"You've got the killer instincts of a houseplant."
― Josephine Angelini, Starcrossed
The silence was unnerving. Jitters permeated the tiny stall causing Jessie to be the first to step out. She wanted reassurances of what could be happening outside of the ladies' room. There weren't any sounds of any battle, whether with fist, objects, or guns—just silence.
"What's going on, Michonne?" Jessie's voice broke above the silence causing the whimpers from the women who chose to remain hidden to take a backstage.
"I don't know."
Michonne's momentary lack of direction added more elements to her sobering response. Her conflicting emotions no longer remained fueled by the amount of alcohol she had consumed earlier. A second before the question, Michonne thought nothing could dampen the sensation tingling below the surface of her lower lip. Michonne would have never guessed it would take Jessie's voice of concern to help her compose herself.
"What should we do?" Jessie continued to seek direction, unable to formulate a plan.
"We?" Michonne's eyes widen, and it was only then, she noticed Jessie holding a gun pointed at the restroom door. Michonne wasn't aware the petite blonde had acquired any experience with a weapon outside of her beauty that came attached with the inability to extricate herself out of situations. Now, we? The training was mandated by their new Sheriff for those capable. Michonne couldn't recall seeing Jessie's name on the shortlist for open carry.
Jessie's name on the list for training that was mandated by their new Sheriff some time back. "Where did you get that?"
"Carl."
"Why?"
"To protect me when I am out."
"Do you know how to use it?"
"I wouldn't have it if I didn't know how to use it."
"Who taught you?"
"Carl taught me since the Sheriff refused to include me. He is still bitter about Pete. I'm thankful to Carl. Without him, I wouldn't be in any type of position to help in any kind of way. If it wasn't for Carl."
"Carl?"
"It's not what you think. He was willing to teach me when no one else would."
"Carl?"
Jessie sucked her teeth in frustration. She wanted to change the subject or at least have it less centered around the Sheriff's son and more on her newly obtained abilities. "I'm worried, Michonne. I don't hear anything. Do you think they are all dead?"
Michonne could not explain the reason for the silence nor hide her skepticism about Jessie. Who in their right mind would choose Jessie's help in a shoot out when she obviously failed at logic and probability?
Jessie sensed Michonne's reservations, "I've gone with Carl outside the gates. I took down four out of five walkers. I plan to even kill my husband with it."
Pow.
A single sound from a skyward aimed pistol pierced yet another hole through the Honky Tonk ceiling followed up by a deep boisterous shout from a voice sounding like Eugene's. His tone carried a surprising authority that he was indeed the town's Sheriff.
A/N: I pray everyone is safe and healthy with our new normal that is quickly approaching in real life.
I have delayed this story for no other reason than it is a mammoth. This and my Fox Brain just can't tell a simple story to save my life. I have puzzle pieces everywhere. I had to pause. Add. Pause. Reread. Pause. Add. Writing has become more and more therapeutic in a sense. I hope there are still some readers left for this or interest, in general.
I have made slight updates/ smoothing out of the last two chapters recently.
