V - Falling Hard

Lincoln walked up to the small church at the center of the community, seeing kids— both younger, older, and his age— coming out of it. He pocketed his hands, feeling reluctant to go inside. Albert then walked next to him.

"Hey, kid."

"Hey, Pop-Pops."

"Played hooky again?"

"Well, I was in the Farmlands, doing some farm work. I wasn't just sitting at home doing nothing."

"Mmm. I would say I understand, but I don't. Neither do your older sisters, nor your younger sisters. None of us understand what you're going through. But you can help us understand."

"I get what you're saying, Pop-Pops. I really do. But I'm just not ready yet."

"No pressure, kid. Take all the time you need."

Lily came down running towards Albert with Lana walking behind her. Both of them were wearing backpacks, though they were barely carrying anything.

"Pop-Pops!" exclaimed Lily.

"Hey, kiddo!" chuckled Albert. "How was your day?"

"It was fun! We learned that mixing two colors make one different color! Red and blue make purple. Yellow and blue make green. Red and yellow make orange. Umm… that is all I know."

"That's great! You already know more than I do."

Lily giggled as she grabbed Albert's hand. Albert then looked at Lana.

"And how was your day?"

"Meh, it was okay…" mumbled Lana.

"Alright, then."

"What are we waiting for? Let's just go home."

"Just a moment."

Lincoln looked around and saw Stella chatting with Ronnie Anne. Mollie and Chloe were chatting with Trent and Richie, with Chandler nowhere to be seen. Lincoln walked past them before Trent called out to him.

"Hey, Linc. Where were you today, man?"

"Farming again, Trent," Lincoln answered. "Why?"

"Just curious."

Lincoln walked over to Ronnie Anne and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"Where's Clyde?" he asked.

"He's inside talking with Ms. Johnson," said Ronnie Anne. "He's trying to make up for the work he missed today. Unlike you, he actually wants to catch up with the rest of us."

"Good for him. And you guys."

"Lincoln?" said Stella. "Ms. Johnson wants to speak with you."

"About?"

"I don't know. She just told us that if we ever saw you, we should tell you to talk to her."

"Alright."

Lincoln released his arm from Ronnie Anne and walked over to the church entrance. He walked inside, passing by a few kids and teens in the halls as he walked over past the large rooms that served as classrooms. He then walked into the nave, seeing many long rows of wooden seats as Ms. Johnson could be seen talking to Clyde by the lectern. His eyes then locked contact with Ms. Johnson's eyes.

"Oh, Lincoln! Come here!" she exclaimed.

Lincoln sighed as he walked over to the lectern. He saw Ms. Johnson leaning her elbow against the lectern, clearly in a relaxed pose. She didn't look the tiniest bit angry.

"Lincoln, what's going on?" asked Ms. Johnson, concerned for him. "You're a bright student and you used to be so passionate to learn. But now you don't want to show up in class anymore?"

"I'm sorry, Ms. Johnson. I've just been… distracted lately. But from now on, I want to learn."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I want to do everything I can to catch up with my friends."

"Just like Clyde, huh?"

Clyde smiled as he looked at Lincoln. Lincoln smiled back, though Clyde's smile quickly faded away.

"Like I said, you two are very bright students," said Ms. Johnson. "I'm going to test you two on your historical knowledge. Clyde, if what you said about Lisa teaching you three— including Ronnie Anne, who isn't here— history is true, then you should pass. If you pass, you'll be placed with the rest of the students of your age for history class. As for the other subjects… we could place you in some sort of special fast-paced curriculum. I know you two will be able to handle it. Ronnie Anne though… she might have a bit of trouble. In any case, you'll all get tutors to get you up to speed to prevent you from falling behind. Remember, we don't do grades here. You're here to genuinely learn. Knowing you two, you'll find this new system a lot more interesting."

"Thank you so much, Ms. Johnson," said Clyde. "You are honestly the best teacher ever."

"Oh, Clyde, I try," smiled Ms. Johnson.

"Thank you, Ms. Johnson," said Lincoln. "I won't disappoint you."

"I know you won't, Lincoln. Now, you two are dismissed. Have fun, guys."

"Have a nice day, Ms. Johnson!" said Clyde.

"You too, Clyde."

Lincoln waved at Ms. Johnson as she waved goodbye to him back. He then followed Clyde out of the church.

"Man, she's really the best," said Clyde.

"Yeah. I'm glad she still enjoys teaching."

"Oh, she loves it even more now. The whole catching-up thing. Did you really mean it?"

"Yeah. I'm done with farming for now. Did the hazmat suit and bleach sprayer work?"

"It did. You know what that means."

"Yeah. I have one last thing to do. Get Liam's keys and open the cellar."

Lincoln and Clyde walked out of the nave where they saw two police rookies escorting Tucker outside of the church. They quickly followed them as Tucker looked out around, confused. The police rookies then approached Albert.

"This man is going to take care of you for the time being," said one of the police rookies.

"What happened to my mom?" asked Tucker.

"She got in a bit of trouble with the police," said Albert. "But I'll watch over you while she deals with them. Finn and Quinn are gonna help me too."

"Yay! I love those two. They're so funny when they annoy each other."

"Haha, yeah."

Albert then walked away with Lily, Lana, and Tucker as the police rookies walked away from the church. Lincoln and Clyde went their own separate ways, leaving their friends behind.

Watching them in the distance was Becky with her binoculars as she sat against a window from inside a treehouse— which used to belong to the Yates. She removed the binoculars from her eyes as a small tear dripped down her face.

Simon looked around the community while walking behind Sam as he held his hands inside his pocket. He saw Jackie and Sebastian talking to each other happily as well as Camille and Caleb laughing together. He frowned before Sam nudged him.

"We need to talk about what you did earlier," said Sam.

"Can't it wait until we get to the house?" asked Simon.

"Where you can lock yourself in your room and shut everyone out? I think it's better we talk now."

Simon then felt Sam grab his hand with a firm grip. Knowing he could break out of Sam's grip and leave, he chose to just let Sam say what she wanted to say.

"You shouldn't be sneaking out of school," said Sam.

"So what if I do?"

"So what? Simon…"

"What do I need school for?"

"It's an education that'll benefit you. You need to be able to read, write, do math, learn science."

"Why?"

Sam remained silent as she tried to think of a reasonable answer.

"Exactly," said Simon. "You don't even know why."

"I don't want you to be outside the walls. And I don't want you to sit around and do nothing. I want you to make some friends. Doesn't it suck to be alone all the time?"

"Yes, it does. And I would know 'cause for the longest time I was alone. Three years, Sammy."

"I'm sorry I was gone."

"No, you were dead. Not gone."

Sam felt her heart beating slowly as she felt a sense of guilt for her brother. She took out her keys and began to open the door to her house.

"You know what used to be common?" said Simon. "I would wake up and almost forget you existed until I reached into my pocket and pulled out your guitar pick. It was really painful remembering you. So, let's just say I'm used to it."

Sam opened the door while remaining speechless. Simon walked into the house and up the stairs to his room while Sam stood by the front door, feeling remorseful. She then walked inside and closed the door before seeing Luna on the couch with Sully and Mazzy.

"We need to talk," said Luna.

"About?" asked Sam, feeling nervous.

"Becky."

The evening sunset could be seen in the distance as the residents ate at the town plaza. Instead of Ms. Carmichael making the usual dinner, canned food was handed out to the residents, much to their dismay.

Carol stood by the food truck, looking around as she wondered where Ms. Carmichael was. She then saw Lori approaching her.

"Hey, Carol," greeted Lori.

"Hi, Lori."

"Who are you looking for?"

"Ms. Carmichael. She's supposed to be here serving the food but I don't see her anywhere. I knocked at her house but no one answered."

"That's because she's in jail."

"What? For what?"

"For 'harboring a fugitive'. Or at the very least, Schoffner suspects that she did. Has… Becky talked to you?"

"No, last I saw her was back at the infirmary. Haven't seen her since. Geez, her mom got arrested. Must be tough on her."

"Too tough. She lost her shit and kicked my trash can out of anger. She wanted me to take over and kill anyone who stood in my way. That's what she wanted to say before I interrupted her."

"I can talk to her."

"If you can even find her. But, Carol, please be careful. I'm a bit worried about her."

"I get it. It was like at the party when we first arrived here. But what's going on? Why'd she freak out on you guys?"

"I'll tell you later. First, I gotta talk to some people."

"Okay."

Lori walked away. Carol continued to stand near the food truck as she looked at the line. She then saw Will approaching her.

"Hey, hey!" said Will. "Carol, you heard what happened to your friend's mom?"

"Yeah. It's a real bummer."

"You've been learning how to cook with her, right?"

"Uh huh. I thought it'd be nice to be with her to comfort her since her daughter is… you know… gone."

"Not what I've been hearing lately," said Will.

"Oh?"

"Let me clue you in with a rumor I've been hearing around. Supposedly, your friend… she's back."

"Really?"

"Yeah, and Detective Schoffner is really looking for her. Guess she wants to be Captain Schoffner so bad, eh? The way she's hunting for her, she must be wanting a promotion."

"If she does catch Becky… will that be it? No trial?"

"No trial if she confesses. That's what her dad did and no trial. But if Becky doesn't confess, then we're gonna see a trial. Trial could take place either in Huntington Oaks City Hall or one of the floors in one of the buildings in the RenCen in Detroit."

"Who's gonna be prosecuting the case?"

"Orlando Breckenridge himself, as he always does. You know, it's weird that Lori basically saved him the trouble of prosecuting his own father. That would've been very awkward."

"Right? And… what else do you know about Orlando?"

"What, you have a crush on the guy?"

"He is pretty handsome… but I'm not into older guys."

Carol winked at Will.

"Trust me," she said.

"Well, I know he had a wife. Unfortunately, I heard that she was killed by a group of marauders. I also heard that Orlando killed them all on the night of our 1000th day party. Maybe that's why he didn't show up."

"Interesting. And… how close was he to Detective Plesko? He was a lawyer, right?"

"Yeah, district attorney. Close enough to talk to him every day before the outbreak. Why the curiosity?"

"Oh, nothing. I just wanted to know more about each of the community leaders."

"Let's take a seat. I'll tell you more about him."

Once again, Becky watched from a distance. She then growled and tossed her binoculars out of the treehouse and stomped hard on the floor. At the moment, she has never felt more alone.

The half-moon was high in the night sky accompanying the twinkling stars. A few gas lamps were on around the town center.

Luan walked past the gate and down along the wall, passing by a few houses before arriving at the infirmary building. She knocked on the door before tapping her foot on the porch floor softly. She whistled softly as she placed her hands on her stomach. She felt the urge to turn around. Then, the door opened.

"Door isn't locked," said Haley. "You don't have to wait outside. You can just come in."

"Oh. Haha, whoops," giggled Luan nervously, walking into the infirmary.

Inside, the lights were bright. Haley was eating a bagel with butter as she held a book in her hand. It was a medical book on cardiology. Luan shifted her focus on the bagel. She saw Haley bite into it, getting butter on her lips next to her mole. Haley then licked her lips.

"What's up, Luan?"

"How's the night shift working out for you?"

"It's been good… for the past five months."

"That's good… that bagel looks delicious."

"It is. Want a bite?"

"Y… no. I'm fine."

"You sure? I can spare a bite. I'm not a big eater."

"It's okay."

"If you don't want a bite of my tasty bagel, then what are you here for? Gasp, you want to have a conversation with me all night and make the hours go by faster for me? Perhaps discuss coronary bypass surgery?"

"Heh, I don't wanna disturb you if now is not a good time. I can come back tomorrow."

"Stay, Luan. It's my job to make sure you're physically okay. What's up?"

"I have… an inconvenience. Say I'm a patient of yours. Will everything I say be between you and me?"

"Of course. Anything you say won't leave this room. Not without your permission."

"Okay. Well… I'm pregnant."

"Congrats!"

"Yeah, no… it's not… I don't—"

"Oh, I see. My bad. You're here… for an abortion?"

Luan took a deep breath as she nodded.

"I guess so," whispered Luan.

"It's nothing to be ashamed about," said Haley, lifting up Luan's shirt to see her stomach. "How many weeks are you?"

"I don't even know how this happened. Benny and I always used protection. So I can't say."

"Mm. It doesn't matter. You're not showing yet. I got the solution for you."

Haley opened up a drawer and rummaged around as Luan sat on a bed. Haley then pulled out a pill bottle and a small packet.

"Mifepristone and misoprostol. The small pill inside this packet— mifepristone— stops the fetus from growing. The pills inside the bottle is misoprostol. It's gonna empty your uterus and it's gonna be a little painful, but you've handled worse. You take one of each. First, mifepristone— the packet. Then, after you take mifepristone, within 48 hours, you take one misoprostol pill. Just one. Don't chew it. If after two days no bleeding happened, talk to me."

Haley took out two small bags. She labeled them '1' and '2'. She then put a mifepristone pill in the '1' bag and a misoprostol pill in the '2' bag.

"The 1 is the first one you take. The 2 is the second. Got it?"

"Y-Yeah," said Luan.

"If you change your mind, talk to me. We'll talk about your other options. Any questions?"

"Yeah. Where'd you get these?"

"Windsor Casino— the community across the Detroit River. They have a ton of medicine and ingredients to make more medicine. Of course, Melissa didn't approve— she says abortion is 'unnatural' and 'cruel' to the fetuses— but I think it's just the religious in her talking. So… I traded with Nathan. I kept everything lowkey, so she doesn't know about this. Neither does Maria. And keep it that way… at least until Lori wins the election."

"Is this a normal thing for girls to take?"

"Before the outbreak, yeah, relatively so. But here in this community… I gotta say… you're the only one who's asked so far."

"Oh…"

"Don't feel alone. I took those pills myself. I can't have the hassle of raising a kid while learning to be a doctor."

"Really? And Jace was okay with it?"

"Jace? Oh… no. No, why…? Heh… he's like a younger brother to me."

"Oh! Oh, g-god. I don't know why I assumed… stupid of me."

"It's fine, Luan. But if you must know, it's your Pop-Pops."

"What?!"

"What can I say? I'm into older guys."

"Again, what?!"

"I always hung out with Dr. White for a reason."

"I think I'm gonna throw up."

Luan then noticed Haley smirking. She then started smiling as Haley broke into laughter.

"Oh, crap," said Luan. "You got me. I actually believed you. Even with everything that's happened, that is what would have traumatized me."

"Alright, you can get out of my infirmary."

"Bye, Haley."

"Bye, Luan."

Luan held her smile as she opened the door and walked out of the infirmary. She then closed the door and killed her smile as she couldn't help but feel frightened as she stuffed the small bags inside her pockets.

A garage door was opened, showing a motorcycle, as a silhouette stood by the garage. The garage door then closed as a door in the kitchen opened and the lights turned on.

Becky looked around the kitchen before turning off the lights. She then walked to the living room before seeing a light coming from upstairs. She slowly walked upstairs before hearing Jace whistle nonchalantly to his room. He closed the door to his room while leaving the bathroom door open as all the steam from the shower flowed out.

Becky then smiled as she walked upstairs into the hallways and into Haley's room. She then walked out with a towel and entered the bathroom.

After a couple minutes, Jace came out of his room shirtless— his chest, back, and shoulders bearing scars from the explosion in D.C.— tapping his face with his towel as he looked at the light coming from the slit under the bathroom door. He appeared confused as he walked up to the bathroom.

"Haley, I thought your shift started already," said Jace.

"Mhmm," said the voice from inside the bathroom.

"Hurry up, you don't want Melissa to think you're being lazy."

Jace then walked away from the bathroom as he walked downstairs, shivering softly as he walked into the kitchen to grab something to snack on. Becky then turned off the water and after a few seconds, opened up the bathroom door. She walked out, making no effort to cover herself as she rubbed her hair with her towel. She then walked into Haley's room, leaving the door open.

She dumped the towel into the ground and grabbed black panties. She then reached into the closet, taking clothes from it. A black tank top. Blue skinny jeans. Black boots with red shoelaces. A brown denim jacket with a collar filled with messy fur. She placed the clothes on before looking into a mirror, seeing herself looking stylish with her wet short red hair. Then, in the mirror, she saw someone approach the door.

"Woah," said Jace. "You're not Haley."

Becky then turned around, looking at Jace in the eyes.

"No, I'm not."

"Becky? Wow… you look so… different."

"Good different or bad different?"

"Good different. How'd you get inside? You picked a lock?"

"Nope. I just opened the garage door and then the door that led to your kitchen. You'd be surprised how many people leave their garages unlocked."

"Oh. Damn."

Becky removed the boots from her feet as well as her jacket, showing off the bandages across her arms. In the areas that the bandages didn't cover, her tattoos could be seen, including the vulture on her arm. He then saw Becky rubbing her arms as she continued to look at him with pitiful eyes.

"Can I stay here?" she asked.

"Aren't you… wanted by the police?"

"You heard about that?"

"Yeah. It's nothing new. They've been trying to get you for five months now. But now that you're back…"

"It's for that reason that no one wants to take me in," said Becky, lowering her face.

"Not even your mom?"

"They arrested my mom. I can't step foot inside my house… that's just asking to get caught."

"You survived out there for five months. What's one more night?"

"But I don't want to go out there again. The Yellowjackets… they're gonna kill me if I go."

"The Yellowjackets…? What do they want with you?"

"You don't know…?"

Jace shrugged.

"They're the ones who captured me," said Becky. "Held me in their camp for five months. Tortured me every single day. All because I killed Hana's dog."

"You killed Kimi?"

"Lori wanted Lily to be fed. But she didn't want to do the dirty work herself. I guess she knew Hana would go after her if she killed Kimi herself… so she made me do it. Not even to feed me. That's her true nature… Jace. Her family comes first. It's why she doesn't wanna hide me now. Even though she said I was family."

"Jesus. I… I don't know… she doesn't seem the type…"

"She doesn't?"

Jace hesitated and thought about it. It wouldn't have been out of character for Lori to do something like this. And Becky has been honest about everything so far.

"She's not all bad," said Becky. "She is going after the Yellowjackets tomorrow… so just in case Lori doesn't win her little election, it'll at least be safe for me to roam around outside. But tonight… I have nowhere to go."

"Well, I suppose one night at my house can't hurt. It's not like the police are going to come looking for you at night anyways. Right?"

"Thank you, Jace."

Becky placed her warm hands on Jace's naked shoulders and smiled at him. Jace nodded as his cheeks reddened. He quickly turned around and headed to his room.

"Umm. I'm gonna put a shirt on real quick. I'm getting cold."

Jace walked inside his room as Becky grabbed the boots and jacket and followed him. Jace looked around his closet as Becky dropped her boots and jacket.

"You can take Haley's room," said Jace. "She won't be back until maybe seven or eight o'clock."

"No, thanks. I don't want to sleep alone."

"I… my bed is kinda small. It's a twin size. That's… that's not a very big size."

"That's okay."

"It might get a little hot and sticky— you know, sweat and all. Our clothes would get sweaty. And our breaths—"

"Would Haley get mad if she sees us together?"

"W-Why would she?"

"You guys… aren't dating?"

"No way, she's like a sister to me."

"Then, I guess it's okay for me to do this…"

Becky placed her head on Jace's collar and wrapped her arms around his back. Jace's heart was beating rapidly as he took a deep breath.

"You're really cold," she whispered. "Feels like you could use a little hot and sticky."

"That… seems… I don't know—"

"I've been alone for the past five months… I can't talk to my family… and Lori doesn't want me in her house. You're the only one who's willing to take a risk. I think it's because you trust me. You… do trust me… right?"

"Of course. You're my friend."

Becky smiled softly as she placed a finger on a large scar across his chest. She then placed his palm on his chest over his heart.

"Jace… you're a really good person. Yet… you're still alone. Why?"

Jace frowned softly before Becky placed her finger on his face and lifted it up near her face.

"It's okay," whispered Becky. "You're not alone anymore either."

Becky leaned close to Jace's lips before giving him a soft kiss. She then pushed her lips deeper and began to use her tongue as Jace blushed intensely. He then closed his eyes as he slowly grabbed Becky's face back. They kept making out as Becky lowered her hand and reached for his crotch. Jace felt like he was going to faint at the moment.

"You're clean, right?" asked Becky.

"I-I just took a shower."

"No, dummy. Do you have any diseases?"

"Oh… I don't think so. I… I've never really been with a girl before."

"You never had a girlfriend before?"

"I never even kissed a girl. That was… my first time."

"Really? Wow."

Jace felt embarrassed as he rubbed his arm.

"Then, I'm totally going to change your life right now," said Becky while removing her tank top.

Jace's eyes widened as he backed up to his bed. Becky walked up to the lamp and flicked it on as Jace continued to stare at her chest— before noticing the large scars around her stomach and back. She then turned off the main lights for the room and closed the door before locking it.

"W-Woah, wait a minute," said Jace. "Why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?"

"There's no way someone way out of my league would… do something like this."

"Jace… I don't know who rejected you before… but they're obviously blind. You are hot and adorable."

"There a catch?"

Becky shrugged.

"Stop it," she said. "Do you wanna do this or not?"

"Y-Yes. Yes, I do."

"Alright, then shush. Just… enjoy it."

Jace nodded as Becky shoved him into bed. Becky sat on top of Jace's lap before lowering herself down. The light of the lamp then revealed the tattoos that went down her spine. They spelled out a word, but it wasn't in English. The tattoos were in Japanese. Specifically, they were hiragana characters.

The morning sun shined on Luna's hair as she exited her home. It wasn't the Loud residence. It was Sully and Mazzy's home. And it was currently Luna, Sam, and Simon's home as well.

She walked over to Jace's and Haley's house, which was located right next to Albert's house, where Finn and Quinn lived as well. And Albert's house was located right behind the Loud residence— in fact, their backyards would have been connected if not for the fence in the way. Fortunately, their backyard fence has a door which Albert uses when taking Lily back home.

Luna saw Haley in front of her house. She quickly jogged up to her, her footsteps alerting Haley of her presence.

"Good morning, Luna," greeted Haley, unlocking her front door.

"'Sup, Hails. Is Jace inside?"

"I'd be worried sick if he wasn't."

Haley opened the door.

"Why don't you come in?" asked Haley.

"Sure."

Luna walked inside as Haley placed her backpack down on the couch. She then looked upstairs and called out for Jace.

"Jace! Luna's here!"

Luna looked around nervously, which Haley noticed.

"How urgent is it?"

"Really urgent," said Luna.

Haley walked up the stairs. She knocked on the door before grabbing the doorknob. However, she couldn't open the locked door. She knocked on the door again.

"Jace, are you awake?" asked Haley.

Jace's eyes snapped open. He looked down to see Becky sleeping on his chest and his arms wrapped around her. He looked around the room, seeing how bright it was and sighed.

"Jace?"

"Give me a minute," said Jace. "I have to change."

Becky rubbed her eyes softly as she felt Jace moving his arms away from her. She then pulled the covers after feeling chillier. She lifted her head and allowed Jace to step out of the bed.

"Just stay here," whispered Jace. "I'll get Haley outta your hair."

Jace looked down and blushed softly as he could feel his member growing stiff and hard. He quickly put on his underwear and sweatpants before looking for a shirt. Becky blinked softly while smiling as she stared at his abs. Jace then put on a shirt and sandals and opened the door. He walked out of his room quickly before closing the door.

"What's up?" asked Jace.

"Luna's here to talk to you."

"Really? Why?"

"I don't know. She says it's urgent."

Jace walked downstairs as Haley touched his hair, patting it and moving it.

"What are you doing?" groaned Jace.

"Fixing your hair."

"Stop it, it's fine."

"It's not, it looks messy."

"Just leave it."

Jace walked up to the couch as Luna stood up.

"Hey," said Jace.

"Dude, I need to tell you something."

"I'm listening."

"Becky's back."

"Oh?"

"She's… not the same person you talked to back in D.C. She was tortured after we saved you from the cannibals and she was tortured again after you guys came here to Royal Woods. That's two times. Two times she went through immense pain and suffering. And it must've done a number on her mental health."

"Woah, woah, can you slow down? What do you mean?"

"Look, don't tell anyone— that includes you, Haley."

"My lips are sealed," said Haley.

"Lori and I snuck her in because we felt sorry for her. Then, she wanted to stay at our house and then started rambling on about killing Melissa and Schoffner— you should've been there, it was crazy. Her mood changed so fast too. One minute she was kissing up to Lori— the next she was screaming at her. She's very unpredictable. Unpredictable and dangerous."

"I… can't believe that," said Jace.

"Well, it's true."

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"So you can remember to stay away from her."

"Oh, Luna…" said Becky as she walked downstairs. "Why such a low opinion of me? And here I was, thinking we were friends."

Luna gulped as she reached for a pistol. However, she was unarmed at the moment. Becky's eyes widened subtly, noticing Luna's reaction. She then smiled while putting on the fur collar jacket. She shook her head softly before putting on her hood.

"You know Jace isn't yours to own," said Becky.

Becky then walked up to Jace and lightly kissed him in the cheek.

"Bye, Jace."

"Bye," said Jace, waving softly.

Becky then walked to the kitchen and out the back door. Jace smiled as he looked at Becky one more time, who waved goodbye at him before closing the back door.

"Did she just take my jacket?" asked Haley.

Jace shrugged.

"What the hell was she doing here?" asked Luna.

"She needed a place to sleep. So I gave her one. My bed."

Jace chuckled before Luna grabbed his shirt out of anger.

"Hey—"

"Are you out of your mind?" exclaimed Luna. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you?"

"After everything I just told you, you decide to sleep with that violent animal?"

"Okay, first of all, I didn't know. And second of all, you're overreacting. You're acting like she could've murdered me in my sleep."

"She could've!"

"She happened to be very sweet and in need of comfort. Why? Because you all pushed her away. I was there for her when no one else—"

"How could you be so stupid? She manipulated you! She knew how trusting you are and she used it to her advantage!"

"Wha…? No, she didn't. She didn't ask anything from me— except for a place where she could be safe from people hunting her down."

Jace then grabbed Luna's wrist and squeezed it, forcing Luna to let him go. He then shoved her hands away.

"You and your sister don't give her a place to sleep because what— you're afraid of her? Then you get mad at me for doing the polite thing? Becky's right— I'm not yours to own. So stop being jealous!"

"Are you kidding me? You think I'm jealous?"

"You are jealous."

"You're so stupid."

"Wow, now you want to insult me. I don't see you denying it."

"I don't need to deny anything! You're so blindly stupid!"

"You're happy whenever you see me alone, right? But the moment some girl starts to show attraction to me— you get all jealous. Why can't you be happy for me?"

"I'm trying to keep you safe. Did you just ignore everything I've been telling you?"

"No, I heard. I just think you're exaggerating it."

"You don't even know about the time she pointed a gun at my sister Lana, right?"

"Enough," said Jace.

"C'mon, Lunes," said Haley. "Luan didn't warn me about Becky yesterday. Are you sure these aren't your own feelings… clouding your judgment?"

"No, guys— I'm not the crazy one here! Becky is."

"I thought you were my best friend," said Jace. "Just go."

"Talk to Sam. Because you are getting on my nerves."

Luna stormed out of the house. Jace then looked at Haley who took a deep breath and recollected herself.

"Did you see that or was that just me?" asked Jace.

"She's one jealous girl."

"Jesus, isn't Sam enough for her?"

Luna muttered to herself as she walked back to her house.

"Stupid. Stupid."

The engine for the red van— now covered in metal sheets— hummed before turning off. A spraying noise coming from an aerosol can could be heard while a group was packing up guns and ammo.

Tim was setting up a large antenna on the hood of a small blue car. JuJu continued to spray paint on the metal sheets attached to the red and blue vehicles. After finishing up the anarchy symbols on the sheets he tossed the cans away and whistled. As the group members walked over to the red van, Luna walked over to Lori.

"Is Luan really coming?" asked Luna.

"Yeah," said Lori.

"But what about… y'know?"

"It's fine," said Luan. "Really, I'm good."

"Yeah, she can handle herself out there," said Benny. "Thought you would know about that, Luna, heh."

"It's… not that," said Luna.

"What is it then?"

Luna looked at Luan, who shook her head softly.

"It's nothing," said Luna. "Forget it."

Luna, Luan, and Benny entered the red van with the rest of the group while Lori walked up to Schoffner.

"How's it look out there?" asked Lori.

"No roamer or Yellowjacket activity," said Schoffner. "It's clear."

"Alright."

"Hey, Lori… before you go, I just want to let you know that despite our differences… I'm glad this is the one thing that we both agree on."

"What's that?"

"The Yellowjackets must be stopped."

Lori nodded before walking over to the blue car. Miguel sat in the driver's seat for the red van, waiting for Lori to start driving. Next to Miguel was Fiona in the front passenger seat, while those in the back seats included Luna, Luan, Benny, Lynn, JuJu, Clyde, and Jackie.

Lori entered the blue car and saw who was sitting next to her. It was the only person in the car besides her. It was the former Piranha herself— Bruna.

"Remember, it's a scouting mission," said Lori. "No killing—"

"—unless I have to," said Bruna. "I know. I'm not some sadistic killer."

"No, you're a drug addict. The Laborers have drugs. Don't think we're going there just so you can loot their crack or whatever the hell they have."

"I hurt a lot of people before. I need some way to make the guilt and pain to go away… even for a second."

"Talk to Melissa. But for now— scouting mission."

"Fine."

The engine for the blue car started. After a few seconds, the blue car drove outside of the walls with the red van following it. Both protected under the disguise of the metal sheets marked by anarchy symbols and '1312' graffiti, they were sure to slip past the Yellowjackets.

Now that the vehicles have left Royal Woods, many police cars have started to come inside the community. Schoffner and Ravi watched more and more cars come in while Spencer and Ruby seemed concerned.

"Can you hear me fine, Ruby?" asked Lori through the radio in the guard post.

Ruby grabbed the microphone for the radio.

"I hear you just fine," said Ruby.

"Great. You can tell Detective Schoffner that her police force can enter Royal Woods."

"I think they got, like, the message already."

"Sigh. We'll keep in contact."

"Okay, cool."

Ruby placed the microphone down and looked out into the outside, seeing the vehicles move further and further away. The vehicles were taking the long way to Ann Arbor to avoid encountering the Yellowjackets.

The police officers stepped out their vehicles and took out the riot armor from the trunks. Schoffner nodded approvingly as the dozens and dozens of police officers made their way to the police station.

"Not a lot of people have been trusting me lately," said Becky. "And Lori is kinda under hot water right now, so I can't stay over at her place. I guess what I want to say is… thank you."

"No problem at all," said Whitney. "Please, I'm more than happy to have you over. Given how much scrutiny Lori's group is going under, I feel like it is my pleasure to help a friend out."

Becky continued to munch on her cereal while listening to Whitney talk across the kitchen table. The curtains covered the windows and almost all the lamps were off. But the morning sunlight made sure the house wasn't shrouded in darkness.

"It's kinda unfair how your parents were treated," said Roger. "I get that the cops want to get the person who killed one of their own… but to arrest your father and hold him in prison for a crime he didn't commit? Just to guilt-trip you into surrendering yourself? That's just wrong. And not just father. Your mother too! For what? They really wanna play with your emotions!"

"Yeah," said Becky, clearing her throat.

"Wait, what happened to her mom?" asked Whitney.

"She got arrested too," said Roger. "I think the police are trying to play up the same strategy."

"Oh, no. Ugh, she's such a wonderful person. She's such a nice teacher."

"Right? Everyone else gets all mad when you cook salmon wrong. But she's very patient."

"At least they're alive," said Becky. "Gotta say, I'm grateful for that."

Whitney and Roger both frowned while trying to nod and agree with Becky.

"What happened to both of your parents?" asked Becky.

Roger sighed before grabbing his keys and leaving the kitchen. He then walked out of the house. Whitney felt her heart ache for him before looking back at Becky.

"My dad went with your dad to look for you in Ann Arbor," said Whitney. "He never came back. My mother then tried to go after him but she never came back as well. Roger actually stayed with me and always protected me and his family. He's… he's really brave. Then, his parents passed away. His mother was bitten before the walls were up. And when Oscar tried to expand the walls, Roger's dad— who was one of the workers— was killed in a roamer attack. Tad's mom was also killed trying to expand the walls. His dad died long before the walls were up. Then, Dana's mom—"

"Looks like a lot of parents died in this whole expansion thing."

"Yeah. Putting the walls up was successful. I guess, however, Oscar got cocky and tried to expand the walls with his guard down… and he got people killed. Expansion is just a pipe dream in this community. Looks like we'll be stuck with these walls forever."

"Were you… there? Helping with the expansion."

"Are you kidding? I barely know how to use a machete. And you're asking if I was a part of that dangerous mission?"

"You're saying you have no survival skills at all?"

"I mean… Roger has been protecting me this entire time."

"So… you're useless."

"I-I can cook."

"Only after my mom taught you. What have you been doing this entire time?"

"Surviving. I'm sorry I didn't go through such a traumatizing journey like you but not everyone does. Some just survive day by day. Are you not happy with me?"

"I just wanna know how you can help Lori when things get tough for her."

"I'm willing to support her with whatever she needs. If it includes hiding her so that she won't get in trouble, then that's what I'm going to do. That's my usefulness."

Becky took a deep breath and inaudibly apologized to Whitney before taking another bite of her cereal. Whitney took a deep breath, shaking off the nerves as she wondered why she felt so intimidated by the conversation. Perhaps it wasn't the conversation.