Unbroken Bonds
Clem and I followed Kenny and the older man, Walter into the lodge, the rest of the group seemed to be lagging behind us a bit, probably discussing how safe the place is.
After Walter told us that Kenny and Sarita were staying with him and his boyfriend Matthew, who would be joining us later. The group came in and admired how huge the place was, not to mention the electricity the lodge seemed to still have. I thought everything was going to go smoothly, that is until Walter mentioned putting our stuff down.
"The hell we will!" Rebecca instantly got defensive.
"Yeah, I'm holding on to my rifle...thanks." Nick added.
I looked at Clem who only looked between the group and Kenny. This wasn't going to go well, especially with my husbands temper.
"Please, you're our guest here, there's no need to worry-" Walter spoke up again, only to be interrupted by Nick.
"Tell him to put his gun down then." Nick interrupted, looking straight at Kenny .
Kenny gave him a skeptical look before turning to Clementine and I. "Will you vouch for these people, girls? If you say they're good, then I am too-"
"Us? you were the one waving the gun around man-" Nick began again before Luke cut him off
"H-Hey, hey, hey! We're cool, ok? We're cool!" Luke nervously said, trying to convince Kenny.
I rolled my eyes. "C'mon guys! Knock it off..." I looked between Kenny and Nick before sighing deeply. "I vouch for them."
"Yeah, they're cool" Clem agreed. Kenny slowly walked over, setting his gun down. Luke set down his machete, and then Nick set down his gun. I walked up to him, knowing he was probably still out of it. "You okay, babe?"
"Yeah... You should go. I'll see you later." Nick messed up my hair before following Sarita to where we would be able to sleep.
****
Clem and I followed Kenny to what I assumed was the lounge. There were sofas all around while a fireplace were lit the entire area. It was beautiful. I sat behind Clem while she took a seat next to Kenny. We both gave him a smile, but I noticed Clementine's faded fast. She must be making the connection to Lee.
"Still wearing this old thing, huh?" Kenny flicked the bill of Clem's hat down a bit. I smiled at the gesture while Clem didn't look too amused.
"So...where did you guys end up?" He began to ask. I looked at Clementine before I began. "We were with Christa and Omid. I got separated not too long after we found Clem near the train. We ran into some walkers who were lingering near the train tracks and when we ran, I fell when a walker grabbed my leg. Christa tried to come back but I told her to run and keep Clementine safe. Omid pulled Christa away, and I was alone for a longtime. Eventually a camp took me in and I met this group. I've been with them ever since. To be honest, I also recently got reunited with Clem a week ago." I smiled.
Kenny nodded and looked at Clementine. "How 'bout you?"
"I was with Christa,and Omid...Omid..he-...Christa and I were together for awhile,but some guys caught us...she's gone now." I looked at clementine with saddness, the thought of her losing not only Lee, but Omid, and possibly Christa...this little girl has been through hell. We all have.
"Sounds like it ain't been easy for you two, I'm sorry darlin'. I wish I could've found you guys sooner." Kenny gave us a sympathetic look.
"Where did you end up?" Clementine asked. I was curious too, that alleyway was filled with walkers by the time Kenny ran from the gate he locked me and Lee out of.
"Yeah Kenny, how did you get out of the alleyway?"
Kenny looked at me with a raised eyebrow, I can tell things were about to turn in a new direction because the alleyway was also Ben's grave.
"Well Tasha, for some reason, I tried to save your shitbird, Ben, to redeem myself from the way I wished his death so many times... couldn't help the kid, but I got out. Lets just say I got lucky...real lucky." I rolled my eyes at the shitbird comment and the halfass explanation I got, but I decided maybe he didn't want to talk about it. An alleyway full of walkers can be hard to think of.
"Christa told me you were dead!" Clementine exclaimed.
"I am...this is all a dream!" I glared at him while Kenny began to laugh and apologize. Not a good joke to make, and judging by the look Clem gave him, she didn't find it too funny.
"Anyways... after I got out of Savannah, I was by myself for a long while...it uh..." He paused and closed his eyes, as if he was remembering something he didnt want too. "And then I met Sarita! Thanks god... Gosh, it's great to have you two back again!" Kenny's attitude flip instantly, making me kind of weary of him.
Sarita came by to check up on us
"Catching up on things, you guys?" The pretty woman asked. I smiled, already liking her because of her kind and gentle presence.
"Tasha, Clem... this here's my girl, Sarita, ain't she beautiful?" Sarita playfully rolled her eyes and looked at us, "Its nice too meet you both!"
On the topic of dating, apart of me was afraid of telling Kenny I was with Nick now. After how he was with the whole Ben situation, I wasn't sure how he'd react. Sarita left us to go ask Carlos if Sarah can help decorate the tree. I saw Luke and Nick near the top of the stairs talking about something, so I took the opportunity to tell Kenny about my husband.
"By the way Kenny... I'm uh-I'm married..." I said quietly, not making eyecontact with him, but with the floor instead.
Clem looked at me than Kenny with a worried expression. We both knew how protective he is when he considers someone his family.
When I finally looked up, Kenny's eyes were wide at my confession. "Married, what the fuck-to who?" I glanced upstairs where the two farmboys were still talking. "To uh...to Nick" I showed him the ring on my finger wearily.
Kenny's eyes widened as he saw the ring on my finger. "Which ones that?"
I laughed slightly. "The one that was pointing his gun at you."
"Great. Seems like we'll be the best of friends." Kenny groaned. "He isn't another Ben is he?"
I sighed deeply, shaking my head. "For fuck sakes, Kenny... No, he isn't." As I spoke my words, Nick and Luke began walking downstairs. I got up and walked to Nicks side, kissing his cheek. He smiled at me, but it turned to a skeptical look when he turned his attention to Kenny. "Is there anything we can do to help?" Luke asked.
"You guys can help me bring in some stuff before the storm kicks in" Luke and Nick exchanged a look before Luke told him to come with him.
Nick turned to me and smiled "You stay outta trouble now!"
I laughed and lightly shoved him "I should be saying that to you"
He laughed before following Luke.
Kenny told Clem and I to help Walter with dinner. Walter was a very nice man. We found out we'd be eating peaches and beans or "Le Walter Surprise" as he called it. Clem and I exchanged a look of disgust and we both rejected a sample when he offered. We then checked on the tree, where me and Clem learned that before the outbreak, Sarah and her family would put an angel at the top of the tree. I remembered faintly celebrating Christmas. We would decorate the tree and our tree topper was normally a star. Seeing the smile on Sarah's face, I told Clem that we should look for a tree-topper,which she agreed to.
We decided to head upstairs to see Rebecca and Alvin. Alvin asked us to keep Rebecca company while he went to go find something to drink for her. Clem got the opportunity to hear the baby kick while I got to feel. It was strange, I had never felt a baby kick before.
"It's not his..." Rebecca said quietly.
I frowned at her. "Rebecca, I'm sure it is." Knowing fully well what she meant, I wanted to soothe her the best I could, though in reality no one could be sure.
"I agree." Clem encouraged her. "Everything will be okay because you're alive and you have Alvin, and you both will be great parents."
I gave Clem a small pat on the back, amazed by how mature she can be. I looked behind us to see a box of tree-toppers. Clem grabbed the angel and told her she's doing this for Sarah since she's her best friend. I smiled and looked down to see Sarah smiling at the angel.
"She looks so cool!" She exclaimed.
My little partner in crime and I headed back downstairs once Alvin came back to sit with Rebecca.
"Do you need help, Sarita?" I asked her once we made it down.
"Oh no girls, I'm fine, but thank know, now that your friends are here, this place is really starting to feel like home!" She smiled at me than looked at Clementine.
"Hey Clem, does Kenny seem...different to you? I didn't know him before so...I wouldn't know." Clem looked at her confused "He seems like the same old Kenny to me!"
Sarita looked at me to see if I had a different answer, to which I didn't. "He does seem like nothings changed from when I last saw him" I shrugged. "O-oh,thats good, I guess". She then grabbed a box but Kenny showed up and tried to grab it from her
"I got it, hon." Kenny said eagerly, pulling the box out of her grasp.
"I think I can manage, Ken-"
"I said I got it!" Kenny took it from her, setting it further away.
I gave a confused look to Kenny's retreating figure before hearing Sarita's voice, "Kenny, always has to play the gentleman." Sarita said with a smile, though I felt she was confused as well.
Clem and I helped Sarita and Sarah decorate the tree until Walter announced that dinner was ready.
~~
As I walked into the dining area, I watched as Clem stared between Luke and Kenny, who were sitting at two different tables. "Sweetie, why don't you go sit with Kenny? I'll get those two to come over."
Clementine smiled at me. "Thanks, Tash." She walked over to Kenny who smiled at her, while I walked over to Luke who had a frown on his face, but less of one when I sat down next to him.
"You alright, babe?" I asked Nick. He looked sick, and I was worried about him.
"Yeah, I just- I wish I hadn't taken that shot."
"You did what you had to do, sweetie. Anyone would've done the same."
"What do you think of Kenny?" Luke asked after a while, causing me to frown.
"I trust him."
"A lot can change over two years. Walter was telling me he lost his wife and son." Luke said quietly from my side, causing me to saddened over the memory of Duck and Katjaa.
"He's a good man." I replied as I picked up my bowl. "He's the one who put Ben out of his misery... Something I couldn't do. I trust him with my life." I looked at Kenny who was giving me a look that shouted betrayal for sitting at the other table. I took this as a cue to get the two guys to try and get to know Kenny and vice versa. "If you guys are so suspicious of him, than lets go over there and talk to him. He's like a dad to me so you guys should definitly try and play nice" I looked at Nick, "Especially you" I said as I began walking towards the other table.
Luke and Nick followed closely behind, Nick sitting to my left while Luke sat next to Kenny after Walter and Sarita went sit with the rest of group, presumedly getting to know them too.
"Hey."
"Hi." Luke replied to Kenny, eating his food with a sour expression.
"How's the food?"
"Oh- it's uh- great, thanks." I glared slightly at Luke who had screwed up his face while lying. Luckily enough, Kenny wasn't looking.
Everything went by in a blur. Everything was fine until Luke asked what Kenny's plans were.
Kenny told us he was planning on moving north.
"You guys hear of a place called 'Wellington'?"
I shook my head, but Clem said Christa told her about it.
Things started getting worse after Nick told Kenny that the whole idea of a safezone from walkers sounded like bullshit.
"Listen, VANILLA ICE, I dont know what your problem is, but you and your friends can take a hike first thing in the morning!"
"Well that's just fine with me!"
"Whats with these guys Clem?-"
"Hey fuck you buddy!" I looked at Nick and Kenny, trying to think of way to defuse two hot tempers when suddenly Luke chimed in.
"Its fine Nick, we're not staying." I looked at Luke, saddened that even he didn't try to be friends with Kenny, and the thought of separating from my old friend again.
"She's staying." I turned my attention to Kenny as he pointed at Clementine.
"What? 'Scuse me?"
"And Tasha's staying too."
I remained quiet as Nick shot me a look- almost a glare. "The fuck she is!"
Luke glared at Kenny. "Yeah, these two are leaving with us."
I rubbed the side of my head as Kenny glared over at Nick. "Look kid, I don't know how you got her to marry you, but I can tell you ain't shit." His attention turned to Luke, who was fuming with rage.
"And why the hell are you so worked up over Tasha stayin'? Oh, I get it you got some undying love for her don't ya, jackass?"
"Kenny, please." My voice was quiet. I wanted nothing more than to scream at the three of them, but for Clementine's sake I kept quiet. There had to be some common ground, some way they could all get along.
Clem looked at Luke and Nick quickly, covering her ears.
"Can you two stop adding fuel to the fire?" I said quietly, trying my best to get the 3 men to calm down.
"Geez Tasha, first the NUMBER ONE shitbird Ben and now these two shit birds? You sure know how to pick 'em."
My heart stung as I instantly glared at Kenny, feeling my stomach tighten at the frequent negative mentions of Ben- especially since this was the second time this night he referred to Ben as a shitbird.
"Kenny! Don't." I replied sternly, sick of how he compared them to Ben.
Clementine nodded in agreement. "Please, don't fight."
The table was silent for a moment- no one spoke, no one even moved really, until...
"Pass me that can, Duck."
My eyes widened as Kenny gasped, immediately looking miserable.
"Duck? Who's Duck?" Luke asked with annoyance.
"Luke, don't." I said softly while touching Kenny's hand sympathetically.
"Duck was his son..." Clementine explained as she looked at Kenny sadly.
Luke immediately looked down, instantly regretting asking. Nick picked at his food, not making eye contact with anyone. As Walter took Clementine away, I shook my head in disbelief. "This is bullshit." With that I stood, walking away from table before I said something I'd regret. Nick and Luke followed me, though. They always did. I went upstairs and waited for them with a hand on my hip, ready to scold them.
"Tasha-" Luke started but I cut him off.
"You two should be ashamed of yourselves!" I yelled in a hushed tone, pulling my hair into a pony to keep my hair from flailing. "Kenny wasn't in the right, but you two sure as hell weren't!"
"That asshole insulted me and Luke and you're on his side, Tasha?" Nick looked at me with disbelief.
"While he expects you and Clem to stay?" Luke added. "No way, Carver could come by here if he's tracking us and you two would be in big trouble."
"You think I don't know that, Luke?! Fuck-"
"Fuck that, Tasha!" Nick narrowed his eyes at me. "I don't like him. He's a major dick."
I shook my head in disbelief. "You're both acting like major dicks! Kenny is a very rash and blunt person, but he's part of the reason I'm still alive. Look, that man has been through a lot just like the rest of us and I'd appreciate if you guys could try to get along and not gang up on him like that!" I raised my voice, hoping to get my point across. "If you two care about me like you say you do, you would be willing to get along with him."
Nick sighed deeply. "Fine, I'll try my best since this guy is obviously so important to you. But if he mouths off to me or anyone else, I ain't gonna sit back and take it." Nick looked at me with an annoyed look.
I sighed. "I never expected you to."
"If Kenny's rashness puts any of us in danger, than I'm not taking any chances. I'll make peace with him for your sake, but he has got to keep a level head, 'cause in case you weren't watching, it was your husband and him arguing most of the time, I kept my indoor voice." Luke sighed, looking from Nick to me before walking downstairs. I watched him walk away with a sad look, already feeling bad for acting like a mother scolding her two kids. Nick grabbed my hand causing me to look at him.
He smiled and slowly moved a strand of hair away from my face. "Are you okay? Kenny said some pretty harsh things about you and...well Ben."
I smiled slightly. "Oh, I'm used to that... He hasn't changed much."
"So he's always been a dick, then." Nick smiled smugly.
"Pretty much."
-
I went back downstairs as Nick decided to try and rest a bit, today was a very rough day for him so I couldn't blame him. I wasn't tired, so I decided to try and mingle with Sarita and Walter. My plans were instantly thrown away as I saw Clem and Luke...hiding?
"Guys? What's wrong?" I asked as they stared at each other with worried expressions.
Luke looked at me with a smile. "Oh, it's nothing, Tasha. Why don't you go up to bed?"
"Because I'm not a child nor am I tired." I said as I raised my eyebrow "Now what's really going on?" I looked at Clem, hoping that if Luke wouldn't tell me, she would.
Clementine slowly held up a photo, and I stared at it with shock "Oh my god,That's... Is that the guy Nick shot?"
Luke glared at Clementine before looking back at me with worry. His reached forward to hold my arm. "Tasha, I know what you're thinking, but think about this very carefully." I looked at the ground slowly, feeling my heart race with concern.
"We don't know Walter, he seems like a real nice person, but people snap when they lose their anchors. If Walter finds out, Nick is as good as dead for all we know." I looked at Luke, while I wasn't against the idea of lying to Walter, I was against lying to Nick, especially after getting caught with Luke. The idea of keeping big things from him didn't seem like best option.
"What about telling Nick? He has a right to know, Luke."
Luke gave me a look of bewilderment. "Tasha, no! I can guarantee Nick will tell Walter, especially if you encourage him too! Just-just both of you... keep an eye out for Nick-"
"I'm right here."
I turned around fast, what perfect timing. Nick looked at me, than Luke, his eyebrow raised. "What's up?"
The 3 of us all exchanged nervous glances until Luke spoke up.
"No-Nothin man! Just, asking Tasha where you were, so I could check up on ya and see if you're okay."
Nick gave Luke a sly smile. "You comin' to tuck me in?"
I decided to play along with Luke's plan. "Now sweetie, we both know thats my job."
Luke looked at me and then smiled at Nick."Heh-y-yeah" Nick's smiled faded into a worried frown. "Seriously guys, if there's something up, I wanna know."
Luke and I looked at eachother than glanced down at Clementine who was staring straight at Nick. She slowly took the frame she was hiding behind her back and handed it to him. Nick stared at the photo in shock. "Oh God!"
I nervously looked to Luke. "Hey Nick, shut the fuck up,ok? Don't fucking blow it!"
"Blow it? It's over man, I gotta tell him!" I stood beside Nick ,placing my hand on his arm."Sweetie, are you sure you wanna go through with telling him? I'll support you with anything, but I just want you to be sure."
Luke looked at me shocked "What? No! Nick you cannot tell Walter, are you fuckin nuts? This shit is suicide!" I tried to give this conversation my full focus, but my stomach pain was starting up again.
I was trying to contribute more to the convo until Clem spoke up "Nick should tell him, it's the right thing to do, Luke." Luke shook his head "C'mon Nick, lets go find a beer or somethin, and Clem, just...go do that thing I told you do? Alright?"
With that they all went their separate ways. I decided to go upstairs and lay down, the pain in my stomach was growing and I thought rest would help. I shut my eyes and started kneading whichever spot needed pressure. After about 15 minutes, I heard someone come up the stairs.
I opened my eyes to see Luke.
"Hey." I greeted him.
"Hey." He said quietly. Luke looked at me sadly.
"Where's Nick?" I looked around to see that he wasn't coming up the stairs behind him.
"He went to go get some fresh air, said he needed to think... I just hope that whatever's he's thinking, it's smart."
I looked at him, in too much pain to do anything else. "He's always trying to do the smart thing Luke. We all are."
Luke sighed, sitting beside me. "Look I- I'm sorry I've been a dick to you the past few days."
I shook my head. "It's fine, Luke."
"No, no it ain't. I just thought maybe it would help... Maybe if I could stay mad at you that I wouldn't love you."
I looked up at him, studying his face. "Did it work?"
Luke smiled slightly. "Nope. I'm still in love with you."
"Awe damn." I joked lightly, shoving his arm. "Hmm..." I closed my eyes, putting my hand to my stomach uncomfortably.
"What is it?"
"My stomach REALLY hurts... look, this may sound funny to ask but...can you rub it, or something?"
"What?" Luke laughed. "Isn't that something for Carlos to do?"
"Well, I can't wait for him, nor do I see him. I can't even get up to look for him if I wanted too. So c'mon, Doctor Luke." I narrowed my eyes but a smile still danced across my lips. "Rubbing... Soothes the pain. I've been up here doing it myself for the past 15 minutes. Just apply some pressure. Please?"
Luke sighed in defeat, lacing his hand on my stomach. His fingers slowly kneaded the flesh, gently applying pressure. After a while, Luke stopped. His hands still placed on my stomach. He stared down at it, his eyes moving across my thin stomach. He raised his eyebrows, as if he realized something .
"Luke? What's wrong?"
"Tasha I-" A loud noise came from outside, interrupting him.
"What the hell is that?!" I asked him, standing up as fast as I could. "I don't know, you stay here. I don't think you should be moving so abruptly in your condition." He looked at me desperately. I looked at him before running down the stairs. I couldn't lay there and do nothing! I was thinking where Nick could be, hoping he was alright. I found him grabbing the guns. I ran to him, giving him a tight hug. "I'm alright, babe. Here." He handed me my pistol before we ran outside.
"That things gonna attract the walkers!" Kenny yelled out to the us. I saw Kenny and Luke head to go fix the transformer, while Clem shut down the noisy wind turbine.
Carlos, Sarita, Nick and I were scanning the trees.
"Something ain't right." Nick commented as we watched the the distance. He was right, it was too quiet.
"They're behind us!" He yelled as he turned around.
It was a game of getting to the lodge while killing the walkers that followed the living. I shot the two walkers that were heading over to Clementines direction, telling her to go before a walker tried grabbing me from behind, knocking Nick's rifle out of my hands. I frantically ran, trying to find Nick while getting to the lodge.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Nick struggling with a walker. He was too too far from me to take the shot. My heart was threatening to beat out my chest until I saw Clementine approach him, but she didn't have a damn gun!
All of a sudden, the walkers head burst open. I looked to see where the shot came from and I was surprised yet extremely grateful that Walter killed it. I met up with Nick and hugged him. "Oh my god, you're alright!"
Nick wrapped his arms around me. "So are you, thank god."
Carlos ordered Clem to get inside as we saw more walkers approach us. We were dangerously low on ammo now, until shots started coming from the woods.
Fuck.
My heart stopped as I saw Bonnie, Troy, Johnny, and Carver slowly walking towards us, pointing their guns when they surrounded us.
I heard Carver punch Carlos in the face after he didn't tell him where Rebecca was, only to have Sarah run out and hug him.
"Inside." Carver ordered.
Everyone besides Rebecca, Alvin, Clem, Luke and Kenny were restrained and forced on our knees. Carver started torturing Carlos in front of Sarah,the lodge filled with a mixture of Carlos's screams of pain and Sarah's pleas.
"Stop!" I screamed at Carver, struggling against my restraints. "Bill, Please!"
Carver's eyes found mine, and immediately I regretted opening my mouth. He smiled, setting Carlos down next to Sarah before grabbing my arm and pulling me to where he was torturing Carlos. "Now, Tasha. Where's Rebecca?"
"I don't know-" I gasped for air as Carver wrapped his hand around my neck, squeezing tight enough I could hardly breath.
"Let her go!" Nick screamed, struggling against his restraints. "Bill, Stop! Please Bill, not her!"
"Let her go! Please just stop hurting my friends!" Sarah yelled, looking at me with big, terrified eyes, tears spilling out of them.
Bill held onto my hair and looked around the lodge. "Rebecca! Our baby, deserves a home! A place where it can be raised, with food and shelter! I know you're in here! You, and Alvin, and the girl! After a few seconds of silence, Carver pulled out a knife and put it to my throat.
"No stop! Bill please! Leave her alone!" Nick yelled.
"Rebecca! I didn't want to have to do this, but your stubborn ways are causing me to act a little more harsh than necessary! Now if you don't come out, I'll kill Tasha slowly! I'll start slitting her throat for each minute you dont show yourself! And if you think I'm bluffing-" I cried out as Carver slowly started to drag the knife against the side of my neck.
"For fuck sake- Take me instead Bill! Please just don't hurt her!"
"Johnny, point your gun at Nick, his crying is starting to piss me off!" Carver glared at Nick "Now you listen here boy, if you dont shut your fucking mouth, your little girlfriend here? Won't have a throat. You dont wanna test me."
"Nick- stop!" I yelled at him, staring pleadingly at Johnny not to shoot him. Carver pushed a knife against my neck, and I felt that this was it. He was going to kill me. I looked at Nick, his teary eyes meeting mine as he still struggled against his restraints. I couldn't speak, but I tried to tell him I loved him.
I heard footsteps from the staircase and looked to see Rebecca and Alvin. Carver smiled and shoved me back next to Nick. He ordered Johnny to restrain Alvin. I was scared. Not only for the fact of almost dying but because I couldn't find Clementine anywhere. Where was she?
All of a sudden, a gunshot ran through the air and Johnny fell dead to the ground.
We all stared shocked, Bonnie panicking over her dead friend. Troy ran to the direction of the shot, scouting for whoever killed Johhny. I watched as Carver picked up Walter and setting him down by the doors. Before Walter can say anything, Carver shot him in the head. I was silent, but tears began to fall down my face. Walter was a good man.
"That was for our man! Now, you can come out with your hands up, or, I can march another one of them out here and the same thing will happen again! Trust me pal, I can do this all night!" Carver yelled towards the doors.
I looked to see Kenny and Clementine out there, but who I don't see it Luke! After another shot, Carver picked up Alvin and held him up at gunpoint.
Carlos and Rebecca pleading for Carver and Kenny to stop.
"Tell him to stop! KENNY STOP!" Rebecca yelled.
"We're coming out!" Kenny yelled.
Kenny and Clem walked through the doors and got restrained also. If Kenny didn't stop shooting, Alvin would've been dead. Carver has no limits. He proved that when he threatened to slit my throat...
Carver started pacing back and forth, looking around "Where's Luke?" I looked around, where was he?
"He finally up and left ya huh? I told you, I told you not to follow that man, and look where he's led ya! But that doesnt matter now, 'cause we're all going home... as a family" I looked at ground, shocked. Luke left us. He abandoned his family. I could only think about the betrayal while I was being yanked up by Troy, walking towards the back of the truck.