The Last Resort (Sequel to The Last Hope)

20 - assurance

My sleeves were covered in wet spots by the time I had finished crying. The moonlight was shining through the blinds. I was wondering when everyone would come to bed.

I couldn't see Carl just yet, in case he tried something. I couldn't sleep in my own room due to the fact a rapist was currently living in it. Hopefully, I could keep watch for the night. 

I wiped my face off with a shirt and grabbed my bag. I could camp out on the roof for the night. I left the room and nearly ran into Daryl. I jumped back before I could collide with him.

"I was told to check on you. You alright?" I had never heard anyone with an accent like his. It was unbelievable.

"Yeah. Could I keep watch for the night? I'll just stay on the roof."

"Um, we planned on staying up all night but you can take watch if you want." He shrugged and placed a cigarette between his lips. The lighter he pulled out lit up his entire face.

I smiled and slid by him. I ran down the steps to the kitchen. I wanted to avoid the lounge at all costs, but that was the only way to get food.

I stood outside the doorway. The room was filled with laughter and joy. I don't know how long it had been since I heard that.

I inhaled a big breath and walked through. The lounge instantly got quiet. All I wanted was some food and water for the night. There were some whispers but I shrugged them off.

I made it to the kitchen without breaking down, which was surprising. I rummaged through the cabinets for any signs of food. The only thing inside were granola bars. This was about as good as it was going to get. I took two of the granola bars and a water bottle. Now how I'm going to get out of here without crying will be a little more difficult.

I stuffed my bag with supplies, such as ammo, and left. I walked through again, but this time it didn't get as quiet. I felt someone grab my arm. I spun around and yanked my arm away. I was face-to-face with Stephen.

"Hey, sorry. Um, I was wondering if you were okay?"

"I'm fine. I have a job to do." I turned back around and left. I ran up the steps that lead to the roof.

The door was ajar. Someone was already out here. My chest tightened and I opened the door. A figure was leaning on the barrier. My eyes adjusted to the sudden darkness.

"Who's that?" I called out, hoping they could hear me.

"Are you following me?"

I sighed. Of course. Carl.

"I'm taking watch."

"So am I."

I would be stuck up here with him. All night. How coincidental.

I went to the other side of the roof and took my place. I placed my bag down and pulled my hoodie over my head. It was a bit cold.

I could barely see anything out here. Anything 50 feet ahead was no longer visible. I wondered how everyone did this.

I occasionally glanced at Carl, curiosity getting the best of me. He was engraving something into a stick that must have blew over here. I was curious of what he was carving but I wasn't going to ask.

I seen a walker trudge down the road, oblivious to our existence. I was only going to shoot something that may have been a threat, such as a herd of walkers making their way to the hotel or a vehicle full of maniacs.

The next time I glanced over, Carl was staring. I could feel my cheeks heating up, but I had to act normal. I could see him shake his head out of my peripheral vision. He grabs his supplies and moved to the corner I was in.

"Mind if I sit over here? I'm a bit lonely over there." I roll my eyes and shrug.

"You're not subtle. I seen that." He chuckled.

Is he really acting like nothing happened? That he accused me of lying then used the assault against before punching a hole in the wall? Without apologizing?

I prop my gun up on the ledge and ignored Carl. I managed to gun down a walker who was nearly at the hotel entrance.

"Can't you see I'm busy?" I tilted my head side to side and gripped the handle of the gun even tighter. My knuckles were extremely white.

"Is this about earlier? Look, I'm sorry."

Silence.

"El."

I wasn't going to give in. Concentrate, you can do this. I repeated this in my head until it was drilled into my brain.

"El. I apologized. Stop giving me the silent treatment. You're going to give in eventually."

I squeezed my eyes shut then stared at the trees ahead.

Carl slowly moved behind me and snaked his arms around my waist. I gasped, but didn't say anything.

"There's something out there." He pointed somewhere in the distance. I'm shocked he could see that far out.

"Will it kill us?" I could feel him shrug. "If it won't, then I don't care."

He chuckled. He pulled the back of my sweatshirt down and started planting kissed down the back of my neck. I felt the goosebumps start to form.

"Am I forgiven yet?"

"Not quite." I could feel his smile.

"If you insist." More kisses. This time he trailed around to my collar bone.

I bit the inside of my cheek. I was not giving in.

Carl's hands moved further and further down my sides. They reached my thighs in no time.

"May I?" He smirked.

"If you think it will earn you your forgiveness, go right ahead."

His hands slowly slid to my inner thigh. He rubbed my thigh, then suddenly stopped.

"I don't want you to think this relationship is about sex."

"Carl, I know it isn't."

"A-are you sure?"

I turned towards him, my face inches from him. His beautiful blue eyes were filled with sorrow. If I could, I would rid of all the pain he's feeling.

"I'm sure." I smiled. I pushed his lips towards mine. I had missed this. We stayed that way for what seems like eternity. I pulled away and embraced Carl. I never wanted to leave him again. I know I wanted to be as far away as possible only a few weeks ago. Now, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have him by my side.

"El, I need to tell you something..."