VILLAINESS [TWD]

➴18

Rosita was cool, Ellie decides.

But, the woman also seemed too far up Abraham's ass to make decisions truly for herself.

She was all right when he wasn't around, though.

That's how Ellie survived being stuck in the office while the others lured the Terminus people in.

Gabriel was praying. Ellie wondered if that was worth it. If she asked, would he let her join? Did she want to join?

Carl and Rosita were behind the desk, weapons pointed at the door.

Ellie had her gun in her lap, sitting in front of Judith.

She looks at Carl and Rosita again.

Carl was her best friend. But, he was so.. annoying today. Sure, Ellie admitted that he knew more about survival than her. That's only because Shane had been teaching him things for a long time.

Carol was Ellie's teacher. But, Carol wasn't here right now.

That made Ellie think harder.

Carol had saved them from Terminus to begin with. Why had she not really spent time with the older woman? Was Ellie really so caught up in her parental drama that she ignored that one of her favorite people was back? Where had Carol even gone?

Carl had Shane and Rick to lead him. Two strong, manly, police officers always took care of Carl. He was nurtured. Guided.

Ellie was from a religious background and taught to not hurt.. well.. anything. Hershel had tole the entire famiky that it was only a sickness that would be cured with time. Ellie had never even seen a walker until that day at the barn.

The Terminus people were here. They were just outside the door.

Ellie's head hurt. People.. ate.. people?

Walkers did that. Why would people?

Ellie felt sick.

She wasn't really listening to what was happening outside. Her head was loud enough as it is.

Then, there was screaming.

Thudding.

Chopping.

Stabbing.

The people of Terminus were dying.

Ellie lets out a breath of relief.

--

Maggie, despite the night's events, still thought Ellie would be packed and ready to go.

Maybe she was hopeful. Maybe she was gullible. Maybe she was in denial.

Maybe it was all at once.

Ellie stood in the doorway of the church, arms crossed as the leaned against the frame.

Maggie hands the final bag to Glenn, easing up the stairs.

"Ellie, I.." she sighs.

Ellie switches her weight to her other leg.

"I'm sorry about last night," Maggie apologizes. "Please.. Don't do this. Come with us. With me."

"Daryl and Carol are still missing. If not for them, we would have died a lot of times over the years. They're family. Those people? They aren't."

"It's not about who is and isn't family."

"It is. It always is. Going on the road with strangers is dangerous. Abraham would throw anyone in harm's way to make sure Eugene doesn't pull a muscle. What happens when food and water are low? What happens when a herd corners you?"

"Then, we'll deal-"

"I don't want to die before I'm twenty. To stay alive, you have to stick with the people you trust the most. The ones who help you out as mucj as you help them. I don't wanna die. So, I'm staying here."

"Don't you trust me? Glenn?"

"Glenn lied about Tara. You.. Do I have to answer that?"

Maggie bows her head.

"Besides.. it's dangerous on the road. I'm a kid. I wouldn't last."

Something about that made Maggie feel strange.

It was true.. wo, she was agreeing with Ellie.

Was her daughter really standing here manipulating her to her face?

"Just go," Ellie sighs, "Rick wants to follow you after we find Daryl and Carol anyway."

Maggie nods, pulling her lips into a tight line. "Be safe. Please? After everything.. I can't lose you."

"Me staying is how you don't lose me. I'm safer here."

Maggie looks over to Rick. She trusted Rick more than anyone in the world. She'd put her life in Rick's hands. She'd put her husband's life, her father's life, her sister's life.. But, could she put her daughter's life in his hands?

Yes.

Maggie trusted Rick. Rick would di everything in his power to keep Ellie safe. He'd treat her how he treats Carl. That's how he worked. That's why he was their beloved leader.

Rick sends Maggie a nod and Maggie exhales. It was like he was reading her mind.

Maggie trusted Rick. And no matter if Ellie didn't trust Maggie, Ellie trusted Rick.

That's what it took to finally get Maggie on the bus.