VILLAINESS [TWD]

➴24

Alexandria.

Ellie had to have Maggie repeat the name a few times so she could really understand how to say it.

Aaron led them to the gates and they were.. kind of welcomed. The place was huge. The guards were.. kind of guarding.

It was the fact that they had to individually speak to the leader of Alexandria to be hranted access to stay.

Deanna.

Considering Ellie and Daryl's talk last night, Ellie was more than surprised that the leader was a woman.

"Can I ask your name, sweetheart?" Deanna questions nicely.

Ellie nods, sitting up straighter. "Eleanor Greene."

"Well, Eleanor Greene, my name is Deanna Monroe. It's very nice to meet you."

Ellie looks at the camera that was filming her every movement.

"How are you doing today?"

Ellie's face scrunches and Deanna smiles endearingly.

"I haven't had the best couple weeks if I'm honest, Ms. Monroe."

"How about you tell me about your family, then?"

"That's why I haven't had the best couple weeks," she huffs.

Deanna is patient as Ellie gathers her strength.

"My mom is outside. Maggie."

"I've had the pleasure of speaking with her," Deanna notes.

"Her husband, Glenn, too."

Ellie sighs heavily.

"My grandfather and aunt were with us but.. not anymore."

"May I ask how?"

Carl had already talked to Deanna. He explained the story of Lori to her and even Shane. Ellie seemed more.. vulnerable.

"They were both killed. By.." Ellie still couldn't wrap her head around it. "People. Both were killed by people."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"I'm scared of you, Ms. Monroe," Ellie admits.

Deanna tilts her head to the side. "Can I ask why?"

Ellie fidgets in the seat, twiddling her thumbs.

"Eleanor?"

"My family was killed by leaders of other groups. Different groups.. Different leaders.. Same outcome for me and my family."

Deanna's face doesn't change as her chest clenches.

"And I've seen the things that Rick Grimes can do to keep us safe because he loves us."

"Should I be afraid of Rick Grimes?"

Ellie locks eyes with Deanna. "Yes."

"Are you afraid of Rick Grimes?"

"No." Ellie smiles.

"Why should I be afraid of him when you aren't?"

"I'm his family. If I was capable, I'd do the things he does for me, for him. You aren't family. You're judging and deciding our fates so.. he's dangerous for someone like you."

Deanna releases a gentle hum of acknowledgement.

"Eleanor, what happened to your father?"

Ellie pauses.

Thoughts of Maft enter her brain like an infestation.

Ever since Maggie told her the truth, she'd questioned what she should call Hershel.

She hadn't really thought about Matt. Not like that. Not like.. Not like a father. Her father.

Matt was her best friend. He helped her study for tests. They wrote songs together. They spent so many fun times together.

Matt always looked at Ellie like a daughter. Ellie couldn't look at him like a father.. Not until now. Not until he's gone.

Ellie'e eyes well up with tears and she jumps out of her seat. She runs out the doors of Deanna's office despite the older woman calling after her.