Today was finally the day. The day Carl Grims got back on his feet. He was up and moving by the time Alexa stepped out of Hershel's farmhouse. In an instant, he came running over, the biggest smile on his face. The boy hugged Alexa around the waist, thanking her for helping him before speeding off with Chase and Lori to feed Hershel's chickens.
Alexa couldn't complain about her brother leaving. In her mind it was good he was interacting with kids his age. Plus she needed a break, and she knew the farm was safe enough for Chase to run around. And he had his Rambo knife, so he could protect himself. Not to mention her ears were still buzzing constantly. And it just seemed the girl had traded in a twisted ankle for a concussion.
Alexa sighed as she spotted her clothes hanging out on a clothesline. She glanced down at her current attire and figured she should chance sooner or later. Walking into camp she spotted Glenn staring through a pair of binoculars, watching the barn intently. And as Alexa grabbed her clothes off the clothesline, it occurred to her that she hadn't been near the barn, at all.
But before she could question the boy's odd behavior someone else pulled her from her thoughts.
"Hey..."
Alexa looked up, her glare meeting Andrea's apologetic eyes. Alexa scowled at the woman, waiting to see what she would say next.
"I'm so sorry." She started, her tone was actually sincere. "I feel like shit." Alexa's venomous glare tore into Andrea. Seemingly debating whether or not to accept her apology.
"Listen," She spoke again. "I feel really bad about the whole gun thing. A-and about shooting you the other day. I just wanted to say I'm sorry."
Alexa looked Andrea up and down as she folded her clothes over her arm. She could tell the woman was being honest. And she had the gut to talk to Alexa after shooting her, that was something she could respect. But in the back of her mind, she knew Andrea could have killed her... for the second time, and that was something she just couldn't live with.
Alexa was too pissed at this woman to give a worded response. Instead, she huffed, walking away from her and toward the RV. She was in no mood to talk to Andrea anyways. Stocking into the RV, past Dale and T-dog, Alexa made a beeline for the bathroom. Slipping inside she examined herself in the mirror.
There wasn't much to look at besides the tangled mass of hair on her head, and the dirt caked on her face from yesterday. But Alexa sighed in relief as she finally slipped on a pair of clean clothes. And her hair wasn't that bad after she took out her ponytail and brushed her fingers through its thick depths.
Throwing her hair back into its ponytail she adjusted the bandage around her skull before leaving the small bathroom. She snatched her pack off the floor, jamming her old clothes into it, and throwing it over her shoulder before leaving the camper. Jumping down the steps only to walk in on Lori practically yelling at Carl.
"He's not mature enough to handle a gun!"
"I'm not gonna play with it, mom." Carl shot back, standing from his place at the picnic table. "It's not a toy. And I'm sorry I disappointed you, but I wanna look for Sophia too." Alexa stopped listening after Carl's words. It wasn't her business and she didn't care. But she needed to talk to Rick anyway, so she hung back till the argument was over.
Almost like he read the girl's mind Rick came over after the argument was finished.
"What was that about?" Alexa questioned, though she knew it was something about guns.
"Nothing." Rick shrugged. "How are you?"
"I've had worse." She replied casually, again her fingers dancing over her forehead.
Rick nodded. "We're heading out for gun training if either of you wanna come." The man nodded to someone behind the girl. Alexa looked down, over her shoulder to see who he was referring to.
"I shouldn't, but if Chase wants-"
"Sure."
Chase responded before his sister could finish. Rick and Alexa shared a 'the struggles of parenting' look. Alexa nodded, shrugging off her backpack and crouching down to the ground to dig through it. She pulled out her pistol, examining it before handing it to her brother, along with a half-full box of ammo.
"It's loaded," Alexa explained, watching as her brother put the weapon in the waistband of his jeans, tucking his orange shirt behind it. "Safety's on. Don't use up all my ammo, kiddo." Chase nodded. "Listen to Rick," Alexa said, looking up at the man who sent her a nod. "Be safe, please. Manners." She added.
Alexa flipped her bag closed, tossing it on her back before she stood. Her eyes locked with Rick's.
"He has a little experience." She explained to the man. "Thank you. Please watch him."
Rick nodded and jokingly added.
"I don't need the lecture you gave Daryl. I'll keep him safe."
Alexa chuckled as she ruffled her brother's hair. She watched as the two made their way toward the cars that were ready to leave. Following at a distance she leaned against a tree, watching as they speed off down the dirt road. And just like that, Alexa was alone again.
The girl sighed as she looked around the half-empty camp. Only occupied by Glenn, Dale, Daryl, and herself. Alexa pushed off the tree she was leaning against, walking far off to where Otis' grave was placed. She had some thinking to conduct, and where better place to do so than where she could be alone.
Alexa walked across the field that separated the house from the cattle. Her ears rang as she hoped the fence and walked over to the tree behind Otis' grave. Alexa set down her pack as she slid down the tree trunk. She dumped out her backpack, letting its contents spill onto the grass before shaking out the dirt and sand stuck in its crevices.
She started categorizing food, medicine, clothes, and weapons into different piles. Finding a Sharpie amongst her things, Alexa opened the book Chase got her and scribbled down a list of all her supplies on the back cover.
Survival list
•water x3
•dried fruit
•raisins x2
•energy bars x5
•chips x3
•nuts x3
•advil x2
•tylenol x2
•jeans x2
•shirt
•tank top
•green shirt
•flashlight
•lighter
•bowie knife
•Throwing knives
•pistol
•ammo x2
•——————————•
•book
•sharpie
•nail file
Alexa mentally checked off everything as she slipped her supplies back into her pack. Taking a moment to rest her head against the tree behind her as she let herself accept the pain in her ears and head. Alexa sighed as she stood again, tossing her pack over her shoulder and walking in front of Otis' grave.
She knew Shane killed Otis. She had already figured that bit out. Shane was dangerous. And it all came down to Chase's safety. That's what came first, so if they had to leave without the rest of the group then so be it. Chase was priority number one, so once Sophia was found and returned to Carol's safety, Alexa and Chase would be gone. At least that was the plan.
Alexa stood over the pile of rocks that highlighted Otis' grave. Her mind running over everything and anything. But she wasn't even surprised at the sudden voice that spoke next to her.
"What ya plannin'?" Daryl grumbled.
"Find Sophia," Alexa stated, her eyes not leaving Otis' memorial. "Then I move on."
Daryl looked over at the girl next to him. He still hadn't figured her out, and it was starting to get on his nerves. He had figured everyone else in the group out... except Alexa. And now she planned to 'move on' after finding Sophia.
"Move on?" He echoed, looking at the girl who finally looked back at him.
She nodded, her eyes once again locking with the man's. "Leave." Alexa rephrased. "Take Chase and survive on our own."
Daryl just looked at the girl. A blank look on his face. Alexa stared back at the man, the same emotionless look on her face as well.
YOU ARE READING
What Lies Ahead • the walking dead ¹
Fiksi PenggemarWhen the dead started walking she was alone. Alone with her baby brother. Alone with her thoughts. Alone with the dead... Alone. A word Alexa grew quite acquainted with... Until she wasn't alone.
