''I am going to need a very good reason to not the beat the shit out of you for hitting a young girl.'' Joel threatened, his voice dripping with disgust.
''You know I've heard rumours about you, Joel. Rumours I am sure makes other people wonder- especially myself, how much is true.'' Cal took a few step sideways, the man loved his theatrics, as he walked around like he owned a stage, acting like he was the king of the world. Protected by his immunity.
Not impressed nor willing to play along Joel raised his arms sideways, shaking his head as he did. ''I am not here to entertain you, Cal. Run along to Tommy for that.''
Cal laughed.
It hadn't gone unnoticed to Joel that people were now coming out of their houses to see what all the fuss was about. But when they saw that Cal was the one that was causing the ruckus, people either walked back into their house. Or stayed to watch. It made Joel reluctant to act on his anger. Because if Cal was right about rumours flying around. Joel needed to watch himself- as much for his sake as for Ellie's. No one, besides Maria and Tommy knew that she was infected- yet immune.
He knew Tommy had bend the rules for Cal before. And Tommy always said he did that because they needed him to keep the Dam working. Joel never understood how and why people accepted that.
A man walked up behind Esther, placing a hand on her shoulder, she flinched and sighed in relief when she saw it was the man that lived three doors down from her.
''I told Jill to radio Tommy.'' James whispered towards Esther while he too kept his eyes on Cal.
''We'll need him. Joel won't back down by the looks of it.'' Esther answered him while she raised her chin towards Joel.
Joel was still standing in between, moving slowly with Cal's steps to keep Ellie and the rest behind him shielded from his pointless staring, but more for any surprising movements. He never liked the man. And he should have listened to his gut. It may have been wrong before, but it wasn't wrong about Cal.
''Cal! What the hell are you doing?''
Tommy.
In the corner of his eye Joel saw his baby brother run up to them, Maria following in his footsteps. Concern on her face as she came close enough to see Chloe's bruised cheek. She immediately rushed towards Chloe and Esther.
''Maria get them out of here.'' Tommy called out as he walked up towards his brother, giving him a pat on the back, Joel wasn't really sure as to why he did that.
''Joel, I got this man.''
And there was his answer.
Grabbing Ellie by her shoulders Maria pushed the girl to take her away from the scene.
''Joel! Come on, let's go home.'' Ellie called out, trying to resist Maria from pushing her further away. He looked back at Ellie, then to Tommy, glaring at his baby brother he shook his head. Not believing the bullshit he was hearing. And knowing that he had to be careful… His hands were of tied.
''Unbelievable.'' He mumbled, then turning to Cal-his voice clear again. ''If you touch Ellie. It won't be your jaw that'll feel a bit loose. It'll be your neck.''
I reckon you won't be able to grin then.
''I'll come by the house later.'' Tommy said quickly, pulling him from his thoughts. But he did notice how Tommy was diverting his eyes.
''Don't fuckin' bother, Tommy.''
Joel walked away and Esther heard Ellie sigh with relief. Joel gave a brief nod to Maria, a nod that turned into a sign which Maria understood. She proceeded to walk next to Esther and Chloe, leaving the spot next to Ellie open for Joel.
Ellie looked up, ''You were ready to kill him, weren't you?''
''Yeah.'' Joel simply said.
''I'm glad you didn't.''
Joel frowned, ''I am not sure if I feel the same way.'' He then added, ''What happened?''
Ellie pulled her ponytail tighter, ''I don't know. I was on my way home when I saw Cal walking up to Chloe, he was mad, really mad.'' Ellie's eyes grew as she emphasized her words, ''Next thing I know, he hit her against the ground, just like that.''
But would Cal actually hit a girl, for no reason? He would sometimes end up in a brawl at the community centre. But hitting a girl, it wasn't something Joel sought behind the man. There was something Joel was missing. And it wasn't sitting right with him.
Joel looked up to see their house. Maria, Chloe and Esther had walked up the porch, waiting for Joel to open the door.
''Joel? About what Cal said…'' She said, making Joel stop to look at her, ''The rumours?'' Ellie fumbled with her hands. Just thinking about everyone in the settlement speculating, guessing at random what could ultimately make someone snoop around to uncover the truth.
''I know. We'll just have to be careful. Don't worry about it, kiddo. We'll be fine.'' Giving her a soft pat on the back Joel went to open the door, leaving Ellie by herself.
Unaware she was rubbing the bite mark on her arm she stared up at the sky.
''I really hope so.''
Another chapter to make up for the long absence. Hope you enjoyed reading it! :)