his younger sister. "How much longer does she have?"
"Not long. Even with the newly acquired blood from Carl, her pressure's still dropping. With the amount of blood she's loosing, there's no way we can continue to replace it. And with the swelling in her abdomen we can't wait any longer-or she's just not going to make it." Hershel disclosed. "Easton, I need to know right now-if we're going to do this. We don't have much more time. You have to decide."
"Do it." Easton answered, his eyes flickering towards Rick. "I already told you to."
"Okay, we'll do it." Hershel repeated.
Faster than a blink of an eye, Hershel had Mara on a cart ready to be operated on. Rick and Easton only managed to get a glance at Mara, when Hershel quickly ushered them out of the room. Easton tried to argue about being of assistance, however the doctor quickly shut his argument down. The man had given too blood to be of use. "She's going to alright, Easton. Mara's going to be alright. " Rick tried to assure. "We just have to trust in Hershel."
Easton opened his mouth to protest, but was quickly silenced by the sound of car driving up. "They're back." Rick gasped.
"You go get the respirator-I'll stop Hershel from starting." Easton ordered, rushing back into the room.
Rick didn't need to be told twice. He wasted no time, dashing out the door. Behind him, the other followed suit. From the porch he could make out Shane hobbling towards them with the pack of supplies. It was such a welcome sight that Rick nearly stopped in his tracks to appreciate it. "Mara?" Shane inquired, meeting them half way.
"There's still time." Rick replied.
"Otis?" Hershel queried, from beside Rick.
A look of remorse filled Shane's face. His eyes flickered down at the ground in shame. "No."
Silence fell upon them for a few seconds, before Hershel finally broke it. "We say nothing to Patricia. Not till after, I need her."
With that said, Hershel head back into the house. Shane gazed at his friends, trying to find the words to express himself. Luckily Rick understood without needing to be told and pulled him into a brief hug. It was only when they broke it, did Shane finally speak. "They kept blocking us at every turn. We had nothing left. We were down to ten rounds. Then he said-he said he'd cover me and that I should keep going. So that's what I did. I just… I kept going. But I-" he shook his head. "I looked back and he….I tried."
Rick placed a hand on his shoulder. "He wanted to make things right."
Shane nodded, watching the tears fall down Maggie's face. What he did still shook him to the bone, but it had to be done. If Mara was going to live, one of them had to die and it wasn't going to be him. Not when the group needed him so much, especially Lori and Carl. "I'll take the bag." Easton said, suddenly.
The unruly haired young man stood in front of the pair, hand stretched outwards to Shane. His overall emotions masked by a blank face, but Shane could see the bits of relief shining through. It was as if Easton felt ashamed for being relieved by all this. Hesitantly Shane handed the bag over. For a brief second he caught eye contact with him. It was in that second, Shane realized that Easton knew more than he perceived.
Muchas Gracias to Chester-grey, KaneCenaZombie12, Izumi-Of-The-Shadows, melissawtf , SexySelena666, Azrael Blood, Padame4000, Aryiaa Bloodream , jedi-stark, 18 and Shika93 for reviewing last chapter. Your reviews keep me going!
SexySelena666: You may root for whoever you want even a ménage e trios. Though making Shane and Lori almost likable is purely by accident.
Padme4000: I am glad you like Easton. Male Oc's are normally hard for me to do. As it is, I am already struggling with not making him another Mara. Oh, as for her brothers…like I said I have plans. At least one of them already has been placed elsewhere, the others I am slowly figuring out.
Aryiaa Bloodream: Don't worry I am too wimpy to write anything but OC stories too. Plus I prefer them-though I blame sexy characters for that one. There is never a man I want, who I would be okay with dating someone else. Hence OC's lol.
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