A Second Chance

Chapter 20

A/N- Hello! Wow, quick update! I promised that I'd update fast so, here it is! I'm sorry for the ending of this chapter but I wanted to do something that could take me in a new direction with this story and keep it fresh for you guys. Please don't hate me! Pretty please? Okay, on with the story!

"Okay, I think we've got everything." I said, checking the items in my basket. She laughed, popping out from behind the register, a box in her hand. I squinted, trying to make out the label. She evidently saw my questioning look and raised her eyebrows.

"Condoms." She said simply, double-checking all of the items and tapping my hands when she was done.

"Ah, okay." I said, smiling down at her. "Ready to go?"

"Yep." She said happily, opening the door for me to leave. I looked at her questioningly.

"Aren't I supposed to be doing that for you?" I joked, earning a gently shove on the shoulder and a cough that sounded suspiciously like 'sexist bastard'. I closed the door quietly behind me and kept a firm grip on the basket while taking the safety off my gun. We crept back down the road, checking behind us every few minutes.

Eventually, we turned a corner and were faced with a horde of what must have been a hundred walkers. I dragged Carley, who hadn't noticed as she was checking behind us, behind some stacked boxes and crates. She yelped in surprise and I covered her mouth quickly, turning it into a muffled squeak. I put a finger to my lips, earning a nod from her. She pulled my hand from her face and looked at me, obviously confused.

"Why can't we just go around them?" She asked, her eyebrows furrowing.

"No. The only other way around is packed with them. Shit!" I said, slapping my palm against my forehead. I could see panic taking over her and her breathing became noticeably faster. I put my hand on her shoulder comfortingly, having a small effect.

"There's got to be some way to get back!" She said, her emerald eyes widening, fear dwelling in them. She was trying to mask it, but I knew it was there. I suddenly had an idea. But, no, it was stupid. It was suicidal. I looked over at my girlfriend and knew in that instant what to do.

"Carley, look at me." I said, swallowing the nerves in my chest. She did as I asked and I continued. "I need you to stay here. I'll clear the way, leaving you free to get back."

"How're we gonna distract them without shooting? That'll just attract more, if anything." She said, her emerald eyes boring into mine. I brought my hand up and held her cheek in my palm lovingly, moving my thumb tenderly.

"I think you know." I said, closing my eyes and resting my forehead against hers. She clutched my hand as if she was terrified to let it go.

"No. No fucking way, Lee." She said, shaking her head and looking at me with wide eyes. My heart dropped.

"Car… Remember what you promised?" I asked, recalling our conversation at the mansion. "You promised that you'd do what I said."

"I don't care! You are not doing this! Our son isn't even a day old and you're already doing all these stupid, life threatening missions!" She said, keeping her voice to a carried whisper. "He isn't growing up without you! I refuse to let that happen!"

"Carley… this is the only way." I said, putting the basket in her arms. "Meet me back at the house."

"Lee, I-" She started to protest, only to have me kiss her, effectively shutting her up.

"When they're gone, I need you to run." I said, looking deep into her eyes. She looked back, the fear I saw earlier was now replaced with sadness and regret. I breathed a sigh, desperately containing my emotion. "I love you so much."

"I love you too." She responded, closing her eyes in a defeated manner. I kissed her forehead gently, stroking her hair lovingly. I stood slowly and gestured for her to get ready. I turned and sped forward, bellowing at the top of my voice. "COME ON YOU BASTARDS!"

The corpses turned their, decaying, mangled faces to the source of the noise and grunted, making their way towards me. The stench of rotting flesh hit my nostrils and I fled into a back street, the herd filing in behind me.

An Hour Later

My feet pounded the pavement as I approached the mansion. My breath was becoming heavy and my muscles were aching. I launched myself through the open back gate and into the the open back door.

"Carley! Clem! I'm home!" I yelled, putting my weapon on the kitchen counter. I heard muffling coming from the living room and smiled to myself. At least they got home safe. "Hey! What's it take for a guy to get some love around here?"

My eyes locked onto a note on the table. I walked over to it and picked it up.

Lee,

I'm so, so, so sorry for doing this but we had to leave. The house got overrun with walkers and we all got out of there. I begged them to stay in savannah but we couldn't risk it. We're heading back towards Macon. If you get this, meet us by the train or head back the way we came. We'll more than likely be back at the Motor-inn. Logan and Clem are safe.

Love you,

From Carley

My heart dropped. They were gone. I was alone.

"Fuck!" I said, allowing myself a moment to breathe. My son, daughter and Girlfriend were gone. "Oh shit!"

I grabbed my gun once again and went back outside. I knew I had quite a journey ahead of me. I clicked my gun to life and started for the gate, muttering only one sentence, my eyes filled with determination.

"I'm on my way, guys. I promise. I'm going to find you if it's the last thing I do."