So I wrote a rather long chapter for you all! I hope you enjoy it. :)

57: The Trial

The sun hung low in the sky, but it still gave off this blissful heat that, coupled with the ocean breeze, felt like nirvana. I could feel the fine pale sand between my toes and smell that salty air and it was perfection. I could have sat there, forever looking at the rolling waves as the broke gently on the shoreline for hundreds if not thousands of lifetimes and felt completely at peace. The beach always had that kind of effect on me, a home away from home, a safe place, a calming aura that just sort of seeped into my bones and made me whole again.

A familiar voice came from behind me, breaking my trance, "I take it you feel better now?"

I looked back and smiled at that finely dressed and faceless man, "How can you tell?" I turned back to the gentle splashes and soaked in the sun's rays, noticing the faint chill as my guest sat in a chair that had appeared beside me.

"It's missing the bunnies and unicorns," I got the distinct impression that he was smiling through that abyss of his, "No matter, I find them trite frankly."

I laughed, "That makes two of us." Leaning back onto my hands and closing my eyes, I faced the light directly. The warmth hitting me right between the eyes, "This is nice though. The salt air and the sand."

"I suppose it is," he took a long pause, "It went well, didn't it?"

I opened an eye, "What?"

He crossed one leg over the other, "Everything, I suppose." I shrugged, a flash of remembrance for what tomorrow had in store. Again, the impression of a smile washed over me and removed my worries, "That new family of yours accepts even your darkest side and that ruffian of yours is being friendly again. I'd say yesterday was a success, by anyone's standards."

I nodded, resuming my sunbathing for a moment before a realization struck me, "Then why are you here?"

"Tomorrow of course." He sighed, "You're telling that group of yours your dirty little secret, remember? There might be blood. We might have to meet again, for the last time."

I couldn't hide the annoyance in my voice, "I was trying not to think of that."

The crash of waves persisted for a decent period of time before he spoke again, "Do you know what you're going to say?" That was the question, wasn't it? The one thing that needed addressing and the only thing I could control.

"I figured I 'd go with what I told Rick and Carl?" I looked over into the void, "That seemed to work."

He tilted that empty face of his to the side and gave a nod, his jet-black hair remaining in place, "True, but there are two problems you aren't thinking of."

"And those are?"

"The woman who hates you already and that boy," his voice was pragmatic.

It wasn't that I hadn't considered those two variables, but rather that I didn't want to deal with it. I wanted to bask in the glow of acceptance for as long as possible. I didn't want to spoil it. But now the question hung there, waiting to be asked, "What do I do?" I smirked over at him, "And don't say live."

"For your information I wasn't going to," if he'd had a nose he would have turned it up at me, "I was going to say you should tell the man first and on his own."

I dug my feet deeper into the sand, "Why?"

"Well, for one you have a bit more to say to him, don't you?" I did. As much as I wanted to remain stubborn and say he didn't deserve an explanation of his own I knew that wasn't the case. Whatever strange incident happened back at the house dictated that. Things I'd thought best to leave unsaid still invaded my thoughts whenever he was around. It would be best to air those out with the rest of it.

But that didn't mean I wanted to do that again. I didn't want to admit to myself, let alone anyone else that the feeling still remained in here somewhere, and it was tied to his existence. I wanted to let it die with the rest. I guess it couldn't hurt. I looked up at him, "I do?"

"Yes," I had barely noticed before, but now it was clear as day, he was holding a martini glass. Did Death drink? Could Death drink? He didn't even have a mouth, what was the point? I could use a drink of my own. Maybe that would be my reward to myself for coming clean? 'I'm a monster everyone!' Glug, glug, glug. I shrugged it off and continued to listen, "The other's might just call for a crucifixion. I'm sure you don't want to die without telling him just one more time." He was right there. One more time. One for the road. One more before the potential burning at the stake.

With that problem sorted we still had one more thing to deal with, "What do I do about Carol?"

"Tell her with the rest of them and make sure she doesn't go running off."

"That simple?"

He let out a laugh, "That sounds simple to you?" I couldn't help but chuckle back. That was going to be a challenge. She'd want to run and get a pitchfork and torch. She'd want to assemble a mod and have my hanged. She'd never want to hear me out. Hopefully Rick and Carl could help me with that. The silence returned and I went back to enjoying my much-needed day at the beach free of thought for the most part.

Then something began to nag at me, like the pulling of the tide. Something I needed to ask. Something I needed the answer to. I looked over to him, "We're friends, right?"

He shifted in his seat to face me more directly, "With all the time we've spent in each other's company I'd say I count you among my closest confidants, Annie." I felt a bit of pride and honor in that statement. I shouldn't have, I know I shouldn't have, but I did anyway.

After I rolled around some phrasing ideas I decided to be as direct as possible with him, "Did Mitch get to Maryann?"

He wagged a finger at me with a laugh, "Trade secrets, my dear." I hunched slightly at the letdown, turning back to the scene before me. But then, to my surprise, he continued on in his debonair tone, "But I ask you this; do you think there is anything in heaven or hell that could possibly stand a chance of preventing that man from getting back to his Maryann?"

I smiled to myself, "No way." Of course he was with her. I don't even know why I'd questioned it. Even if there were nothing after Death came for him he would have still found a way to get to her. It was just one of those unquestionable facts, like two plus two equaling four or the world being round. Some things are just certain. Some things couldn't change. Their love was one of those things. Other things, like what would transpire at my truth-telling tomorrow, were still unknown.

"You'll be fine, Annie."

"I know."

"Look at the time," he stood up and bowed slightly down at me, "I'll leave you to your sunset." And then he was gone. I sat there and watched as the sky was set on fire by the dwindling light of the sun, and then there was nothing. Just blackness.

-o0o-

Right when I stepped onto the lower level of the cellblock Rick was beside me, "You ready?"

"Just about," I forced a smile at him as my nerves began to creep their way into my stomach. I don't think that I would ever really be ready for this. There was no such thing as being ready to be honest with the people in your life; it's just a choice you have to make and follow through with. I motioned for him to come closer so I could speak more softly, "I think I should tell Daryl first though, if that's alright?"

He nodded, "He switched shifts with Glenn today, should be up in the tower."

"Good, good," my mind was already churning away. Should I eat first? No. I was way too queasy to eat. The last thing I need to do is barf in front of anyone. Should I go check on Aidan? No, I need to just get this done with. He'll be fine for a few more hours. I need to just take the plunge. The faster I tell everyone the faster I'll feel better.

Rick was still looking at me. I'm sure he could see how anxious I was, "Do you want us to go with you?"

Would that help? No. That would make it more awkward. I had to do this on my own. I shook my head, "No, I'll be fine." I flashed a smile, thinking about my dream and how death hinted at my possible execution, "But if you hear screams, come running."

A smile cracked over his face for a split-second, but it was gone as quickly as it came, "I'll start to gather everyone up for when you get back."

I took a step towards the hallways, "Sounds good."

As I snaked my way through the darkness with no light except for the beam of the small flashlight I became overly aware of my thoughts. Today might be the death of me. Today the truth might set me free in a whole different way. Today I might lose my place in this group forever, maybe even my place on this planet. Just because Rick and Carl could cope with it doesn't mean that I was granted amnesty. I was still vulnerable. I stepped out into the sunlight, squinting at first and trying to get my bearings. There were no sure things today. Today was in flux, and all I could know is that I didn't know how it would turn out. Once I'd adjusted to the light I started towards the tower with my eyes on the ground. Just get this done Annie. Don't worry. No worries. Just go up there, tell him you're a monster, and go back inside for the real trial. I gripped the crimson fabric of the bottom hem of my dress for moral support. Remember what Carl said; you have a superpower. Super-smelling. And you have your super-suit. You're practically a hero, albeit not in a traditional sense. But you're still more than capable. You're invincible. You're death-proof. You can do this. You're a strong woman. You can totally just spew this out. What's the worst that could happen? Crossbow bolt to the face. Okay, yes, I'll admit that isn't a good outcome, but that is a worst-case scenario. There are dozens of other ways this could go down. He could shoot you with a gun, or throw you off the tower, or just hate you for the rest of your life. So many other outcomes. So many different ways this could go down. Just be cool about this. You can be cool Annie, cant you? My stomach dropped when I got to the stairway. No. No way. I'm going to completely make a fool of myself. The best I can hope for is to just get out of there without any major injuries and as fast as I can. All I have to do is go in, spill my guts, and flee. That's what I told Maggie and Beth to do, right? Run? It'll work.

I opened the door and stepped in, shutting it softly behind me. He looked over at me, obviously confused as to why I was there, but all I could see was those eyes. Those fucking eyes. Focus. I have to focus. Forget about that hue of blue and just get this done. Just talk. "Hey," I took a step towards him, "Can I talk to you real quick?" He shrugged. Good enough. I started in with my quasi-rushed speech, "So, you know how Carl and I went to see Rick last night?" He nodded, "Well, that was because I kind of had to tell the group something, and I needed them to know first, and I need you to know next."

He nodded once more, "They were saying something like that." That hostile tone returned, "Why d'you need to tell me now?"

"Because I just need to tell you before the others, alright?" My exasperation and worry couldn't be hidden. I needed to get this done before I lost my nerve. I needed to power through.

"Whatever." Wonderful; I could already tell this was going to go horribly. The runaway plan would have to do. Maybe it'll help if I watch out for any sudden movements on his part? Yes. Sudden move means screw the speech and run for it.

I let out a sigh, which relieved the buildup of tension in my chest just long enough for me to continue, "First you have to know that I told Rick and Carl and they are cool with the whole thing." Skepticism and concern, or was that anger? Who cares? Don't think about his reactions, just say it and leave, "Just hear me out and I swear I'll leave you alone."

"Just get it over with." Finally, something we could agree on.

One more deep breath should do it, "So…" I then proceeded with roughly the same speech I'd given the night before, but at twice the speed. The words flew out of me as quickly as they could and I tried to not gauge his reactions. Just spit it out, Annie. Just get it over with and everything will be fine, or close to fine, or horrible. But at least it will all be out there. Honesty is freedom. Honesty helps. Honesty is the best policy. Once I'd passed the bit about the scents and being on the road alone and started talking about my days with Riley his face was completely expressionless. Is that a good sign or a bad sign? Don't think about that, just power through. The hunting. The end of the hunger. The trip back. Mitch. I accidently spewed out a random thought I'd pondered a while ago that was completely insane to say aloud; is that why he was so pissed when I got here, because he wasn't around when all of that chaos and pain happened? Had he wanted to be there for me? Move on to Judith. She doesn't smell good. No eating meat. Never eating meat. How I'm safe to be around. Apologize for hunting with my nose; I knew it was cheating but it's just how I do things now. Nervously joke about how Carl called me a hunting dog. Inch towards the door. Hand on the handle. "And one last thing," I turned the knob, still looking him dead in the eye, in those eyes, "I love you still." The second the words were out I was out the door and all but jumping down the stairs. I did it. It's done. I jogged back to the prison, and ran through the halls without the flashlight. The scent made it easy enough to navigate the corridors, and I only occasionally bumped into the walls.

One more down, now the rest of them.

I made it through to the cellblock when Carl approached me. "Dad said you were telling Daryl first," his voice was hushed, "Was he okay with it?"

"I have no idea," I widened my eyes, "I ran out of there before he could say anything."

He laughed, "Why?"

"Because I was scared."

"But you're never scared."

"Today I am," I patted him on the shoulder as we started walking over to Rick, who'd assembled the group just as he said he would.

"Don't worry," he smiled up at me with Joey's smile, and I felt just a bit better, "I'm sure they'll all understand."

I let out one low laugh, "Not all of them."

We joined Rick, who was standing in front of everyone waiting for us. "Alright," his voice was that of a leader, loud and assertive, "Everyone come and sit down. We have an announcement to make."

Glenn furrowed his brow in confusion, "What's this about, Rick?"

He gestured to the ground with the arm that wasn't holding Judith, "Just take a seat, I'll explain everything once everyone's settled."

Carol started walking for the hallway, "I'll go get Da—"

Rick raised his hand to stop her, "He knows what this is all about already, just take a seat." She hesitated for a second, and then sat with the others. Everyone was there, even the prisoners. Damn it. I could feel my empty stomach rolling around beneath my skin, reminding me that I was about to put it all out there. Shit. I felt my palms begin to sweat, and my breathing increased to keep up with the nervous pounding of my heart. Carl could tell. He could tell that I was terrified, so he scooted a little closer to show his support. I felt better. That is, until Rick began to speak, "Okay, Annie here has something to tell everyone, but first I have something to say." He cleared his voice and pointed to me, "Annie's done nothing but protect us since she's got here. A few months ago she put a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs even though it would've just been easier to send us on our way. She even took a bullet for me. All that makes her family, and if anyone has a problem with her then you have a problem with me."

Carl chimed in, "And me."

He nodded, "I expect you to hear her out. Draw whatever conclusions you want, but know that I trust Annie with everything I've got." He stepped back and stood beside me just as Carl had done, "Annie, go ahead."

"Hey guys," my voice was a great deal weaker than I'd expected it to me. It was just about as weak as I felt at the time. I gripped the hem once more to regain whatever shreds of confidence I could. I can do this. I'm invincible. I cleared my throat before I continued, "So, you know how I got bit after the group left the house."

"You're infected!" Carol blurted it out, and I saw Rick lean his weight forward. Already? Once sentence in, not even into the real story, and she was already yelling out shit like that.

Thankfully Glenn spoke up, "Aren't we all infected?"

I saw a few of the other nod at his question, so I kept going, "Technically I'm not infected like you all are."

Maggie asked the next question, "What are you saying?"

"Let her speak, and maybe we'll find out," I think I saw Michonne wink at me, but I might've been imagining it.

I smiled at her anyway, "Thank you. Save your questions for the end, please." I started through me spiel once more; glad to have my family at my side. I only made it to the black bear before Carol stood up.

"So you are one of them!"

Shit. I tried to explain, "N-no, I'm sti—"

Carl stepped up to defend me, "She's still Annie. She's just got super-smelling."

Rick came in too, his voice cool and collected, "Sit down, Carol. Just hear her out."

She begrudgingly sat and I continued. This time only getting to the first time Riley and I went hunting.

Standing up again, Carol fumed, "I'm done listening to this."

Rick tried to help, "Just hear her—"

"She's a murderer, Rick. We all saw her kill those three men. And did you hear her just now? She just admitted to killing five more." I knew this would happen. This wasn't a surprise. But my gut still curled around inside of me, and I felt for a moment that I was going to vomit up all of my internal organs.

Then Axel piped up, "She also said they had nearly killed her friend, can't blame her for giving them what was coming to them."

"And she saved your ass by killing the three here," Oscar continued, "So I don't know why you're bitchin'."

It was the weirdest feeling, having two people I'd barely spoken to, two people I hardly knew defend me. Not only were they defending me, but they were also defending the darkest part of my soul, my most deplorable actions. That, with my new family at my sides, strengthened me. I started on again, this time with no interruptions.

There was only a moment of silence after I'd finished when the group was still processing it all. Then Carl spoke up for me, "Annie's a good person. She came all the way here to keep us safe, even if it's hard for her to be around us."

Carol voiced her own obvious opinion, "She's dangerous is what she is."

"If she wanted you dead she could've done it by now." Everyone looked to Michonne then, knowing that what she'd said was the absolute truth. If I had even the slightest desire to kill any of them, then they'd be dead already.

"I don't want anyone dead," I tried to diffuse the tension, "I want to help keep you all alive."

Ricked looked over to the eldest of the group, "Hershel?"

He didn't answer straight away, and that worried me. "I've never seen her act hostile towards anyone who wasn't threatening us," his wise voice flowed across the room, "As long as it stays that way, I have no problem with her condition." Condition. That's a good way to put it. I'll need to remember that.

"I don't see what all the fuss is about," Glenn looked around, "We all have things we have to deal with, Annie's is just a little bit more… brutal."

Maggie spoke from beside him, "Besides, that baby loves her. And babies can always tell about a person."

"You can't honestly think she can be trusted with Judith," the anger in Carol's tone was growing.

Rick, who was one of the only two real authorities when it came to Judith, came in with stern words, "I do, actually."

"You're all crazy." She stood up, "Is that why Daryl isn't here? There's no way he could be fine with this. She's… She's a monster!" When she started for the hallways no one stopped her. Was she right? Was there really no way Daryl would be able to think this was fine?

Axel got up, distracting me from my thoughts, "As long as she keeps bringin' in the venison I'm happy."

"Plus, I feel safer now that she's here," Beth's voice was so soft I almost couldn't hear her. Her words hit me though. They meant something. She felt safer with me around. Even with my condition I was something that brought safeness.

"And don't forget she's practically a doctor."

Oscar looked over at me, "Hell, I didn't know that."

My voice came through, still a bit shaky but gaining strength, "So you're all, you know, fine with it?" I saw them all nod. So what if two people didn't like it, those people could just deal with it. I had a whole group that would live with me regardless of the hunger. And if they could deal with it so could I. Mitch was right; talking about it helped. The air around me felt lighter, everything did. Everyone got up and started to disperse and I felt better than I had since I'd first been bitten.

"Don't let her bother you," Hershel stopped in front of me, leaning into his crutches, "She'll come around."

"I'll try not to," I smiled at him and he made his way over to his cell. I turned to Rick. Without him this wouldn't have gone so well, "Thank you, I feel so much better." He just nodded and we went off to feed Judith. That reminded me; I had my own person to take care of, "I better go check on Aidan."

Rick informed me of what had happened while I was sleeping, "We gave him some more food and water this morning, but he was complaining about the pain. Is there anything you can give him?"

"I'll find something," I went up to my cell and grabbed a bottle of reasonably strong pain medication and my bag of medical supplies. When I started walking down to get to the hallway I saw Michonne leaning against the wall, keeping her eyes on everyone like she normally did. "Hey Michonne, want to meet my first real patient?"

She kicked off the wall and followed me. As we made our way through the dark maze she spoke up, "I knew you were hiding something like that, wasn't sure of the details, but I knew it was something."

"I figured you would," I smiled at her through the darkness, "Thanks for not talking to anyone about it."

Her voice lightened, "You know you're just about the only one I talk to here." We kept on waling, "So did the hick get mad at you?"

"Don't know," my laugh echoes through the maze, "Did a hit and run."

"Smart thinking," her tone dropped back down, "By now that woman is probably talkin' his ear off."

"Let her talk," I felt the smile spread across my face. I didn't care what Carol said to him. Part of me didn't even care what he thought. The rest of the group could accept me; that's what mattered. That's all I needed. I joked with her, "Like a give a fuck."

"Damn, you're in a good mood."

"Feels like I lost fifty pounds," I unlocked Aidan's cellblock, "Feels good."

"Doc is that you?" I walked to his cell and waved in just in time for him to complain, "It fucking hurts! I need pain pills!"

I shook the bottle, "I got you covered." I handed him the suggested dosage and a fresh bottle of water, "Been taking the antibiotics as directed?"

"Yeah," he swallowed the pills before smirking at me, "So did you miss me?"

"Oh yeah," sarcasm dripped from my words, then it was back to doctor mode, "I need to check it, make sure it's healing alright." He nodded and I undid the bandage. It still looked gnarly, but the bleeding had stopped and the healing process was still working overtime. I took one of the disinfectant wipes I'd brought with me and cleaned the wound.

"Is it okay?"

"Looks good," I started re-bandaging, remembering the whole bedside manner issue. I should make conversation right? "How long were you wandering around out there?"

"Two days and some change."

Michonne's curiosity got the best of her, "Why you were shot?" I'd been wanting to ask him that question myself, but I didn't know if it was rude or not.

"Classic mugging." I guess it wasn't rude after all. He started the short story, "I was camped out and these two guys came out of nowhere. They wanted my supplies, and I didn't want to give 'em to them. So I grabbed the closest bag and that was when they shot me. So I ran. They didn't follow me, luckily." Running. The best plan. The best course of action in almost all tough situations. Maybe it was a coward's move, but at least I wasn't the only chicken in the room now.

Michonne nodded to the arm, "Probably thought you'd bleed out."

He laughed, "So did I." I had to appreciate his positivity about the whole thing. Most people in his situation wouldn't be laughing. Then again, maybe the pills were starting to kick in.

"Besides the pain how are you feeling?"

"So much better."

"Good." I pulled one of the books we'd brought over from the prison library and set it on the bed, "I brought you a book to keep you entertained."

"You aren't staying?"

I shook my head. "You'll be asleep soon anyway," I shook the pill bottle before stuffing it into my bag, "These are pretty strong."

"Good," he reclined onto the pillow and waved his hand at me, "Go, do whatever it is you do here."

I smiled at him, good mood still thoroughly intact, "I'll check on you later." We walked out of the cellblock, and began our adventure through the darkened tunnels.

"Well, at least if that Daryl hates you now you've got a backup."

"Excuse me," I shined the flashlight on her face.

"That boy in there," she glanced back the way we came, "Got yourself an admirer."

"Well, I did save his life. The least he could do is be in love with me," I jested and we laughed our way back to the cellblock.

Boom goes the dynamite! So, the group was relatively alright with Annie's condition and life for our unconventional hero is looking up. I hope you enjoyed it. I wrote all these lovely words, so PLEASE REVIEW! I really need some solid feedback, and you are the only ones who can provide that for me. :)

QUESTION! What do you think Daryl's reaction was, since Annie so hastily fled the scene? Is he mad at her or happy or jealous of her newfound hunting nose? I want to know what you all think. :)

Thank you for reading!