rag doll | TWD

[78] the obliged

highway to hell --- ac/dc

♮♮♮
[JJ]

I sat outside, watching as people stayed busy. The morning air was cool and refreshing, a brief escape from the turmoil inside me.

I couldn't stop thinking about last night. Cyndie had called it noble when I turned on my own brother. I'd always thought he had betrayed me first, but not everyone saw it that way. That thought lingered painfully in my mind.

Maggie was heading to Alexandria today, determined to kill Negan. Her anger was unrelenting, and she wouldn't be stopped. She shouldn't be. 

I wanted Negan dead. I still want him dead. But I've already lost so much over him. He's taken too many people from me, and I can't let him take my brother too.

I pressed my hand to my mouth, trying to calm my nerves.

"You're up earlier than usual," Daryl's voice broke through my thoughts.

I looked up, meeting his gaze. "Just needed some time to think," I said, my voice weary.  

He understood immediately, the silence between us growing heavy as he sat down next to me.

"I don't think I can be a part of this anymore," I admitted quietly.

The silence stretched on, a long, uncomfortable pause.

"I still gotta," Daryl said quietly.

"I know you do," I nodded, "I wanted to see it through. But betraying my brother... I just can't go through with it. Not anymore. Not in this way." 

I took a deep breath, continuing, "I just wish things we're different. I wish he'd killed him. I wish Carl was still here-" I looked down at my feet. 

"Things ain't different." He stated, "But after today, they will be."

Jerry rode up on horseback, his arrival breaking the heaviness between Daryl and me. 

"Got something for you, jefe." He slowed as he neared Rick. 

"What is it?"

"Maggie's running down to Alexandria. Jesus thought you should know pronto." He alerted. 

Rick's posture shifted instantly, a sense of urgency in his features. "When did she leave?" he demanded, his voice tight with concern.

Jerry shrugged, looking slightly apologetic. "Dunno. The call just came in from the Hilltop relay."

Rick's brow furrowed. "Did he say anything else?"

He shook his head. "Just that you'd know what that means. Sorry, man. That's all I got."

Rick took a step back, his frustration evident. "No, no. Thanks, Jerry."

As Jerry rode off, Rick pulled out his walkie-talkie, "Alexandria Relay One, this is Rick Grimes. Come in, please."

"Go for AR One."

"AR One, I need you to get an urgent message to Alexandria - if Maggie Rhee shows up, delay her at the gate and alert Michonne right away. Do not - repeat - do not let her in without an escort. Over."

"Copy that, Rick. We'll relay your message right now. Over."

Rick calmed his voice, "Maggie, if you're listening... let's talk."

Daryl shot me one last, questioning glance. I nodded slightly, trying to reassure him despite my own doubts.

With a final, lingering look, Daryl turned and strolled over to Rick, his posture casual, as if he was oblivious to the whole situation. "Hey. What's goin' on?"