The Last Resort (Sequel to The Last Hope)

15 - Group

Once I walked inside, the weight on my shoulders had become heavier and I wanted to quit. Maybe I could lie and say that they weren't allowed to come because there weren't enough resources. I could see the group from where I was standing. I wasn't sure how long I had been standing there. I continued to overthink about the outcome of this event. Maybe the new members would doom us all and have no special talents that would benefit the group. Maybe they would be the burden I thought I was. But on the other hand, they might help a lot. They could help us on runs or they could help around the motel. Everything that was going through my mind was stressing me out.

I had finally grown the balls I needed and made my way over to the group. They had been giving me strange looks since I walked in. Carl got up and did a slow jog over to me.

"El, are you okay?" He put his hand on my shoulder and shook me a little. The message wasn't for him. It was for Rick. I shrugged his hand off and continued walking.

"There are people outside." I had little emotion in my voice. It sounded almost robotic.

"People? What do they want?" I ignored him and walked back towards the entrance. It took him a little bit to realize that he was needed outside. Rick got up and followed me, stopping to tell the other members to stay put.

I opened the glass doors. Everyone was staring at me but I looked down, not wanting to make eye contact. I stood on the side so I didn't have all the attention. Rick came outside shortly after. He instantly recognized the previous members but didn't acknowledge them. What he was worrying about the most was what to do with the new members. The looks on all of their faces was a mixture of happiness and worry.

"Is this it?" The members smiles start to fade at the leader's strict tone. His eyes scanned the small crowd that stood on the lawn in front of the motel. Now was the time he asked the questions then the group would come together to determine whether or not they stayed with the group.

It took forever for the moment to pass. The questions seemed to drag on. "Are you bit? How many people have you killed? Why?" I thought it would be more exciting, them being strangers and all.

Rick didn't make small talk. He walked right back inside for everyone to decide. I looked at the ground and followed Rick inside. Even though I wasn't apart of the group, I felt the need to be apart of the vote. I mean, I found them.

The group was sitting in the lounge, waiting patiently on Rick to tell them what the hell was going on. The second they seem him, Rick was being bombarded with questions. It took a few minutes to finally get them settled down.

"There are new people outside, but they dont have a group as far as I know. We're going to take a vote on whether they should stay or not." The group was gathered around him, whispering to each other.

Rick pointed his finger at me, "You don't get a vote. Only group members." Hearing this was a big shock, even though I had a feeling that's what would happen. Even though I had found the group, it doesn't mean that I'm back in. I was just...here. I didn't help with anything. That doesn't mean I didn't want a vote.

"Bullshit! I found those people. That at least has to give me a right!" I didn't want to argue, but it was unfair. Everyone would have a chance to vote, except me? I had been helping this group for God knows how long. That makes up for something.

"Go wait until we make the final decision. I'll send someone to tell you." Rick's tone was harsh, but I listened. I rolled my eyes at the petty move but it didn't frustrate me as much as being treated like a child.

I've been with this group forever and now I didn't get a chance to actually be apart of it? Bullshit. I sighed louder than I actually would and walked to the top level of the motel.

When I stayed here, I would sit up here so I didn't have to go out on the lawn. In the corner was one of the guns I had left. For fun, I would shoot walkers that would make their way near the hotel. Now, there weren't many trudging around. Every now and then a herd would walk by. I hadn't seen any around here.

I had come up at the right moment because a walker was making its way up the street. I didn't have the best aim but I would at least try and kill it. I sat at the very front of the motel and took the gun in my hands. Holding it felt so strange. I hadn't held a large gun in what felt like ages. Having the weapon in my palms made me feel powerful, like I could beat this myself. But I knew that I was so wrong. I couldn't do this by myself. My sanity would start to grow thin and I would eventually want to end this myself. The thought was one of the few things that kept me up at night.

As the walker approached the motel, I got my gun ready. I cocked the weapon. I was surprised the ammunition was still inside, since I hadn't been up here in a while. I lifted the gun and aimed. I lined the metal up with the walkers skull. If I didn't hit it from this far, I would wait until it got closer. I took in a deep breath and pulled the trigger.

I had missed. The bullet flew past the walker's head and hit a nearby tree. I rolled my eyes and let out a groan. I would just have to wait until the walker got closer to me. It would take it a while so I leaned back and set the gun down.

I hadn't realized how fast the day went. The sun was starting to set on the horizon. It seems like a few hours ago I had woken up and went downstairs for breakfast. So much has happened. I met up with old group members, had the chance to be introduced to fellow survivors. By the end of the day, the whole groups fate will change.