I Love You So

Part 6 *

"It's fuckin' hot."

Amanda looked over, smiling at Daryl , nodding in agreement. She knew Daryl was more reserved, so she tried to be respectful. She smiled again as she handed Daryl her bottle of water

Daryl gave her a nod of appreciation before he took a sip, "Thanks." He said, tossing it back at her

Amanda smiled as she caught the bottle, placing it back on the pocket of her overalls. She stabbed the earth again with her shovel, kicking the metal part with her boot before scooping the dirt to the side, "I'm sorry about Merle." She said, quietly

"He was a prick. Probably deserved it." Daryl mumbled

"Doesn't make it less painful." Amanda admitted, pushing the shovel into the dirt again

Daryl nodded again, focusing back on digging the grave

"Hey, Amanda?" T-dog questioned

"What's up?"

"What did you do before this?" T-Dog asked, glancing over at the other women in the group, who were doing less manual labor and more materialistic chores

"I was a pediatric nurse! Before that I was a Sergeant in the Army. I was a medic for the 14th Combat Support Hospital here at Fort Benning." Amanda said as she stabbed the earth with her shovel.

T-dog nodded, "That makes sense." he said, turning over and looking back at the camp when he heard Jacqui scream.

Amanda stayed still, not wanting to get involved, but everyone else gathered around.

"He's bit! Jim's bit!" Jacqui screamed

Rick and Shane jogged over, examining the bite on Jim's body, "what do we do?" Shane asked softly

"The humane thing." Daryl said, pulling a gun out from his holster

"No!" Rick shouted, "No! There has to be something." he grumbled

"Fort Benning." Shane said, "Amanda,  you were stationed there a while back. Right?" He asked

"Yeah, like, three years ago. It's also miles away." Amanda said, walking over, "We need something closer." She said

"The CDC." Rick said, "Disease Control. It's in the name. We can take Jim to get help." Rick said, looking at the group for support.

Amanda inhaled sharply as no one responded to Rick, "I think that's a great idea." Amanda said, "I think we gather all we have now and just head out. We know this spot isn't safe as it was, maybe the CDC can provide security. Or at least guidance on how to locate safe areas." Amanda said, playing with the necklace rick gave her.

Shane shook his head, "Fort Benning has a hospital there. He can get treated there." Shane argued, "Who's gonna protect us? A bunch of nerds at the CDC or the actual Army?" He shouted

Morales shook his head, "Wherever you guys go, we won't be joining you. We have family nearby and would rather be with them during this time." He said, embracing his wife and children.

Amanda frowned slightly, looking at Morales, "Okay, I support your decision. I would choose the same thing. Family over everything else." Amanda said, glancing over at Rick.

Rick looked at Amanda, guilt sinking into his stomach. He walked over to Morales, handing him a rifle and a hug.

"I think we try our luck at the CDC since it's closer. If that fails, we move onto Fort Benning. It doesn't make sense to ignore one in favor of the other." Amanda said, "does this sound sensible to everyone?" she questioned