Act 3
Chapter 103: Inbred
'Babe…I'm too good for you…And it makes me need it even more…Who's is it now …It's yours…And I wear red and blue…Used and abused…It's still never enough…I'm unpunishable'
-Ethel Cain 'Unpunishable'
It was a warm Spring day and they decided to take the kids to the lake. It may not be warm enough to swim yet, but they liked to get away from Jackson for a little bit. Jackson was safe. For now at least.
Becca was sitting on the blanket with their rat terrier/ pit bull Rocco sitting right beside her. She smiled softly as she watched Joel pretend to dunk Matty into the lake, making him laugh and giggle.
Joel looked especially relaxed today. His hair was wild from the wind and slightly damp. She loved his hair longer. She loved everything about him. He was wearing denim cut offs at the knee. He wore a gray patterned hoodie she teased wasn't his style. He smirked and said her hippiness was rubbing off on him.
Ellie and Abby were horsing around as they stood up in the lake kicking and splashing each other playfully. She loved watching her family in these moments. They looked so happy and carefree.
They had to keep Ellie at the lake for at least another two hours. Betsy gave them strict instructions. They had everything set up for her surprise party. It would be only for immediate family. They knew Ellie would only want the people who loved her there anyway.
It was her twenty first and they planned to give her a good one. She deserved it after everything she's lost and sacrificed over the years for them. She never complained or asked for a thank you. She was like Joel in a lot of ways. They were doers. They had nothing to prove to anybody. She always admired their spirit.
Becca grabbed her camera off the blanket and walked down to the lake, with Rocco following close behind her. It wasn't anything fancy, but she thought it was cool. Joel found it during one of his supply runs. She mentioned to him in passing about not having photos around the house. While she loved Ellie's drawings and paintings, she wanted some photos of them too.
She thought she sounded whiny and ungrateful, but he listened to her. She was so surprised when he walked into their home, looking pleased as punch with the camera in his hands. He knew she loved anything vintage. He joked that's why she married him.
Ever since the outbreak, they've learned to adapt in this new world. It was almost like they were living in the early nineteen hundreds again. Technology was pretty much nonexistent, but they managed to have electricity and running water. They were resourceful.
In a way, they were back to simpler times. Before skyscrapers, the internet and microwaves. You worked the land and toiled away if you wanted to eat and take care of yourself. Women and men made no difference in these times. Everyone pitched in.
She kissed the daylights out of him that day he walked into the kitchen with a broken up camera in his hands. He fixed it up good as new for her. If Ellie or Matty weren't in the kitchen, she would've appreciated him a hell of a lot more.
It was a Brownie camera from the early nineteen hundreds. She was still figuring it out, but Joel built her and Ellie a dark room to practice together. She fell in love with him more and more each day.
He was so thoughtful and considerate. He always listened to her. Just as she him. She remembered lying in bed with him the night before.
They were wrapped in each other's arms after he made her cum for the third time that night. They were a sweaty mess of tangled limbs. Her head had been resting on his chest, his hand running through her sweat drenched hair. He said it was them against the world. He was her man and she was his girl. He said it with so much conviction. Finite.
She's accepted the fact they weren't going anywhere. They were all in and with each other until the end.
He was looking out into the distance when she managed to take a snapshot of him. He heard the loud clicking of the camera and turned to her, narrowing his eyes.
'I hope ya took a photo of the kids and not me.' He grinned,'Don't wanna waste what ya got on my mug.'
She rolled her eyes and laughed as she carefully tread into the water,'I'm not wasting anything.' She pursed her lips as she looked up at him thoughtfully,'I'm preserving you. Like fine wine.'
He laughed and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. Whenever she gave him compliments, he used to wonder what she wanted from him. He's learned throughout the years all she's wanted is him.
He never asked anymore.
He kissed the top of her head as he held tightly onto her. He planned on asking her to marry him again. Even if they were already married, he wanted to do right this time. He wanted to ask her in front of the people that mattered and stuck by them through it all. He wanted to elucidate he was never ashamed of her. He always felt shame in himself. He thought he was taking her best years away from her, but he couldn't be more wrong. They got each other at just the right time.
Their union blossomed amidst chaos and destruction. When they married in secret on their farm they didn't think they would make it. The threat of war loomed over them. The danger will always be there, but they wouldn't let their fears control their lives. They had too much to live for.
He was going to ask her at Ellie's birthday party. It was her idea. She wanted them to celebrate their happiness with everyone. It made him happy, knowing his girls were all under one roof.
Joel watched Becca as she took a photo of Ellie, Abby and Matty. She was laughing as the kids splashed her with water. Her jeans were rolled up so she wouldn't get them wet and her hair was in a braid. She looked so happy and carefree.
He thought about her life before the outbreak. He could never imagine a life like that. She was always controlled by someone; whether it be her parents or a husband. They used her mind and body against her. He refused to be another one of those people that took advantage of.
While it was true he was in love with her beauty. She didn't take shit from anyone. Not anymore. He thought about what Annette did to her. His wife had been so excited to go. She had a dress made and everything. He wanted to burn the goddamned church house for hurting her.
He took her home that night in her pretty dress and danced with her all around the house with the windows opened. He took her upstairs to their bed and didn't let her leave until the next day.
He knew they hurt her feelings. She took it all in stride though. He was so proud of the way she stood up for herself that day. She showed their children to stand up to adversity.
It took some time, but Becca finally came into her own.
Joel checked his watch and sighed,'Time to head out, kiddos.'
Ellie and Abby groaned in protest as they treaded out of the lake and onto dry land.
Becca and Joel exchanged smiles. She would bitch about the surprise party, but they knew she would be happy. All of her friends were going to be there. She was finally old enough to drink (even though Joel's been letting her have a few beers, but Becca didn't need to know that.)
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They all went back to the farm to take care of the animals. Becca made sure Abby was taking care of Ellie and making sure she was ready in time. If she suspected anything, she didn't say it. Ellie did have one hell of a poker face. She was unreadable as Joel sometimes, but she's slowly beginning to understand their quirks and moods.
Ellie griped about going into town and seeing a movie. She was sick of Disney movies, but they promised her a birthday dinner with her favorite dessert afterwards. It seemed to placate her for the moment.
Ellie frowned when they she looked into the Rec Center and saw it was all dark. She sighed in relief and bit back a smirk,'It's closed. Maybe we got the date wrong. Well that really…sucks.'
Becca and Joel smirked at each other. They weren't letting her get off that easily. They were probably more excited than her.
Abby rolled her eyes and grabbed Ellie's hand,'We're probably just early. We can get a better seat.'
Joel laughed as Ellie rolled her eyes. He took Matty out of Becca's arms and perched him on his hip. He leaned in close to her, whispering,'Ya think she has a clue?'
'She probably knows something is up.' She looked up at him and grinned,'She's giving us some mercy.'
Joel raised his eyes and head up to heavens, sighing deeply,'Hallelujah. Maybe it's my birthday.'
She smirked as Abby gave her the thumbs up behind her back. Becca and Joel walked into the Rec Center. He counted down to ten before he switched on the lights.
Ellie's eyes widened as she saw her friends and family jump out from behind a table yelling,'Surprise.'
Her eyes averted everywhere at once. Her heart was pounding her chest. She stuffed her hands into her jean pockets to hide them from shaking. She didn't know why she was so nervous. Maybe it's because no one's ever done this for her before.
Her parents always tried to make each birthday special for her. Becca would always make a cake and a banner. She would make a big deal out of it. She never really started counting her birthdays until she moved to Jackson.
She looked up at the banner hanging high above the ceiling.
Happy 21st Ellie
Even now, it shook her to see the banner. She recognized Becca's scroll. It took all the strength within her not to cry. She's never been an emotional person, but she felt it today. This is her chosen family.
Joel wrapped his arm around Ellie and pulled her close to his side,'Happy Birthday, kiddo. Seems like just yesterday I was dragging ya kicking and screaming outta Boston.'
Ellie couldn't help but tear up at his words. It really did seem like yesterday she was being locked in a dirty room by Marlene and the rest of the Fireflies. Her and Joel were completely different people back then.
Joel told her he survived suicide. She survived far worse, but they found solace and comfort in each other. Losing Tess had been rough on the both of them and her 'resurrection' hadn't been any different. They managed to get through it though.
They never expected to find Becca in Silver Lake. She had been just a broken as them. Shit, maybe even more. She thought it was a good thing they were headed there in the Summer. Becca needed that closure. It'll be good for Becca and Joel to have someone dedicated time together. They had some unfinished business on the road.
There was a peace that settled over them and the town, but it was always short lived.
Her parents sat back and let her mingle with her friends and enjoy themselves. Becca was sitting with Betsy and Maria while their men huddled together, talking about shop and Joel's retirement. Little did he know they were planning a small retirement party for him too. He's done so much for this town. He deserved to be celebrated too.
Some of the other parents tagged along with their kids. It was as if they didn't trust the Millers. They did a very good job of keeping children alive. Thank you very much.
She understood their hesitancies. They were looking out for their children's best interests. If in the same position, she would've done the same.
Michael, Maria's date was talking to him about a latest project in town, but his attention was focused on Becca. She was with Matty and Seb. He crossed his arms over his chest and frowned. She was sitting by herself. Betsy and Maria were off talking away, leaving her with the kids.
He knew his girl. She probably insisted they leave her be. She liked having space sometimes. Even if only for a little while. While she loved being surrounded by her family. It got to be too much sometimes. All her life she's been crowded.
It still didn't sit right with him.
He excused himself from Maria's boyfriend and walked over to Becca. He pulled up a chair next to her and scooted her chair close to his. He leaned in close, whispering in her ear,'I thought it's a damned shame. A fine woman like you sitting all alone.'
She smirked as she jerked her head towards Matty and Seb,'I'm with the two cutest looking dudes in here.'
He laughed and shook his head. He couldn't argue with her there. He felt the box hidden in the inside of his jacket. It was almost time. He felt stupid. He's asked her to marry him before, but they were under the wire. They thought they were on borrowed time. They felt like they needed to rush through things before the rug was swept out from underneath them.
They didn't have to worry about that anymore. They could take their time to savor the things they had in life. They took their time. He wanted to make her his wife again. Without the threat of zombies, cures or a civil war. These are the easiest times they're gonna get. He wanted to make them last.
Joel looked over at Ellie and smirked when she took shots with her friends,'She's gonna be hurting for a few days. I remember my twenty first birthday. Me and Tommy got shitfaced. We got locked up for hopping the fence and skinny dipping in the public pool. I remember Esther being so mad at me cause she had to drag Sarah out in the middle of the night to bail us out. That was our grocery money for the week too.'
She didn't interject. She just sat there and listened while he talked. He opened up more about his past before the outbreak. He told her about his abusive drunk father growing up. How he would beat on him, his mom and Tommy.
Once he got old enough, he started sticking up for himself. He told her about almost killing himself, but the bullet didn't kill him. That was a very grueling conversation, but she loved him through it all. Just as he did her.
He couldn't help but slide his hand in between her legs, keeping his hand warm on her thigh. It wasn't overtly sexual, but still intimate. He wanted to ask her right now, but was waiting for Ellie's cue. He hoped she was not too hammered to forget.
He looked over her face as he leaned in and kissed her cheek,'What was your twenty first like?'
Her face became sullen for a moment and she sighed shakily,'The outbreak just happened. I…I really didn't get a chance to enjoy it.' She cocked her head thoughtfully,'I think we were traveling for about a week before I saw a calendar and realized my birthday passed.' She shrugged,'It really didn't matter much after that.'
He narrowed his eyes as he gently gripped her shoulders and kissed the back of her head. He would have to make her next birthday extra special.
He ran his hands up and down her arms as she shivered slightly,'No one giving ya shit right?'
'No.' She playfully rolled her eyes and laughed,'I made Betsy and Maria mingle. I wanted some time to myself.'
He looked over her face, making sure everything was alright with her. Her eyes were bright and her skin was glowing. She didn't seem upset or crying. Good. It should always be that way, but they were always waiting for the other shoe to drop.
He nodded silently, understanding that more than anybody.
He cupped her cheek and stroked it softly,'You want me gone? I can take the kids.'
'No.' She smirked as she turned around in her chair, placing Matty on his lap,'You're not just regular people. You're special.'
His eyes crinkled at his smiled, those dimples in his cheeks always did her in. His smile is what gets him in trouble.
He saw Ellie try to get his attention and he took a deep breath, smiling to himself. She didn't forget after all. He made sure the box was still in his coat pocket. It was safe and secure.
He got up and wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans. His hands were shaking slightly and he quelled any fears he may have had. He shoved them down deep. They were already married. He thought it would be easier the second time around, but he couldn't be more wrong. It was just as nerve racking as it been when he asked her in their living room. She was recovering from a gunshot wound. He almost lost her that night, but she was alive and thriving.
She frowned when she saw Ellie, Betsy and Maria walk over to her. Wordlessly, Maria took Seb and Ellie scooped Matty up from her lap. The music was cut off and she was wondering what's going on.
Did she do something wrong? Were they going to send her away again? Why was everybody staring at her? Her heart started thumping wildly in her chest. She was nervous. Was she being accused of being a Firefly? Who else was gonna rise from the grave?
Becca stared up at Joel, seeing the uneasy smile on his face,'What's going on? What are ya up to?'
She knew he wouldn't do anything to embarrass her. Back at Arrowhead, he made a promise to her. They would keep each other safe. They would never leave each others' sights again.
Joel looked down at her and swallowed the lump in his throat,'I ain't gonna hurt ya, baby girl.' He met her gaze directly, wanting her to know he was being as serious as he could be,'I need to ask ya somethin and…' He laughed nervously as he scratched the back of his neck,'This was a hell of a lot easier with just me and you.'
Becca could feel the guests' eyes all on them. She felt like a specimen under a microscope. She knew Joel didn't like the attention either, but he was doing it for her.
Her eyes widened as he reached into his coat pocket. Tears blurred her vision as she watched him take a small box out it. She looked over at Ellie, who had Matty in her arms. She had a smile on her face. Their children. She was grateful their children were being raised by two parents who loved and respected each other.
His wedding band gleamed under the light and she almost laughed. They've known each other for so long. They've been through so much together, but this felt different. Almost normal even.
He took a few deep breaths to steady his nerves and held her hand. She managed to stand, but her knees were wobbly and she swayed on her feet, but he was there to catch her.
He kept his hand firmly on her lower back and kept her gaze. No more fucking around.
'We known each other a decade and it feels like I known ya my entire life. I realized in a way, ya did.' He shook his head,'There a many ways for a man to be happy in his life. I have a lot of reasons, but it wouldn't make sense without ya, Rebecca. When I pulled ya outta that burning building in Silver Lake, I had no idea you would be the person I wanna spend the rest of my life with. Ain't nobody been able to handle me and my moods. Ya never gave up on me. I love ya more than I thought I could love anyone else. Ya given me everything I wanted. I…I shoulda did this right the first time around. Ya deserved that.'
He didn't give her any room to rebuttal as he slowly got down on one knee, making her completely forget her train of thought.
He opened the box, revealing a small gold band with a ruby in it. It was simple but elegant. She wondered whose dead body he took this off of.
He took the ring out and took a deep breath,'This was El's mama's.'
'Ya better keep it safe.' Ellie piped up.
'El.' Abby's eyes widened and she lightly elbowed her side,'We don't even know if she's gonna say yes yet.'
Joel and Ellie both glared at Abby. Sometimes he thought she was a little evil mastermind, but on days like this? He wondered how in the hell she got this far without getting bit.
Becca bit back her smart retort. She was bouncing slightly with anticipation. She was so ready to say 'yes.'
She frowned at Abby's words. The kid has a lot to learn. Of course she was going to marry him again.
He cupped her cheek and stroked it. He slowly got down on one knee and carefully took the ring out of the box,'Will ya marry me again, Rebecca?'
Her face crumpled into tears as she nodded her head,'Yes.' She gasped through her tears,'Yes.'
Tears filled his own eyes as he slowly slid the ring on her finger along with the other one. She slid down onto her knees and held his face in her hands, giving him a kiss. The kids hooted and hollered as they deepened the kiss.
It wasn't how it is in the movies. They clapped and were happy for them, but they let them have this moment for themselves. The people at Ellie's party were the good ones. They stuck around and helped them fight. They all stood by the Millers when no one else in this town did. She was still close with Harold's widow, Margaret.
She met Margaret's gaze from across the room. She had a sad smile on her face. She couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of guilt. Her man survived while hers didn't. He died saving them.
Was it really a worthwhile death? Did she feel any resentment?
Ellie squeezed Matty to her as she watched her parents. On any other day, she would've broken their balls about being mushy in front of her, but she would let them have their moment. She was happy for them.
She gave Joel her mama's ring because she wanted her real mama to be with Becca in some way. She wasn't spiritual or religious by any means, but she thought her mama brought her to Becca. There had to be a reason why they met back in Silver Lake. It couldn't all have been a coincidence.
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It was a Sunday morning and Becca knew church services would be starting up in a bit. She finished washing the dishes as she anticipated hearing the bell ring, signaling its parishioners it was time for mass.
She stared out the window idly, thinking about David's mass. Sometimes they would go on for hours. Days even. He would shoot himself up with something and start his ramblings, his whippings and lashings. He would make her repent for the littlest things.
He would cover her mouth with duct tape with the words,'SIN' written over it. If she even sneezed during a sermon, she would receive a punishment. He would lock her up in that prayer house on the hill for days until she repent every single one of her sins. Her knees bled, bruised and torn to shreds from spending hours on her knees for God. Her palms bled as she banged on the floor for his forgiveness, to pray and beg at his feet for a mercy that never came. Her voice hoarse as she cried out and pleaded for someone to help her.
No matter how many times she begged and pled for God to release her. To save her from these sins. He never came. She didn't want David's God. She didn't even know what she wanted. She grappled with her faith every day.
She heard him walk into the kitchen and smiled softly,'Coffee's in the pot.'
He walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, kissing the back of her head,'Mornin, darlin.'
She leaned back against him as he kissed her lips. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw he was wearing his suit,'You're going to the church baptism?'
'Harold.' He said simply as his shoulders slumped,'I figured I should be there.'
She nodded. Margaret had invited her to come to the christening but she understood her qualms with the church. She didn't hold it against her. She planned on attending the party a little later. Margaret told she would be offended if she didn't. She didn't give a damn what anyone thought. She understood what Harold did for them. They would always make sure to remind themselves of the sacrifices he's made for them.
'Ya know.' He grinned,'This is the fifth time in a year I've been inside that church house.' He huffed,'Way more times than I've liked. The preacher is starting to get ideas, I think.'
She laughed and turned around to fix his tie,'What that you actually believe?'
He played with the cross around her neck and nuzzled into her cheek, whispering,'You had me seeing God last night.'
Her cheeks flushed red as she thought about riding him hard and fast the night before. Her thighs still ached from the way he gripped her hips, his fingers digging into the flesh of her thighs as he came deep inside her.
He gently pressed her back against the counter as he kissed her again, letting his tongue slowly tangle with hers, whispering against her lips,'You're makin a believer outta me, baby.'
She smoothed his dress shirt down and patted his chest,'You look damned good, Mr. Miller.'
He saw her 'engagement' ring on her finger and smirked,'You won't be there to make me look good.'
She smiled at that. He never forced her to do anything she wasn't comfortable with. He respected her boundaries and let her make her own decisions. He has no idea how much that means to her. Loving him felt like freedom.
She took a deep breath and nodded,'I think I'm going with you.'
'Are ya sure about that?' His eyes widened as he looked over her face,'Ya don't have to do what ya don't want to. Marge understands.'
She nodded and sighed,'I know, but it's been almost twelve years since I've seen inside of a church. Peter thinks it might be good for me. If I panic, I'll leave. And if I don't. That's okay too.' She averted her eyes downward, whispering,'I don't wanna be afraid of God, David or anyone else.'
He cupped her chin and lifted her head up to meet his eyes,'Ya have ten minutes then we're leaving.'
He wouldn't argue her down. He asked her once and that's all he needed. His woman was strong. She could do this.
He wondered if she would want to get married in a church house, but he was getting way ahead of himself.
He did just ask her after all.
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Becca was standing in front of the church house, tightly holding onto Joel's hand. His fingers were interlocked with hers. He wanted to let her know he was right beside her and wasn't going anywhere. They were in this together.
He looked down at her, seeing the uneasiness on her face. She was wearing a short sleeved brown dress that reached her knees. She buttoned it all the way up to her neck. Her hair was straight and neatly parted in the middle. She wore no makeup. She looked almost…matronly.
He wondered why she was covering herself up. He didn't like it. She shouldn't feel like she has to hide herself from anyone.
If God made us in his image then why does it matter?
He sighed as he leaned down to whisper in her ear,'You just say the word like we talked about. I'll get ya outta here.'
She nodded silently as she tightly held onto his hand. They cautiously made their way up the church steps. She could feel her heart thumping loudly in her ears. Perspiration was forming on her back and she knew he could feel her sweaty palms.
He bit back his wince as her nails dug into his palm, but he would give her this. He was her husband. She was looking to him for strength in this moment. He would be her anchor. Her touchstone.
The doors were opened and she could smell the distinct scent of old books and incense. The faint smell of burning candles wafted in the air. She could practically see the sin bleeding from its walls. She felt as if she were crawling out of her skin.
He placed a hand firmly on her lower back,'Ya sure?'
'Yeah.' She nodded,'I'm sure.'
They were about to walk in when Maria ran towards them from the inside of the church.
She stood in front of them and averted her eyes between them, smiling uneasily,'Becca? Are you coming to church?' She sighed as she shifted nervously on her feet,'We're not quite ready for guests yet.'
Joel could see Maria was trying to tell him something. She averted with her eyes towards the altar.
Becca followed her gaze and frowned, seeing the throngs of people gathered around the pulpit. She could see something playing on a film projector on the wall. It was too dark for her to make out any images.
Her heart sank to her stomach when she saw the photos all over the altar.
Becca stepped away from Maria and Joel, making her way inside the church and over towards the altar. All fear and trepidation immediately gone. She had a very determined look on her face.
She could hear Maria desperately calling out her name and telling her to stop, but she heeded her no mind. Her friend was trying to protect her from something. She was through with people shielding her away from things, thinking she would fly off the handle at any given moment.
Loud moans and rhythmic slapping of skin echoed throughout the once quiet sanctity of the church. She slowly raised her head, seeing the images on the projector. It was of her on all fours, being taken from behind while sucking another guy off.
She doesn't even remember making those films. All she remembered is being shot with drugs in the back of the strip club. God only knows what Ben let those fuckers do to her.
She looked completely gone in the video. Her eyes were devoid of all emotion. There wasn't any life left within her. He thought he snubbed it all out.
There were photos of her plastered all over the altar. Photos of her advertising her services on different websites and escort Ads. Personal and private photos of her wearing lingerie or nothing at all. Photos she thought she was taking just for Ben. Only for him to use those photos to sell her off to the highest bidder.
The words were written in what appeared to be blood. Whose blood remains to be seen.
Have you repented, Rebecca?
Blessed be the daughters of Able
It's time
She looked over at the words written all over the altar, destroying the tranquility and once sacred sanctuary. It was tarnished by her filth.
It's time. It's time.
They were coming for her. David always told her she could never escape her fate. Ben said she would only escape him in death. David's disciples are coming back for what's rightfully theirs.
Blessed be. She kept whispering over and over again.
Joel lifted his gun and shot six bullets into the projector, causing it to fall down, the images dissipated. Maria and Betsy began tearing the photos off the altar.
Ellie's eyes widened as she looked up at Joel,'You brought your gun to a church?'
His gun firing seemed to snap Becca out of whatever trance she was in. He caught her before she fell down onto her knees. He held her tightly in his arms as he walked her out of the church.
His teeth were gritted in anger. He wanted to kill whomever did this to her. They would pay.
'He's dead.' Becca whispered,'We ate him. I cooked him myself. He's the only one.' She kept gently patting his chest, as if to make sure he was real and not a figment of her imagination,'They're coming for me, Joel.' Her face scrunched up as if in pain,'They won't let me go.' She covered her face with her hands and sobbed into them,'Blessed be. Blessed be.'
His eyes widened and he shook his head confusingly as she started reciting the Lord's Prayer over and over again. He looked her over. He didn't know what to do. He didn't know how to help her.
He tried shushing her, but she kept repeating the same thing over and over again. David and Ben were dead. He knew that much. His followers must've tracked them here.
He looked around at the townsfolk, who were all staring at them in contempt. David's followers could be any one of them.
Wolves in sheep's clothing.
They got outside of the church and Joel turned to Ellie, who still had Matty in her arms,'Go back to Maria's house with your brother and stay there. No running your ass around.' He pointed to Matty and held her gaze, You protect him and yourself. Understood?'
He sounded more like a General rather than a father at that moment and she appreciated it. He was always level headed when it came to shit like this. She would never admit it aloud, but his resourcefulness is why they've survived for so long.
'Yes, sir.' She nodded as she looked down at Becca, who was sobbing in Joel's arms,'Is she gonna be okay?'
He looked down at his wife and sighed,'She's gonna be okay. I'm gonna take her to Peter and see if he can help her. '
'And who did this to her?' Ellie jerked her head towards the church house,'No one knew she would show up here.'
'They did it to embarrass me in the eyes of God.' Becca finally spoke, her voice husky and quivering,'They didn't care if I was there or not. They wanted everyone to know.'
She tightly closed her eyes, feeling ashamed for the first time in a very long time. She hated the feeling.
Joel looked around at the guests of the baptism and narrowed his eyes. It could've been any one of them. He would put a bullet in each one of them if that's what it takes.
Retirement his fucking ass.
(This is the 3rd act. I've actually been building towards this for a while. It's gonna have less zombie and science stuff and be more human. I think what we do as people is far more horrifying than zombies IMO. It's gonna touch a lot on Becca and Joel's lives before the outbreak. Did their lives intertwine before the outbreak?)