REBORN VOL TWO

Chapter Five

Chapter 15

Animosity

A new day had begun. My eyes slowly creep open as I sit up on the small bed and stretch my arms. Yawning as I stand up and snatch my black coat from the wooden chair that sits next to the bed. Sliding my arms into the coat, I open the white door and walk out. Seeing Ethan and Brian sleep outside in the living room. Walking over to the couch, I start reaching over to Ethan but stop. Seeing William and Laura eat at the table

"When did you guys wake up?"

William sets his rusty can down

"A few hours ago. I thought you'd be asleep still"

"No, it looks bright outside. Maybe we should start heading out soon"

"For what? We don't need to go scavenging. We got all the supplies here. Besides, there's some things I wanna discuss with you all"

"What is it?"

William pauses, looking over at the rest of the group sleeping in the living room

"I...I think it's time to cut back on some members"

"What! Why would you say that?"

"Look. We got a hefty amount of food...but for how long? Last I counted, we came here with about fourteen...fifteen cans of food. But now we have nine close to eight cans. We are eating these up too fast. If we want to stay here for months on end, we gotta cut out certain things"

I pause

"Even if we decide to cut out people...who do we cut out?"

William leans into the table

"Louis."

"What?!"

"Look, we ain't doing good on food. Plus we don't know if someone will come by that will be a threat to us. Like Luke or Jason. Him being in this group only puts him in more danger"

"And throwing him out in the cold would be better, how?" I scuff. "I honestly can't believe you're saying shit like this. What the hell is wrong with you!"

"Emma, I don't want to do this. I want him safe, but if that means anywhere we go there's the possibility that he could get hurt...then it's best that he leaves"

Laura stands up

She whispers under her breath. "Jesus Will."

Laura walks away, leaving me and William alone. I stare at him, filled with disbelief and anger

"Kicking him out is not an option. It will never be an option!" I pull out a chair and sit down in front of him. "Will...I get you want to protect us and keep us safe. I understand that and appreciate it greatly. But the way you go with things, killing innocent people, shouting, and getting angry when we only want to help you. You've become something...different. I see your heart becoming cold and I want to at least help you!"

Williams mouth trembles

"I- I don't-" He stops himself

"Let go of that pressure. I know you're still thinking of Weston. I know it's hard to let go of all of that pain, believe me, I know. But you gotta look forward, Will. You have to let go of that pain, that grief. Because all it'll do is eat you up deep within yourself"

William bobs his head, staying silent.

"You're strong, William. But the things you've done. They have to stop! There are other ways of protecting us. It doesn't always have to resort to violence"

"Emma...I don't know if I can let go. It's hard...so damn hard just to get through the day. Every time I think about him." He pauses, looking inside his empty can. "I feel like I failed him. I should've been out there with him when he fought Jason. There were so many damn things I could've done...but I just stood and watched. Like a fucking coward!"