Side-by-Side

Chapter 18

Everyone was now looking over the map. Everyone excluding Carl, Beth, Chase, Judith and Hershel.

"Carly, what's at this corner there?" Daryl asked.

"There's a variety store, and across from it is a grocery store. However, if you look here," I pointed a little more north, "There's a Wal-Mart about two blocks off."

"We don't want to hit too big now. Let's try to stick with smaller stores, so we get a feel about how many walkers are in this town." Dad said. I nodded my head looking at the map again.

I took the marker from Glenn's hand and made four circles. "This circle shows the variety store. It has things like chips, pop's, there's cigarettes." I said looking at Daryl, and Merle.

I slid my finger to the one across from it. "This is the grocery store. Can foods are stored here. Many shelves full, if they haven't been raided already. However, I don't think most people would try to look in the stock piles in back for more. We can try there." I explained.

"What are these?" Carol asked, pointing to the two circles very close to each other.

"Clothing stores. Two of us women can go in to the female one and grab clothes for us. Bras, panties, shirts, pants. Two stores down, there's the male one. Two of them do the same, minus the bras.

"When we are done, we all meet up in the front, load up the truck quickly. The middle store is a jacket store. Coats are everywhere in there. "

Everyone looked around to see if there was anything else that needed to be discussed. We all divided ourselves to our sections.

Dad and T-Dog are going to the grocery store. Mainly because Dad had to get more food for Judy.

Glenn and Maggie are going to be in the variety store, just across the street. I told them to grab as many packs of cigarettes as they could. If they could.

Carol and I are left with the women clothing. Daryl and Merle are left with the males.

"Can I come?" Carl asked from behind me.

I looked at the poor kid who wanted to help, but I heard Dad say that he preferred Carl sit this one out.

"Unfortunately, there's no more jobs to be assigned." I said softly. Carl looked down, obviously defeated.

"But," I held my finger in the air, placing it under his chin to lift up. "You, can do me a huge favour while you are here." I said.

"Okay." His smile grew and his eyes lit up.

"Remember I said that there was a bed and high chair in the attic for Judith?" I questioned unsure if he heard. Yet, he nodded his head.

"Great. I need you to bring those down. The high chair ain't much of a problem, the bed is. In the attic, there is a dresser, the first drawer I should have a few screw drivers. Unscrew the screws, place them in a small container, and bring the pieces but by bit. Once you get to your rooms, rebuilt it." I said, I felt bad that he couldn't come on the run, but like dad said... He preferred he sit this one out.

"Alright!" Carl said enthusiastically. "I'm on it."

"Good. Thank you. Also," I held my hand to his ear, "you take good care of the girls, Chase and Hershel while we are gone. You understand?" He nodded his head and I handed him a few extra Bullets. I ruffed his hair up and went to retrieve my weapons next to Hershel.

"What did you tell him?" Hershel asked.

"I told him that he was to help protect you, Chase and the girls. Also, that the high chair and bed in the attic needed to come down. I gave him a few jobs, just to keep him busy." I said.

"Thank you. But, how is he able to watch outside from the attic?" He asked.

"There's a small window. He'll be able to see enough." I said with a kind smile and I put my gun into my holster, and my swords over my back.

My knives were strapped to my thighs, and I walked over to the closet.

Many duffel bags came tumbling out of it, and everyone took two.

"Why do you have so many?" T asked.

"I was planning on running away, and bringing everything with me." I stated. We were walking out the door, piling into the car and the truck.

Carl opened the gate, and shut it behind us. We went driving down the dirt road, making our way to our spots. Daryl's hand rested on my thigh and my head was rested on his shoulder. He squeezed my thigh, making me acknowledge of his hand more.

It was about a twenty minute drive there, running into no problems with anything, thankfully. We got out of the vehicles, and everyone began to take their spots.

Just as Carol and I stepped into the store, my stomach began to squeeze tight, and I know something back was going to happen.