The Walking Dead: 8 months on the road- The Story of Carl
Chapter 6
The warm Georgian sun blazed down onto the scorched side walk, as Carl and Ashley emerged from a deserted store, their rucksacks laden with supplies. After a few hours of searching their efforts had been greatly rewarded, with the added bonus of zero encounters with any walkers. Carl was feeling a bright glow of happiness inside his chest, a glow which only intensified whenever Ashley turned her sparkling gaze to him. As they entered the town, Carl cautiously unholstered his gun and gripped it firmly in his hand. Scanning the town suspicously for any movement, Carl was suddenly aware of Ashley's gaze fixated on him. Turning to face her, Carl raised an eyebrow questioningly.
''Nothing,'' Ashley said whilst shaking her head. ''You're just really...''.
''Brave?'' questioned Carl.
''Grown up,'' concluded Ashley.
''You sorta have to be in this world,'' defended Carl.
''I know, I'm not saying you shouldn't be. I just wonder that maybe if I'd been more like you, my Dad would still be here today.''
Suddenly Carl realised that Ashley was crying. Realising he must say something Carl took a step towards her, only to have her throw herself onto him in a tight hug. All he could do was hug her back, and for the next few minutes they stood embraced in the deserted town. When at last Ashley had stopped crying, she removed herself from Carl and gave him a watery smile.
''Sorry about that,'' sniffed Ashley.
''Don't be,'' reassured Carl. ''Your Dad's death wasn't your fault. It was walkers. Don't blame yourself; there was nothing you could've done.''
''I guess,'' murmured Ashley.
''C'mon then,'' said Carl. ''Let's get back to your camp.''
''Coming,'' said Ashley as she slipped her hand into Carls.
That was unexpected, thought Carl. Not that he was complaining. This was becoming the best day of his life! He liked Ashley. And it looks like she liked him back. A surge of excitement ignited Carl as he thought about being together with Ashley. The feeling lasted a second. Even if they got together, how would it work out? The more he snuck out of camp, the more likely it was they'd be found out. He couldn't live at David's camp, and he couldn't imagine Rick welcoming another mouth to feed when they themselves were barely surviving. It was a dilema. Pushing the thoughts to the back of his head, Carl tried to enjoy the moment with Ashley. It would be difficult not to.
####
By the time the duo have reached David's camp the afternoon was drawing to a close. In a few hours it would be dark, and Carl had to ensure he'd be home before then. As they drew near the entrance to the camp, Carl felt Ashley slide her hand from his grip. Pushing back a feeling of sadness, Carl shook his head and decided it was best for David to remain oblivious to his feelings for Ashley. If David found out it could provide some awkward questions for both Carl and Ashley alike. Before they reached the camp, Carl noticed David hurrying towards them. As he drew closer he noticed the supply-laden rucksack, and give them both a smile.
''Good job you two. I knew I could rely on you,'' David praised.
Whilst Ashley listed off everything they'd gathered, Carl turned his gaze into the activity within camp. His gaze was drawn to James who was... staring at him? No, not him. David. The look in James' eyes was venemous as he watched David talking to the pair. For an unknown reason Carl felt a shiver run through his body. What could David have done for James to be giving him such an angry look?
''So Carl, I guess you'll be going home now?'' asked David.
Tearing his gaze away from James, Carl nodded before adding, ''Yeah probably. It'll be dark soon''.
''Indeed,'' nodded David. ''Well thank you for your help. I guess we'll see you in a few days then?''.
''I'll do my best,'' promised Carl.
''Right then, goodbye. C'mon Ashley,'' beckoned David as he began walking into the camp.
''Hold on,'' interrupted Ashley. ''I wanna walk Carl to the woods. Town gets dangerous at night, and he'll have to pass through there to get home. Can I? Please?''.
''Okay, fine,'' sighed David. ''But no farther than the woods. And no messing about neither. Straight there, straight back. You got it?''.
''Got it.'' smiled Ashley. ''Let's go Carl.''
Together the two set off into town, completely alone...
####
Ten or so minutes later and the two had reached the woods. Passing through the town had been easy enough with only one walker to put down. After crossing the deserted road on the edge of town together, Carl turned to face Ashley, ready to say goodbye.
''I'll try and see you real soon,'' Carl promised, feeling a dagger of sorrow piece his stomach at the thought of leaving Ashley.
''You better,'' Ashley warned as she pulled Carl into a final hug.
After being released from the hug, Carl took a few steps towards the woods before turning round to give Ashley one last wave. Once she had waved back, Carl began to turn away only to freeze as he saw a shadow move forwards Ashley. They weren't alone!
''Ashley, look out!'' cried Carl, pulling out his gun, as Ashley turned to face the advancing walker.
But it was too close. Before Ashley could react the walker had flung itself onto her, and with the added weight both walker and girl fell to the ground. By now Carl was running to Ashley's aid, partly fearing it would be too late. As both figures came back into sight, Carl saw that Ashley was resisting the walker in everyway- kicking at it's feet, and holding both it's wrists with her own hands. The scene was familiar. Too familiar. And before he knew it, Carl was flung into a memory. Dale struggling against a walker. Being fatally injured. And finally being put out of his misery by Daryl. Worst of all it had been his fault. Dale had died because of him. And now Ashley was going to die because he'd rather put her in danger, than walk home by himself. He was pathetic!
No. He wasn't going to let another die because of him. Snapping out of his trance, Carl heard Ashley's screams bellow him. Quickly aiming his gun at the walker, Carl paused and took a deep breath. Closing his eyes he pulled the trigger. The sound of gunshot filled the area. Slowly opening his eyes, Carl saw... Ashley pushing the dead corpse off of her. He'd done it. He'd actually saved her. Ashley stood up and after a moments hesitation ran towards him. Expecting a hug, Carl was shocked when he felt Ashley's lips meet his own. She was kissing him. A girl was kissing him. Unsure of what to do, Carl did what he'd seen his parents do before. He put his arms around Ashley and started kissing her back. It was the most wonderful moment of his life! With their tongues entwining and Ashley's body against his, Carl felt his emotions rapidly rising until he wanted to cry with happiness. Her lips tasted so soft and beckoning Carl wanted to remain like this forever. Eventually Ashley pulled away, and Carl was left gazing into her dazzling blue eyes with a massive smile on his face.
''That was...nice,'' Carl whispered shyly.
''It was,'' agreed Ashley. ''Just to, you know... say thanks for saving me''.
Carl nodded and an awkward silence passed between them, ending by Ashley taking a step backwards.
''I better get back,'' she announced. ''See you soon.''
Nodding, Carl felt he must say one last thing.
''See you. Oh and Ashley,''
Waiting until she had turned to face him again, Carl finished, '' I love you.''
A few seconds passed before Ashley replied, but when she did Carl's heart began beating so fast he thought Rick would be able to hear it back at camp:
'' I love you too, Carl.''
And with that Ashley was gone, leaving Carl staring into nothing with a smile bigger than he'd ever had in his lifetime.
#####
Just over an hour later, Carl stumbled back into his own camp exhausted. Sun-down wasn't far off and Carl had no idea what to tell Rick. Whenever he'd tried thinking of something, his mind had drifted off to remembering kissing Ashley. Eventually he'd decided to return to camp and face whatever punishment Rick had lined up. Stepping into the clearing, Carl felt numerous gazes meet his own. It looked liked everyone was here.
''Carl,'' Rick called.
Turning to face his father, Carl felt a shiver of fear. Who knew what Rick would do to him? He'd probably leave Carl out for walker bait.
'' Come over here,'' continued Rick.
Walking towards his Father, who was sat at the campfire with Hershel and his Mother, Carl felt like a man heading to Death Row. Stopping short of Rick, Carl took a deep breath and prepared to be murdered.
''Do you want some food?'' asked Rick.
''Do I what?'' spluttered Carl in disbelief.
''Do you want some food? We've all eaten, but I saved you some.''
''Umm... yeah. That'd be great. Thanks,'' Carl answered. Why Rick wasn't shouting at him was a miracle. Not that he was going to complain.
Thanking his Dad as the food was passed to him, Carl went and sat next to Lori who pulled him into a massive hug. With Carl out-of-ear-shot, Hershel turned to Rick and nodded.
''Well done Rick. I know that was hard for you.''
''Yeah, well you said don't shout at him and I didn't. I still think we should find where he's going but
if you're happy to wait, well I trust you're judgement.''
''That means a lot Rick,'' thanked Hershel.
''No problem,'' said Rick. ''But if this goes on much longer, I'm doing what I think's right. I'll follow him and find out where the hell he's going, even if it kills me!''.
''Let's hope it doesn't come to that,'' murmured Hershel.
Eventually the camp fell silent as the group made their way to bed, leaving the clearing deserted. In one of the beds, Carl slept peacefully- his dreams full of Ashley. The thought of seeing her again had become an obsession. And having an obsession was dangerous...
TO BE CONTINUED...
Thanks for readings guys. Please leave feedback. Sorry for not updating in a while. I'll try and get the next chapter written soon. Thanks