The Walking Dead: Love And Survive

Chapter Ten: You Ruined Me

We were on the road for five days or more. Everyone was tired, exhausted, hungry and just wanted to settle down somewhere finally. We were so done of running. It hasn't been easy. Not only because we had no idea where to go, but because the apocalyps put weight on everyone's shoulders. Even a well-managed group can go against each other's throats, when things are getting heated. We were no exception, too. We had fights and we could not just get along. Some of us wanted to go back to the cabin, some wanted to go back to Savannah and some just got tired of the two halves fighting. Eventually we calmed down every nerve, problems only started when Brian wanted to invite another survivor to stay with us, out of pity. We found her left alone in the woods.
Her name was Lilly. She was as tall as Rebecca. Lilly had long, oak hair and night dark eyes. She was around her early to mid 30s, maybe around 32. We all admitted that she knew a thing or two about surviving, but her personality was just trash and she acted like a bitch. Maybe the loneliness, her early - life, or her past and bad experiences, none of us knew it for sure, but something made Lilly very hostile towards us, specially towards me... No matter what I said or did, she always disagreed with me. At the beginning it was easy handling her, I only lost my patience after we discovered a medium-sized family house and settle down. After a few days we moved in, I figured out what was her deal. Her goal was to seduce Nick, ignoring the fact that he was already engaged with me.
Lilly tried to make me believe that she and Nick had something serious, but I did not even listen to her. Lilly kept telling me things like Nick was giving some sorta signs, "references" to her and that they both have been flirting. Yet I let that pass by my ears. After realizing that it was not enough, bitch went harder. At first, she only acted in front of me, but later she figured that if she told rumours in front everyone that would create a storm between our group. That happened otherwise. Rebecca and Nick groaned at her to stop that bullshit and Pete scolded her. I hoped that it was enough for Lilly to give up. She said she wanted to have a word with me. I guessed she wanted to apologize or discuss, but what I had to witness broke my heart...
I found her with Nick in the living room of our new home, laying on the ground. She was on Nick...
- Nick? What the fuck man?
- Babe.. For fuck sake. It is not what you think.
- Yeah. I guess.. I guess I have seen enough. - I stormed out.
- Baby! - he yelled and ran after me. He grabbed my wrist, but I slammed his hand.
- Don't you fucking touch me. What the fuck were you even thinking? - I started sobbing. My heart was beating so fast and I've felt a strong pull in it.
- Look, it's just.. She fell and dragged me down, too. C'mon. Trust me. - his eyes started tearing.
- I don't know, Nick. I just don't. - I crossed my arms, looked down and sniffed.
- Darling.. - his voice was thrilling. He came closer and put his hands on my arms. I was standing silently for a few seconds before I pushed his hands off me.
- Nick.. I cannot. It was.. It was just too much... I've already had enough from her, from the fucking apocalyps and now this.
- But I didn't do shit. - he was slowly sobbing, too.
I flinched back from him.
- Please. Leave me alone. - I turned my back on him and went outside to the empty, grassy front yard.
- Darling, baby, my love...
- No. Go away. Please. - I looked away to not see his eyes.
- Listen. - he put his hand on my arm.
- Go away, Nicholas. - I pushed his head down and crossed my arms.
- But...
- Just go.
I heard Nick wheeping and slamming the door. My lips started shaking and I slowly bursted into tears. I covered my face with my palms and cried more. I've became hopeless. My heart was beating insanely, my heavy crying made it hard to breath and I was dizzing. I kept taking my tears off every second, but they didn't seem to stop... I was looking in front of me, into the nowhere. I couldn't believe my own eyes. I wanted to trust Nick, but it was hard.. He betrayed me...
I went into the house. Everyone, except Lilly, Carlos and Sarah, were sitting in the living room. Nick was crying and biting his nails. The others surrounded him, trying to calm him down.
- Foxy, for a word. - Pete stood up, put his palm on my shoulder and led me upstairs to a bedroom. I crossed my arms.
- What do you want?
- Nick told us what happened. But come on, he is my nephew. I know him more than anyone. I sure do know, that he would not do anything wrong, especially with or to you. Whatever you saw, was Lilly's fault. He did not do shit.
I turned my head away.
- Look at him. Have you ever seen him like that? Do you think he would be so "washed down", if he was guilty or if he did anything?
- I don't trust him on that. I know what I saw.
- 11 years. He would be an idiot to fuck with that.
- He was already! - I shouted.
- Girl, remember I have a good bullshit detector. You are jealous, fine then. But Nick did not do a damn thing. C'mon.
- Whatever. Just let me some space. I wanna think.
- I hope at the end you gonna make the right choice. Anyways. Claim it as your own room. Take a rest. - he left.
- Yeah.. Sure...
I was too upset to want to admit, but Pete had a point. I was feeling foolish... I wanted and trusted Nick.. But what if the thing I saw was real...
I decided to give him few days. If I can be sure what he said was real, then I'll be as nothing happened, but if I find out that I was right...
I went down stairs and called Nick.
- Ni-Nick.. Can.. We talk..?
He turned around as he heard me.
- Yes. Coming right up.
I closed the door, so no one would bother.
- Look.. I.. I was not fair with you. I could have guessed you were honest... And not just run-out on you...
- Hey.. - he stepped closer. - I understand what went through your heart. I honestly don't know what would I have done in your place.
I took a deep breath.
- Not because I do not want to forgive.. But I need a few days you know.. To.. Erm.. Get a little comfy.
- Of course. I understand it. - he came even closer and waited for a kiss. I turned my head away. I was hesitant. He kept waiting. I moved my eyes on him. I frowned. At the end, I gave a little kiss on his lips. He gave one more on my left cheek.
We were standing there, not even talking. We both lost our words. I did not know what could I say more. I was feeling weird. Nick probably felt like this, too, as he wanted to leave.
- So.. Erm.. I guess I'll find a couch to sleep on. - he looked down, scratched his nape and walked to the door. He grabbed the latch, but stopped for a moment. He shook his head and was about to leave, but I stopped him.
- Nick!
- Yes, darlin'? - he turned back.
- Do-don't go.. I mean.. Would you mind staying? - I scratched my left arm.
- How could I? - he closed the door and came back. - Hey. - he lifted my head up with both of his hands. He smiled.
- Yes?
- You know I'd never do anything. I didn't wait and suffer 3 years for nothing. Trust your man.
- I do... - I closed my eyes and dropped a tear.
- Hey, hey. - he took my tear off with his tumb. - Don't cry. Everything is fine. - he kissed. I grabbed his back and waist and pulled him closer. He put his palm on my cheek and hugged my waist with his right arm. I pulled my lips away and put my head on his chest. I started wheeping.
- I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Ni - he interrupted with a kiss.
- Shhh.. I know. - he started kissing again.
- Knew you would listen to me, haha. - Pete came in laughing.
- Yes.. Heh... - I made a small giggle. - So.. Did she leave? Like you know.. Fuck off forever?
- Now I understand why Nick loves you. Haha, kidding. But yeah. We forced her to leave. She already caused enough none liked her and we do not need her shit. You can claim Nick as yours now.
- Now? - I raised my eyebrows.
- I mean, good night. - he laughed. I shook my head. Nick hugged me from the back. He put his arm around my waist and the other around my shoulders. He kissed my neck and cuddled my head with his. I put my hands on his upper arm.
- I feel so lucky.
- Nick...
- No.. Really... I'd go to the end and back for you.
I hummed.
- You are crazy.
- For you? Of course. - he kissed my head. - Darling...
- Yes, sweetie?
- In the matter of what happened.. as a wrap or.. - he grabbed my hand and kneed down. - Will you marry me? Again.. I want you in my life forever.
- Nick.. - I put my hand on my mouth and answered without think. - Yes! Yes, I will! - I cried. He stood up and kissed.
- But I just.. Have no ring to give...
- I don't care. It does not matter. You matter.
- You are the best... - He smiled and grabbed me.
- I can walk. - I laughed.
- I don't care. I love carrying you.
He put me down on the bed and laid next to me. I cuddled to his chest and he wrapped his arms around me.
- I love you, my queen.
- I love you, too, my little idiot.
He laughed and kissed my head. I closed my eyes and fell asleep soonly afterwards.