A/N: So this is it the last chapter until October ('B' side still to come). I hope you all like it I did the best I could, this one was tough to write not really sure why but it was….maybe because it was the last one and I wanted it to be great for you all and I put too much pressure on myself but in the end I needed to let go of that and just write the best chapter I could. Hopefully it was up to par. I wasn't able to stream the episode so I had to make up some of the dialog and try my best to go off of memory please don't hate me if things don't match up! I also wanted to leave some things open-ended so that I can add them into the new season such as; conversations between Riley and Daryl involving Beth and so on. Anyway please let me know what you think….and your thoughts on the new season it looks like its going to be crazy good! See you all in October!
Chapter Thirty-One: Don't Give Up
Riley stared up at the off white fence that was covered in a scattering of vines and branches. She looked to her right at the sound if her father speaking; his voice snapping her back to where they were and what they were about to undertake. In truth Riley had no idea how she ended up here. She blindly walked too lost in the thoughts and voices that wouldn't stay silent wouldn't stay shut away. Now they were finally here...Terminus and it was time to make a choice...choices must be made...
"We circle around check things out...I want to see them before they see us" Rick spoke eyes landing on Riley watching as she nodded her head and turned taking off to her left, hand reaching into her back pocket as she disappeared among the trees.
Rick turned to look at Daryl as he too watch the retreating back of his sister "she'll be fine" Rick voiced looking over to Carl who looked to Michonne the woman slowly nodding her head while she glanced up to see Riley walk in between the trees that surrounded them
Daryl looked to Rick "ten minutes" and with that the hunter walked down the same path his sister did moments before
Rick watched as Daryl walked away, looking down at his boots for a moment before returning his eyes to his son
"you want to tag along with me"
Carl looked over at Michonne and shook his head before walking in the opposite direction Riley and Daryl had. Michonne watched the boy for a moment before looking over at Rick and sighing "they both been through a lot…..they'll be okay…we'll be okay…. this place…" Michonne stopped looking over at the fence unsure of if she believed what she was about to say "…this place could work….either way we're together that's what matters" and with that she followed after Carl knowing she would have to do her best to assure the boy of what she was desperately trying to assure herself.
Riley walked away from her father agreeing with his words; they needed to know what they were up against. As she walked she pulled out the worn and tattered photo of the girl she loved the girl she promised to protect, the girl who she would die for and the girl who because of her was most likely dead. Riley however refused to let her mind wander into that dark place, Beth wasn't dead, Beth couldn't be dead…..Beth could be dead…..Riley shook her head as the voice in her head yelled the words….
your girlfriend is probably dead, and you promised that father of hers you would protect her; remember her father the man who was beheaded instead of you…it should have been you and you know it….it should have been you…it should have been you….
Riley leaned against the first tree she saw and placed her hands on her knees she couldn't come unhinged she couldn't lose sight of the main goal, she needed to be focused and alert, she needed to be able to handle whatever happened the minute they crossed over into this "sanctuary for all". She stared down at the picture one last time running her thumb over the smiling face staring up at her before shoving it back into her pocket. Standing up Riley looked towards the fence line and shook her head
"you have every right to be skeptical little one; things that seem too good to be true usually are…"
Riley looked in front of her to see Merle, the Dixon smirk gracing his lips his blue eyes asking her to tell him he was wrong
"just like that ring burning a hole in your pocket…that girl was too good to be true…..she wasn't cut out for this world….wasn't cut out for this world without you; funny really she was with Daryl and once again Daryl dropped the ball…..think back little one really think back…..who was there to save you, protect you, who wouldn't have let the love your life get ripped away….think long and hard Rye bread…."
Riley stared at Merle as her hand slipped into her pocket she pulled out the ring and glanced away from her brother down at the small diamond, staring back up Merle was gone and Riley was alone. She clenched her jaw and squeezed the ring in her hand before looking towards the fence once more. She stepped away from the tree looking down at her hand, her eyes hollow and empty and dropped the ring letting it fall and disappear into the dried and dead leaves below her feet; Riley looked at the spot the ring fell Beth's smiling face flashing behind her eyes before stepping over it and walking away.
Carl walked next to Michonne staring at the fence looking through the small gaps that allowed him limited view of the inside of Terminus
"you really think this place is going to be….be safe…." Carl questioned the black woman to his right "cause Riley doesn't think so…..and Riley is usually pretty right about almost everything"
Michonne laughed and stopped walking turning to look at Carl who also stopped and stared up at the dark black eyes
"The Dixon's are good like that; they can usually sense a bad situation before even stepping foot into the area; but we all agreed we have to take our chances…..like always though we go in smartly; have a plan….a course of action" Michonne stopped and stared back over in the direction they had come "no matter what we're together, and we'll fight together…..we won't be broken again"
Carl processed Michonne's words taking in the honesty behind them and the look that flashed in the darkness of her eyes made him feel like even if things turned out horribly wrong no matter what their family would not be torn apart….would not be lost once again.
Daryl stood a few feet away from Riley and watched her, watched her look between the fence that separated them from what they hoped would be a safe haven to the woods and trees that enclosed them. He then watched as she reached into her pocket and pulled out something gripping it tightly within her fingers before closing her whole hand around it. He took a small step back as Riley moved away from the tree she was leaning against and dropped whatever was enclosed in her hand to the ground, before stepping over it and moving on.
Daryl waited until Riley was out of sight before he carefully made his way over to where she stood. Glancing on the ground he searched for whatever his sister had discarded; the breeze blew moving the branches slightly in the sway causing the light to bounce off of something and catch Daryl's eye. He kneeled and picked up the small ring turning it over in his hands; his mind flashing back to the broken down shack and the blonde girl who had stolen his sister's heart
"I miss everything about her….the first time she said she loved me…" Beth stopped and bit her bottom lip. Daryl looked over but decided to let that story rest. He watched as Beth clicked the box open, her eyes scanning something. As Beth reread the note tapped inside her heart beat grew faster and the tears she so badly wanted to stay at rest filled her eyes 'told you I keep my eyes open…I know it's not much and it's probably stupid but you need to know how much I love you; I would do anything for you Beth. It may not be a ring and I may not be doing this the right way; but I want to spend the rest of forever with you… I love you Greene' Daryl waited until Beth was ready and then slowly watched as she held out the box; Daryl looked at it before gazing up at her, when she slowly nodded her head signaling that it was okay and he could he reached across and held the box in front of him reading the note. He glanced up at Beth to see she was staring off into the forest. Inside the box was a crossbow pendant. It was silver and had that antique look to it and as the light from the moon hit it Daryl could see that it looked just like the one Riley has "she always told me she would keep her eyes open…" Daryl pulled the necklace from the box before leaning over and gesturing for Beth to turn around. She did and he clasped the necklace closed around her. Looking down Beth saw how prefect the two necklaces went together. As Daryl leaned back he asked "did you know…about the other part" Beth shook her head "I never thought it would cross her mind she was always the one that would say why does everyone need to know that we're in love when we know" Beth smirked "I always wanted to…being able to call her my…" Her voice falter and Daryl saw a little bit of the hope leave her eyes "you will…we'll find her and you will"
Daryl looked up and squeezed the ring in his hand, pushing himself to his feet he shoved the ring into his pocket "we'll find her Riles….we'll find her…."
Riley returned back to her dad and watched as he dropped the bag of guns into a hole he had dug
"just in case…" he breathed out as he stood and started to kick the dirt back into the hole covering the bag. Looking up he saw Daryl, Michonne and Carl return. He looked at each person in turn
"let's do this…"
Rick walked over to the fence and jumped up climbing up and over the top. The group listened to the thud of his feet on the ground before Michonne started her way up; Riley moved forward and as her hands gripped the fence a gentle voice stopped her
"Riles…."
Riley still gripping the fence turned her head and looked into the wide eyes of Carl, releasing the fence she walked towards her little brother
"I won't let anything happen to you, you hear me…..nothing…."
Riley spoke quietly to Carl her blue orbs never leaving his matching ones. She pulled him into her crashing him against her small frame
"love you Carl…..no matter what we'll be okay; I'll keep you safe….we'll keep you safe" Riley spoke looking down at Carl who nodded his head "love you too"
With that Riley turned and locked eyes with Daryl, the two exchanged nods; it was the best they could do for now, Daryl knew at some point the two would have to talk…..about everything….but now was not the time
Daryl and Carl watched as Riley climbed the fence and waited for the thud once they were sure she was over and safe Daryl gave Carl a lift and watched as the boy jumped down he heard Riley ask if he was okay, and then jumped up and over himself.
Rick looked at Daryl who gave his brother a nod before the five family members started to weave their way through the back of Terminus
It was obvious that Terminus had once been a train depot as old and broken down trains lined different areas. The group cut through a warehouse, Rick leading the way followed by Michonne, Carl, Riley then Daryl. Daryl refused to let his sister take up the rear he knew that if things went south she would be the first one to stand in the line of fire.
Rick slowed his pace at the sound of a woman's voice, Rick held up his hand signaling for the rest of the group to slow their strides as well
"Sanctuary for all. Community for all. Those that Arrive Survive….Terminus those that arrive survive. Follow the tracks to the point where all lines intersect"
Rick looked back locking eyes with Riley before raising them to meet those of Daryl, with a nod Rick quietly entered the room. There were a few desk set up and a row of tables along the back wall
"Sanctuary for all. Community for all. Those that Arrive Survive..."
Riley walked a few more paces forward
"hello…."
Riley's eyes snapped over to her dad as he called out to the woman who was speaking into a microphone as well as the few people who were quietly standing along the tables looking at papers and supplies that lay scattered about
"hello…." Rick called out a little more loudly
The woman stopped speaking and quickly looked over to the back of the room watching a man who could be no more than twenty-five walk away from the tables towards the new comers
"I bet Albert is on perimeter patrol"
Taking a step back Riley looked over making sure Carl was still next to her before quickly putting her eyes back on the man approaching her and her family
"I'm Gareth…" the man says giving a little wave
Riley grips the strap of her crossbow getting a sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach she locks her eyes over to Daryl who is staring back the two exchange a look; 'don't let your guard down'.
"it seems like you been on the road awhile…."
Riley looks to her dad who simply answers "I'm Rick this is Michonne, Riley, Carl and Daryl and we have…"
Gareth smiles at the group looking at each one, his eyes lingering on Riley longer then they should have and the motion didn't go unnoticed by any
"hey I get it you're nervous, I was too…." Gareth stops and calls over another man named Alex
Gareth looks at Alex a silent communication between the two which makes Riley even more anxious than she was before
"we just need to do a quick check, then Alex will take you up front to meet Mary, we have nothing to hide but the welcome wagon is much nicer in the front….we never had anybody come in through the back before"
"wanted to see you before you saw us…"
Gareth flashes his eyes over to Rick "smart….always a good quality to have in a world like this one…" Gareth pauses again "so if you don't mind putting your weapons down in front of you….you'll get them back I assure you we just have to be…smart….you understand"
Rick clenches his jaw before placing his gun down on the ground "I do…"
Rick looks over at his group and gestures for them to follow his lead. Gareth watches as Riley hesitates to drops her bow
"we're not stupid, and I doubt you are as well…" Gareth speaks his eyes on the blonde girl
Riley bites her lip; there is something about this man, this place….it was too easy to get in….they didn't seem as surprised or panicked that people just wondered in through the back…for a sanctuary, a community there aren't that many people around. With a huff Riley lowers her bow to the floor
Alex walks forward and proceeds to pat down Michonne, who looks as though she would love nothing more than to upper cut this man in the throat next is Daryl, Alex looks at Daryl's banged and battered face
"hate to see the other guy….." Alex comments as he moves over to Riley
Riley doesn't remove her eyes from Gareth who has also been keeping his hauntingly dead brown orbs trained on her
"you would" Carl pipes up as Alex finishes patting him down moving on to Rick
Alex stares up at Rick for a moment before continuing "he deserve it"
"yes" comes the eerily calm reply from Riley her eyes still locked on to Gareth. Gareth watches her for a moment a small smirk quickly crosses his face before it's replaced by a smile
"okay then" he starts clapping his hands together and walking forward he goes to lift Riley's crossbow only for her to reach down and grab it first swinging it over her shoulder narrowly missing the man's face her eyes narrow slightly as he stares at her with a look of desire…..it's a look Riley has seen multiple times before when her father would come home drunk …..a look of a hunter trapping a prey
"Alex will take you up front now…..Mary is waiting to meet you all…"
As the small group follows Alex, Riley makes her way to the front grabbing Carl's hand in the process once she was behind her father she whispers up to him
"this place…..something's not right…."
Riley watches her father's jaw tighten and knew he too sensed it could feel that there was more than meets the eye.
"how long has this place been around…"
Alex glanced back "pretty much since the beginning.." he spoke returning his eyes to the front
Riley released Carl's hand and moves a few paces ahead so that she was in stride with her father
"seems pretty empty for being a community…a sanctuary I think you call it" Riley piped up her eyes trained on the man in front of her
Alex slowed his pace and turned now walking backwards he eyed the blond girl for a moment his eyes going wide for a second but Riley caught it she had seen that look before as well; Merle use to get like that when she caught him in a lie and he wasn't sure what to say and how to advert the topic…..Alex was lying about something…..this place was lying about something…..
"yeah…..well you know….for some this was just a stopping ground before they moved out to find their family and friends….the ones that didn't have any stayed…so yeah….this is Mary…."
Alex rambled cause Riley to look at her father from the corner of her eye seeing his own blue eyes narrow at the words of the young man
"heard you came through the back….first time that's happen….smart move….understandable"
Riley watched as a woman with long red hair tied in a braid that hung over her shoulder spoke from behind the back of a large grill a variety of meats laying and smoking on the top
"mind fixing these nice people a plate Mary; it's been awhile since they had real food…."
"been on the road awhile then have we" Mary spoke cutting Alex off
Rick eyed the grill "we have" he answered curtly
Riley had stopped listening the minute they entered the large outdoor courtyard her eyes scanning the few people who ambled around or sat at the picnic tables; Riley's eyes passed a woman wearing an old poncho….a very familiar looking poncho…a very ugly-looking poncho…
Riley was sitting in the watch tower the nights had gotten colder and Riley rubbed her hands together her breath turning to fog as a sigh escaped her lips. Beth was angry at her; Riley wasn't suppose to be on watch tonight but Glenn was trying to make up for yet another stupid thing he said or did to Maggie and he asked….pleaded with Riley to switch with him. Beth thought that Glenn should grow up and stop pissing her sister off so he didn't have to make others take watches that weren't their's. Truth was Beth wasn't really mad at Glenn or Riley it was just that Riley was gone for two nights on a hunt with Daryl and well Beth was missing Riley….missing, wanting, needing. Riley smirked to herself thinking about the look on Beth's face when she told her she was taking watch. Riley was snapped out of her daze when the door to the tower clicked open and Beth walked in wrapped up in the old wore blue pea coat Riley had found for her. Beth smirked at her "well we may not be able to…you know but I can still be with you; and Daryl told me to give you this" Beth spoke dropping Daryl's old and disgusting poncho on her lap "I ain't wearing this flea ridden horses blanket" Riley spoke throwing the article of clothing behind her. She heard Beth let out a huff before reaching over and picking it up draping it over Riley's head "better fleas then flu…."
Riley narrowed her blue eyes at the woman who was wearing what had once been her brothers and something she was sure Maggie had, had with her during the fall of the prison; clenching her jaw Riley's eyes flashed over to a tall man wearing what looked like police riot gear, the same police riot gear Glenn had stored under his bunk
Riley walked over to Glenn who was preparing to go out on a run this time with no vehicle he wanted to explore an old run down house that wasn't too far from the prison and decided walking would be easier and draw less attention. "when are you going to give up wearing that stuff Glenn" Riley began walking towards her friend and picking up the helmet throwing it into the air and catching it "we managed this long with out" Glenn looked over at his friend…his sister; then turned his eyes over to where Maggie stood beside Beth who was holding Judith the two working on preparing the meal for tonight "have more to live for now…" Glenn softly spoke; looking over and seeing Riley still staring at Beth. Riley smiled and pushed the helmet into his gut "I get it; love…..it changes you"
Riley started to breathe a little more heavy her heartbeat speeding up as different possibilities floated through her head about why these people; people who were supposedly living in a safe heaven…..sanctuary for all, community for all…..would need or have these items…. these personal items…. her friends items
Riley heard Alex speak to Mary about fixing up a plate for them; her eyes flashed to the boy taking his appearance in fully for the first time something small and sliver dangling from his pocket
Herschel sat on his bunk smiling up at the Dixon as she helpless fumbled with her words. Herschel found it funny that someone who was so strong and so capable was drowning in this otherwise simply task. "you love my daughter" the old man spoke cutting off the mumbled words leaving the scattered mind of Riley. Riley stopped and stared at the man she slowly nodded her head scared that this was somehow a trick question "more than anything sir" Herschel smiled "I know you do so just say it….ask me…." Riley bit her lip and let out a shaky breath "I would like to ask permission to marry your daughter sir….I love her more than you know…more than I probably even know; I will and would do anything for her…I will do anything for her" Riley finished softly. Herschel stood and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder "I give you my blessing….was starting to wonder why you were waiting so long" Riley let out a nervous laugh before smirking up at Herschel "thank you Herschel; for everything." Herschel nodded his head "wish there was something I could give you but I already gave Glenn my watch" Riley looked up at the old man then out of the cell as the noise of boots hitting the floor got louder "you already given me more then enough…."
Riley only heard her heartbeat this man, this liar had Glenn's watch….Herschel's watch…..
"so you and my daughter huh?" Riley froze all movement and stared at her crossbow so hard that her vision started to blur "ummm….I…we…you see" Riley rambled Herschel started to laugh which caused Michonne to laugh as well. Riley's head shot up and she looked between the two, eyebrows knotting together "it's okay sweetheart…we know…we all know" Riley's eyes widen and she looked back out into the forest "I'm happy for you two" Herschel began "you both will be good for each other…we didn't say anything because we know how private you are…we wanted to give you both some time to figure this out" Riley raised her eyes to meet the blue ones of Herschel a wise old man who she was happy was in her life, she didn't always like what he said but it was always true, always supportive, and always right. "sorry we didn't say anything…with everything that happened…" Riley stopped "she's a great girl…she…she…" Herschel cut her off "I know" he slowly whispered. He knew what Riley was trying to say; he too struggled with the words when trying to talk and describe the love he had for his wife; the love and respect and need of the person too strong that it makes no word the right word. Riley looked at the old man "I won't let anything happen to her"
Riley had already broken enough promises and seeing this person with something that once belonged to one of the greatest men she ever knew made her see red; Riley had caused Herschel to be beheaded had broken the promise to watch after his daughter and here this man had the last remaining piece of Herschel Greene….Beth Greene….
It happened so quickly nobody knew what had occurred but the plate Carl was holding hit the ground and Riley had her hunters knife pressed up against Alex's throat the watch dangling from her fingers
"where did you get this watch…."
At this point Rick, Michonne, Daryl and Carl all turned and raised their weapons pointing them out into different areas of the courtyard
"whoa whoa hold on…." Alex tried to speak
Riley just turned him around making him face the woman in the poncho and the man wearing the riot gear
"what about that poncho….the riot gear"
Riley could feel Alex's heartbeat noticing how rapid it had become and wondered if that was because of the knife or because she had started to piece together their puzzle. She quickly spun him back around when another voice rang out
"maybe I can help"
Riley's eyes narrowed and her jaw clenched as her icy blue eyes landed on the almost amused brown ones of Gareth
"if by help you mean speaking the truth then go right ahead….where did he get this watch"
Gareth took another step forward "why not put the knife down and then we can talk" he spoke with his hand raised
Riley glanced around "your sniper on the roof" she spoke gesturing with her head "how good's his aim"
"Gareth…" Alex spoke "do something"
Gareth looked at Alex like he was a two-year old asking for the hundredth time for a cookie
"stop talking Alex….we got this" Gareth spoke most likely to the sniper as from the corner of her eye Riley saw the man lower the gun and move out of sight.
Gareth then turned and looked at Rick "Rick tell your people to lower their weapons…"
Rick looked from Gareth over to Riley whose eyes flashed her head giving a subtle shake
"after you answer her question…."
Gareth let out an annoyed breath
"the poncho was off of a clothes line, the riot gear from a dead cop and the watch from a dead one…didn't think he needed it anymore"
Riley looked from Rick to Daryl and then quickly over to Carl who was staring at her with fear filled eyes
Riley flashed back to the last time she was in a situation with a knife to someone's throat she looked over at Gareth only seeing him and the focused and fake smile he wore; the words that echoed in her mind as she watched Herschel be killed rang in her ears, her eyes narrowed and she mumbled
"liar" before drawing the knife down at the same time that Gareth turned his hand into a fist causing all hell to rain down upon them.
Riley released Alex and quickly turned grabbing Carl by the hand pulling him along as everyone scattered in different directions. Riley looked up and saw Daryl who locked eyes with his sister before shouting "this way" causing Rick and Michonne to jerk around at the sound of his voice. Daryl lead the way throughout a maze of alleyways, and rooms as the Terminus people shot not at their head or heart but at their feet something Riley noticed right away.
It seemed as if every turn lead them to another dead-end or a door that shouted escape just to slam shut as they quickly approached it. Daryl skidded on his heel and turned pulling his sister by the arm and leading the group into a room that looked as if it was an old auto body garage.
Riley stopped short causing Carl to ram into her back making her stumble forward. The room they entered was eerily silent the only light coming from a variety of candles that were lit and placed throughout the space. Riley walked in a small circle looking down at the cold black cement that had names written in bold white paint; staring up at the wall her eyes narrowed as she read 'Never Again. Never Trust. We First Always.'
Riley glanced up and saw her dad reading the wall as well as Daryl and Michonne stared at the yellow page list of names on the floor
"what is this place" Carl mumbled making Riley's eyes jump over to the boy
Riley held out her hand "Carl" she spoke making the boy glance over; seeing her outstretched hand he walked towards his sister and gripped it
"anybody notice how they're aiming for our feet" Riley asked letting the question hang in the air and everyone looked at her "it's like….like their trying to herd us…."
Daryl looked at the intertwined hands of his sister and Carl before looking for a way out spotting a door he spoke "this way let's go…." and ran forward the rest quickly following.
Once out in the sun Daryl made a bee line for the fences turning to make sure everyone was still behind him. He pulled himself to a stop as people stood from the opposite side guns raised and trained on him and his family.
Everyone quickly separated and raised their weapons as well turning in every direction; all eyes and movements stopped as a loud voice rang out among the otherwise stillness of the situation
"drop your weapons and no one gets hurt"
Riley's eyes followed the sound of the voice to the roof of a nearby building sitting atop was Gareth a smirk lining his lips as he spoke
"drop your weapons and no one gets hurt….NOW" he repeated his eyes going down the line ending on Riley where they stayed
Rick was the first to drop his weapon with a very disgruntled Daryl and Michonne following. Carl looked to Riley who refused to remove her eyes from the man on the roof. Riley heard Carl drop his gun before he mumbled "please Riley…" Riley let out a huff and with a clenched jaw threw her crossbow to the ground
Gareth smiled at her and then turned looking at Rick
"Ring Leader….the train car to your left walk there…."
Rick looked over at his family his eyes resting on Carl and Riley for a moment before he too clenched his jaw and moved away
"Archer….you next…."
Daryl stared at Gareth with such distain before quickly glancing at Riley who tore her eyes away from the roof to look over at her brother; she gave Daryl a simply and quick nod before he too turned following Rick
"Samaria….now you"
Michonne narrowed her eyes also casting a quick glance in the direction of the children and then slowly walk towards the abandoned train car
"stand at the door….Ring Leader, Archer, Samaria in that order"
Gareth eyes flash back to the two remaining in the middle of the courtyard
"open the door Ring Leader…"
Rick looks back at Daryl and Michonne his heart speeding up anger and anxiety coursing through his body
"my children…." he shouts back
Gareth looks over at Rick before bringing his eyes back to the two
"go kid" Gareth speaks looking only at Carl
Carl looks over to Riley who looks over at him and mumbles "go Carl…I'll be okay…"
With pain filled eyes Carl nods his head and slowly turns walking towards his father
"open the door Ring Leader…"
Rick watches as Carl makes his way over "my daughter…."
"I said open the door don't make me kill them both…" Gareth speaks watching Riley
Rick slowly opens the door placing one foot on the steps
"you" Gareth shouts looking directly at Riley "our little Sherlock Holmes..." Riley watches as he smiles at her and then looks to his right and nods at someone who Riley can't see
"get on your knees, hands behind your head"
Riley bites the inside of her cheek her eyes narrowing at the man before her "I suggest you do what I say or I can kill your family now"
Riley clenches her jaw "I won't let anything happen to you, you hear me…..nothing…."
Slowly Riley lowers herself down to the ground, she hears Carl yell her name as a man from the warehouse door emerges dragging a barbed wire covered baseball bat behind him.
Flashes of Beth, Carl, Daryl, Judith, her dad is all Riley sees...Beth...I love you Beth...the only sound is the rattling of the train car door being slammed.
The man reaches Riley and stands in front of her blocking the sun; she glances up and sees the sickening smile on his mouth. Riley lowers her eyes and waits...all thoughts go to her family, her brothers, her dad, Beth she has let them all down again broken all her promises once again, she desperately tries to figure out a solution a way out she refuses to let this be the end...there is still too much she has to do...'for when I find you'
'you dropped the ring...you gave up...'
Riley watches as the baseball bat clatters to the ground before blackness overtakes her...
'...you gave up...'
A/N: I so hope you liked it! The 'B' side will be out a little later than I thought; I was thinking of making it really similar to this one but I want to try to add some more interactions between Riley and Beth before they get to Terminus so it will take a little longer then I thought...after that I will send out a little note to let you all know my plan for a writing schedule when the new season starts...Anyway please please please let me know what you all thought through reviews or PM's I was super nervous about this one so I really want to know what you think! Thanks so much see you on the 'B' side!
