What Lies Ahead • the walking dead ¹

37 • Sorry brother

The sun was setting, leaving the sky glowing orange as the group slowly gathered around Rick on the porch. Everyone was just eager to get Randall's fate decided so they could move on as best they could. The group members all looked exhausted as they stood or sat waiting. The tension in the air was so thick it could be cut with a knife.

"Let's gather up," Rick said at long last. Alexa heard the shuffling of feet around her. But she didn't dare look from her place on the railing.
"You joining us?" Rick quizzed as he waited at the door for everyone to go inside before him. Alexa looked back at the man. Her eyes heavy as she hoped off the railing and practically dragged her feet inside.

The group all stood leaning against the walls or sitting in chairs in the living room. Carol patted the girl's shoulder as she entered, giving her a weak but reassuring smile. Alexa answered with a nod, leaning against the door frame as she waited for Rick to start.

The room was stilled in utter silence as Alexa felt extra presents in the little living room. Tilting her head only to see Carl standing behind Daryl, who stood leaning on a cabinet by the wall. By now the group had taken notice of the little boy, but no one was willing to step forward to remove him from the situation.

Alexa looked over the boy, knowing he shouldn't have to hear a discussion like this. And acting on first instinct Alexa pushed herself out of the doorway. Walking her way over to Carl she put a hand on the little boy's shoulder, leading him to the back of the house. Where she knew Chase, Beth, and Jimmy were since they were deemed 'too young' to attend.

"Why don't they want me around?" Carl asked as the pair stopped outside the bedroom door.
"You shouldn't have to witness something like this." Alexa sighed, giving the best answer she could. "Sorry, buddy."
Carl sighed, pushing open the door and closing it behind him. Alexa sighed again before turning on her heel and walking back down the hallway.

Alexa walked back into the living room, catching Rick and Lori's thankful looks before she pressed her body against the wall next to Daryl. Suddenly the girl felt Daryl nudge her arm, looking back she recognized the 'you okay' look he gave her. Alexa nodded, trying not to let the sigh she was holding back escape her lips.

"So how do we do this?" Glenn spoke up. "Just take a vote?"
"Does it half to be unanimous?" Andrea questioned.
"How 'bout majority rules?" Lori suggested.
"Well, let's- let's just see where everybody stands." Rick cut in. "Then we can talk through the options."

"Well the way I see it, there's only one way to move forward," Shan said.
"Killing him." Dale cut in bitterly. "Right?"
Here we go. Alexa thought as Dale spoke. The old man was alright with her, but when he was an opinionated person. Never afraid to argue for what he believed.

"I mean why even bother to take a vote?" The old man continued. "It's clear which way the wind's blowing."
"Well, people believe we should spare him I wanna know," Rick explained.
"Well, I can tell it's a small group." Dale hissed. "Maybe just me, Glenn, and Alexa."

Alexa bit at her cheek to keep from saying something as she noticed Glenn's facial expression. He had definitely reconsidered his standing. Alexa figured.
"Look, I- I think you're pretty much right about everything," Glenn spoke up, further proving Alexa's assumption. "All the time, but this-"

"They've got you scared." Dale protested.
"He's not one of us," Glenn argued. "And we've lost too many people already." Dale sighed, clenching his bucket hat in his hands as he redirected his attention to the Greene's.
"How 'bout you? Do you agree with this?"

Maggie crossed her arms over her chest, looking at Rick as she asked her question.
"Couldn't we continue keeping him, prisoner?"
"Just another mouth to feed," Daryl grumbled.
"It may be a lean winter," Hershel warned.
"We could ration better. Go hunting more."Both hunters groaned at Lori's idea. Knowing it would put more stress on them.