Just Another Monster {TWD/Carl Grimes FanFiction}

Chapter 7: In the Woods

Spruce trees and damp grass dance in my nostrils. Tiny twigs crack under my feet as I take each step. I brush my hands against the bark of the trees, just wondering. I haven't walked around by myself in the woods in a long time. It feels nice to breathe ultra fresh air, filling my lungs with the sweet scent of pine needles. I've always loved waking around in the woods. It makes me feel like the world stops and it's just me in that moment. I can be adventurous, be curious, be free.

I used to have a small forest near my orphanage a few years back. It was called the River County Home for Children in Maine. I would always go there after school to do my homework, fool around, or just clear my head. It would be my go to place to get my frustrations out.

The head of the orphanage was Ms. Snow. She was vicious and cruel, and loved anybody who waved cash in front of her face. All the kids suck upped to her to get on her "recommended list" for adoptions. I mean, I guess I wanted to be on there to get adopted quicker, but it didn't feel right. All of the kids there were so selfish and rude, except one girl named Olivia, but even she sucked up to her. Once me and Charlie joined the orphanage, I never really had any friends. I just played sports and hung out in the woods and no one would talk to me. I actually kinda liked being alone. It gave me time to think, and not worry about stupid social drama. Wow was I anti- social.

My feet pick up the pace and I run around the forest, occasionally bumping into walkers and killing them of course. That's honestly the worst part now about being in the woods, killing walkers. After years of living like this, I still feel bad after stabbing one in the face, or tripping them up. I'm such a softie.

I climb a tall, lush tree and sit there for a while. My head rises and I look up into the new morning sun for a while, watching the yellow and orange sparkle around each other.

Once the sun is almost completely visible, I look down to get off the tree, and Carl stands a few trees in front of me. What is he doing? He moves his head around, looking for someone. I decide to pay him a visit. I jump off a branch closest to the ground and closest to Carl.

"Boo." I whisper loudly right near his face. I smile at my victory.

He gasps in fear and looks me right in the eye. He falls back a little but catches himself. "Shit! You scared me, Hazel!"

"That was kind of the point." I laugh. "What are you doing here anyway? Wait... Were you following me?" I cross my arms waiting for his pathetic answer. What a story this would be.

"No... I...I like walking in the woods." His cheeks go red and looks so guilty of a lie.

"Liar."

"Ok fine. I woke up early and saw you jumping the walls through my bedroom window. What are you doing here?"

"I love the woods."

"Liar." I laugh.

"It's true! I love climbing trees, and walking around. It makes me feel at peace."

"What about the walkers?"

"I can take them."

"What if you can't."

I stay silent for a second. He's right. I guess I never really thought about that. I was always used to nothing being in the woods but me, and now there could be. I really should have thought of that. Kinda stupid of me to not think of that.

"You don't need to worry about me." Before Carl can respond, a large heard of walkers start creeping towards up.

"Looks like a lot." Carl says with concern. I walk around to find something to hide behind. Conveniently enough, there is a small cove in a tree, barely big enough for the two of us. It's my best option, so I dash over and slide into the cove and Carl follows behind. He takes off his hat while he squeezes in. The cove was very small so our faces were only a few inches apart.

I stare into his beautiful icy blue eyes, and he does the same. His bangs are sprawled casually and messily on his large forehead, contrasting with his eyes. My heart beats in my ears, and sweat trickles down my forehead. Carl leans in and our lips crash against each other. The feeling intensifies with his fresh breath and comforting lips.

I really shouldn't be doing this. I can't let people in. I can't get hurt again.

My arms wrap around his neck and he gently holds my waist. I pull back after I kiss him back.

I shake my head. "I can't. I'm sorry." I say quietly.

"Why? You kissed me back. Is there something wrong?"

I ignore his last question. "Well I shouldn't have." I reply a little mad.

"Why!?!?" Carl says frustrated.

"Because I can't." I start to take a step out of the tree but he pulls me back into the tree sternly, but gently.

"You're not giving me a straight answer." He looks deep into my eyes searching for an answer.

"Really? I didn't notice," I say sarcastically. Now I'm pissed. Can't he just leave me alone?!?!

"What are you so afraid of?!?!"

"I-"

He interrupts me. "I can see it in your eyes. And don't lie to me."

I stare angrily at him. "I AM NOT AFRAID OF SHIT."

"Then what's wrong?!?! You can talk to me, it's obvious something is wrong."

I take a moment to collect my thoughts. What should I tell him?!?!

"I..." I look down unable to phrase proper words. "I can't be in a relationship with how the world is today."

Worst. Lie. EVER.

"Bullshit. Alexandria is almost like how it was before. People live normal lives here so of course you can have a relationship! What. Is. Wrong?!?!"

"Can you stop being so fucking nosey?!?!" I've just about had his bitching. I run out of the tree furious.

He doesn't get it. He wouldn't understand if I told him.

I run back as quickly as I can to Alexandria burning with fury without looking back.

I can't believe Carl said that!!!

I could tell the walkers followed me, but I don't care. Before I can reach the walls, I trip and fall over an incredibly sharp rock the size of a football. I try to get back up, but the pain in my leg is too great. I turn around and notice a long slice down the side of my shin. I couldn't see the actual cut because it was covered by my pants, but it felt deep. I screech in pain while trying to get up. About five walkers come into sight and I begin to panic. I try once more to get up, but I only felt my leg opening more. My right shin is soaked with blood.

Carl comes into sight running past the walkers. He stops very briefly and his eyes widen at the sight of my leg. He quickly takes hold of my legs and back with his arms. He rushes me into the walls of Alexandria calling for help.

"Help! Help! Someone help!!!" I jitter around in his arms, because of his speed, unable to think about anything else besides the extreme piercing pain I feel in my leg. My vision begins to blur, and so does my hearing. Carl is the last blurry face I see before I drift off into complete darkness...

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FINALLY A DECENT CLIFF HANGER!!! Pretty happy with how this part turned out!

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