A FEW HOURS HAVE PASSED SINCE the Rick and Daryl incident and August was now sat on the edge of a rock. He kicked his feet back and forth, the soles of his feet skimming the top of the water, examining the ripples he made on the lake's surface, watching as Shane and Carl catch frogs and the women chat, something about vibrating or something along the lines of that.
Rick had come up with a plan to get Uncle Merle back. Daryl had gone with along with T-Dog, and Glenn.
August was used to being alone⎯the familiar loneliness was a feeling he knew well. Though he was used to it, doesn't mean he liked it. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness whenever he observed the close-knit bond that existed among the group.
August watched as Carl and Shane attempted to catch frogs, their laughter ringing through the air like a melody. He couldn't help but admire their joy, even as he felt a sense of alienation wash over him. He watches as the women splash each other with water and laugh whilst doing laundry.
August was often the only one in the group who remained silent, his silence speaking volumes in a way that no words could.
"What's so funny?" The faint familiar voice of Ed Peletier reached August's ears and suddenly his attention was grabbed.
"Just swapping war stories, Ed." Andrea laughed slightly. Though a couple minutes have passed Ed remained stood behind them as he smoked cigarette, blowing the smoke into the air. "Problem, Ed?"
"Nothin' that concerns you." Ed muttered. "And you ought to focus on your work. This ain't no comedy club."
August watches as Ed remained spitting out sexist stuff when suddenly Andrea stood, approaching Ed. "Ed, tell you what⎯you don't like how your laundry is done, you are welcome to pitch in and do it yourself. Here."
She threw him a dark blue shirt when he instantly jerked his hand forward, throwing it back at her. "Ain't my job, missy."
"Andrea, don't." Amy cut in.
"What is your job, Ed? Andrea took a step forward. "Sitting on your ass, smoking cigarettes?
"Well, it sure as hell ain't listening to some uppity smart-mouthed bitch tell you what." His eyes locked on Carol. "Come on. Let's go."
"I don't think she needs to go anywhere with you, Ed." Andrea said sharply.
"And I say it's none of your business." Ed looked at Carol. "Come on now. You heard me."
Andrea whispered something to Carol when Ed spoke up once more. "Hey, don't think I won't knock you on your ass just 'cause you're some college-educated cooze, alright?"
"Hey!" August found himself rushing up to Ed, smacking his hand away from Andrea. "What's your problem?"
"Kid." Ed chuckled out of pure amusement as he looked down at the thirteen-year-old yelling nonsense at him.
August tensed up as Ed glared down at him, but he still stuck up for Carol and Andrea. "Leave them alone."
"Listen, kid," Ed began with an exhale. "You don't wanna prod a bull, okay?"
"Go lay down, August." Amy spoke softly but August did the opposite⎯he instead stepped forward.
"I ain't scared of you, little punk." Ed spat. "I can knock you on your feet faster than your daddy could."
"Hey, lay off!" Andrea shouted.
"Screw you, you abusive piece of—" Ed's arm shot forward, his palm slamming onto August's cheek. The force of the slap sent the young boy stumbling backward, landing hard on the floor. His eyes immediately started watering due to the force of the slap.
The impact of the slap left August disoriented, and it took him a moment to fully comprehend the situation as he felt the fresh blood trickling down his lip. August's cheek was now bore a dark red stain⎯a mark rested on his complexion.
"Oh, no. You didn't!" Andrea shouted as she began jabbing her fists into his sternum. They all started clamoring and shouting.
It was all to much for August, ringing exploded in his ears as shakily stood up, placing his palms to his ears.
The women shouting quickly died down as Shane ripped Ed away, throwing him to the ground and looming over him in an instant as he punched him, quickly realizing that this mother fucker hasn't been punched in his life. Shane repeatedly clocked him in the mouth, his knuckles cracking as they made contact with Ed's teeth.
Carol was sobbing and screaming in Andrea's arms. Jacqui had an arm tightly around August's shoulder.
"Shane, stop!"
"Shane, just stop!"
୨୧ authors note! ⸻
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sorry for the short chapter! i have no motivation😭 this was lowkey just a filler chapter
